During fall they have been affiliated with STIAS (Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study), an interdisciplinary research institute where top researchers from around the world come to work in peace and creative freedom. The institute is funded in part by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Daniella: My project is about developing my neuroscience research and spreading advanced stem cell techniques, such as reprogramming, to Africa.
Göran: My main project here is to perform data-driven analyses of stem cells in the cancer chronic myeloid leukemia.
What has been most surprising here?
Göran: I have been impressed by the high social and professional level that has permeated my entire stay. The dialogues between fellows, the ambition to contribute to a better world, and the grand visions have made an impression. And I am not surprised that six of the fellows over the past 25 years have become Nobel Prize winners.
Daniella: The institute! An incredibly stimulating environment, both in terms of the premises, surroundings, and colleagues. At the same time, it is surprising how noticeable the segregation is in society. Here, poverty and prosperity meet. This also leads to a great deal of humanity and a willingness to help each other.
Is there anything you would like to take home to the Faculty?
Daniella: The lunches. Here, we eat together every day, which makes it easy to see each other, talk, and get to know each other. It creates a culture of spontaneous conversations and discussions. Here, you are reminded of how much you gain from thinking interdisciplinarily — it broadens your horizons.
Göran: The focus is on conversation and discussion. Our seminars are designed so that more time is allocated to dialogue than to the presentation itself. Attendance is mandatory, and afterwards there is a mingle with even more discussions. The conversations are characterized by respect, friendliness, and curiosity – and are of a very high standard. There is a lot to take home with you.
How do you balance a sabbatical like this with your family and life in Lund?
Göran: It has been difficult. The initial idea was that we would come here together for a whole semester, but since our teenage children did not want to take a break from their life in Lund, we decided instead that I would come here on my own. However, the family will be coming here for a few weeks in December. My wife Christine has taken on a huge burden at home, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Daniella: Good, I think! I brought my family with me, my husband and our two children, who attend an international school here. This has helped us integrate more into the community and gain new experiences and friends. They have probably seen a different everyday life than in Sweden more than I have. We have had a lot of time together—and safaris were a favorite.
What do you miss most about Lund – apart from the weather and your colleagues, of course ?
Daniella: The wonderful Advent atmosphere. There's not a hint of Christmas spirit here, as it's 30 degrees and sunny. And I miss our cat..
Göran: My family, of course!