Between September 2025 and March 2026, Ana Patrícia joined the Department of Chemistry – Biomedical Center (BMC), where she developed her dissertation project under the supervision of Professor Jonas Bergquist, a renowned researcher in the field. This experience not only contributed to the advancement of her scientific work but also allowed her to engage with new academic and cultural approaches, strengthening her motivation to pursue doctoral studies in an international context.
Her project focused on the study of neuroinflammation associated with Long COVID and its impact on neurocognition—an emerging and highly relevant area in current research. The choice of topic had a strong personal component, reflecting concern about the lack of recognition and understanding of these conditions within the scientific community and society.
Throughout her stay, the student also had the opportunity to participate in highly prestigious scientific events, including the “Nobel Laureate Lectures,” as well as to integrate into a dynamic and highly collaborative academic community.
Ana Patrícia Rosário Dias’s experience demonstrates the profound impact that international mobility can have on a student’s academic and personal journey. Beyond scientific development, these opportunities promote autonomy, resilience, and a global perspective on research.
In a context where science increasingly requires international collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches, experiences like this reinforce the role of Erasmus+ mobility as a driver of innovation, knowledge, and human growth.
The following is the interview in which she shares her experience in her own words:
The welcome could not have been better. I arrived in Uppsala, Sweden, without knowing anyone, but Professor Jonas Bergquist made me feel at home immediately, treating me not just as a student, but as a member of the team. From the very beginning, I was introduced to the facilities and the team, who were always available to help me with whatever I needed, whether administrative matters to integrate into the university or bureaucratic processes to live in Sweden. The welcome from both the university and the team was exceptional, and I now carry with me the friendships I made.
Regarding the campus, I studied at the Biomedical Center (BMC) of Uppsala Universitet (the oldest in Scandinavia, founded in 1477), and I can say that the conditions are incredible. The BMC is a place where it is truly enjoyable to be, with very modern laboratories and sustainable infrastructure that make a real difference in everyday life. The classrooms are new and equipped with technology, the libraries are always well stocked, and the overall environment is very pleasant. Not only is the campus beautiful, with plenty of green spaces, but it is also a place that invites study, deepening of knowledge, and personal growth. I felt I had everything I needed to feel comfortable and motivated to learn.
• Teaching staff and research team you had the opportunity to work with during your mobility
I had the opportunity to work with Professor Jonas Bergquist’s team in the Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Analytical Chemistry. The team consisted of five people, including Professor Jonas himself. However, within the BMC facilities, we also had the opportunity to meet many other professionals and research teams, who were always willing to share knowledge and collaborate. In addition, I also had the opportunity to work with some data in collaboration with Dr. Serena Fineschi, Associate Researcher in the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, in the field of General Medicine. It was an enriching experience to interact with professionals and researchers from different areas.
• Regarding your internship, please tell us a bit about your work over the past few months.
My main work consisted of developing my dissertation project entitled "The Study of Neuroinflammation in Long COVID and its Impact on Neurocognition," focused on the study of Long COVID, a condition in which patients continue to experience persistent symptoms after recovering from the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This condition involves several debilitating symptoms, including cognitive difficulties, extreme fatigue, and respiratory problems, which significantly affect quality of life.
Studying the underlying mechanisms of Long COVID is essential to understand how inflammation impacts neurocognition, contributing to the development of targeted interventions that promote recovery and improve the quality of life of this population.
Why Sweden and why this topic for my dissertation? The decision to address this topic began with a personal experience. A close friend was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and, months later, with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). At just 23 years old, she became completely debilitated, spending months bedridden and experiencing various cognitive symptoms. She was then diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a condition with many similarities to Long COVID, as both present similar symptoms. As I researched to help her, I realized there were not enough studies linking these conditions to cognition. Additionally, I noticed that many patients felt dismissed, as the condition was often associated with psychological factors and not recognized as “real.” That is how I decided to write my dissertation on this topic.
