The Arenberg Prize 2013 to a Student of the University of Turku
The Arenberg-Coimbra Group Prize is awarded to an Erasmus student, who has completed an exchange in a member university of the European Coimbra Group and whose graduation the exchange has furthered.
The recipient of the Arenberg-Coimbra Prize 2013 is Master of Science in Technology Juho Terrijärvi, who studied biotechnology at the University of Turku. The Duke of Arenberg will present the award of 5000 euros to Terrijärvi at the Annual
Conference of the Coimbra Group in Galway, Ireland, in May.
Terrijärvi’s Erasmus exchange at the University of Heidelberg in Germany during the academic year 2010-2011 included studies in biotechnology, chemistry and German.
– During the exchange, I explored the cell-based models, which I knew would play a really significant role in my future studies, and learned new aspects of biotechnology. After the exchange, I wanted to continue writing my thesis abroad and got into the laboratory of a biopharmaceutical company Merck Serono to do cancer cell research, Terrijärvi tells.
Terrijärvi graduated in 2012 and works at the moment as a university lecturer at the University of Turku in the Institute of Biomedicine and Food Chemistry.
Say Yes!
The Arenberg-Coimbra Prize is awarded annually to a recent graduate, whose Erasmus exchange has significantly assisted the completion of their Master’s degree. The aim of the Arenberg Foundation is to increase the knowledge of and the interest in the history and culture of Europe.
– I think that some influencing factors in my reception of the award were, besides exploring the cell research, creating a large network of contacts and studying German. I learned to use German as fluently as English, says Terrijärvi.
According to Terrijärvi, an open and eager mind is essential in reaping the benefits of your exchange period to their fullest. In addition to exploring the student life and the local culture, the exchange can offer new directions to studies and scientific research.
– It pays off to take part in anything slightly interesting and to say yes as often as possible!
Text: Nora Uotila
Translation: Anniina Väisänen
Photograph: Mikko Pyykkö