But why Sweden? When I began my research, I came across articles by Professor Jonas Bergquist and his team, which greatly interested me. Later, I had the opportunity to attend a conference where the professor presented the topic "Metabolic Profiling of ME Patients under Mild Exertion during Home Visits," also addressing post-infection cognitive consequences. That moment was decisive, and I decided to contact the professor to ask whether he had cognitive data available and whether we could collaborate on my dissertation. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by Professor Jonas Bergquist, who, despite not knowing me, welcomed me warmly and was absolutely exceptional throughout the entire program.
I hope that in the near future, patients with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis will be more valued. I believe that a more holistic and integrated approach, considering all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health, is essential for the treatment and support of these individuals. My hope is that with more research and awareness, we can find solutions and finally achieve significant improvements in the lives of these patients.
• In what way will this mobility in your area of specialization support you as a future PhD student?
Without a doubt, this mobility allowed me to experience different realities and changed my perspective on pursuing a PhD in the near future. In Nordic countries, PhD positions are treated as job positions, meaning we transition from students to professionals in the field while obtaining another academic degree. These are four years working in well-structured teams, with excellent conditions, and with the dignity needed to perform our roles while maintaining a balanced personal life.
In this way, I am increasingly certain that I would like to pursue my PhD in one of these regions, in my area of specialization, to deepen my knowledge while also sharing it with other professionals.
• University events you attended or participated in during your mobility;
One of the greatest opportunities I had was the unique privilege of attending the “Nobel Laureate Lectures.” On December 13, 2025, Uppsala University hosted Nobel Prize Laureates in the fields of Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Economics for public lectures. This annual tradition, which takes place shortly after the Nobel Prize ceremonies in Stockholm, provided me with an inspiring experience, allowing me to interact with leading scientific minds and connect with the academic community in Uppsala.
In addition, I also had the opportunity to attend a major PhD thesis defense by one of Professor Jonas’s supervisees, which was undoubtedly a milestone in that professional’s career and a very enriching academic experience for me.
• Other topics you would like to mention (university life, country, culture, etc.).
University life in Uppsala is undoubtedly what gives life to the city. Uppsala is a university city, with enormous student energy and a wide variety of free activities for students.
The city is marked by the nations, which play an essential role in student life in Uppsala. With 13 nations (named after Swedish regions), university life here is truly unique. Founded in the 17th century, the nations function as a second home for students, offering a wide range of activities. We can study, have lunch, socialize, relax in the nations’ pubs and nightclubs, and even attend hockey games, among many other initiatives. As members, we have access to a huge variety of cultural and social activities. Additionally, we have the opportunity to work in the nations and even rent their housing.
Even outside the nations, there are always organized activities taking place (some free). It is a country that highly values nature, physical activity, and mental health, and therefore has very well-developed green spaces (forests with designated areas for picnics and social gatherings), so that people stay active and can better cope with winter. For example, in one of these organized activities, I had the opportunity to participate in a guided walk through the forest led by Biology professors, where I learned a lot about mushrooms—a true Swedish tradition, especially chanterelle picking.
From a country and cultural perspective, Swedes are known for their organization. They have excellent facilities, efficient transport services, and good infrastructure, making life more practical and convenient. Housing is good, and despite the cold weather, it is a country with an excellent quality of life. Additionally, people are helpful and friendly, which makes it easier to integrate into the local culture.
I would like to conclude by saying that the experience of writing my dissertation in Sweden was one of the most enriching of my life. I had the opportunity to experience and immerse myself in different cultures, which allowed me to understand my ability to adapt to new challenges. Going to an unknown country, without knowing anyone, and leaving with the feeling that it became a second home is truly fascinating. This experience awakened in me the courage to take risks and the ability to deal with unexpected situations in the future. Academically, it was truly inspiring to work with a team from a completely different field than mine, who welcomed me exceptionally well. An international experience teaches us to adapt and discover new working methods, which undoubtedly makes us better professionals and individuals.
An experience that goes beyond borders.
