I nostri testimonials: Shakhzod - Uzbekistan

Student of Medical Biotechnologies

"My advice would be to come with curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. " 

About myself 

I’m Shakhzod from Uzbekistan. I’m a student passionate about science, self-growth, and exploring new ideas.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Medical Biotechnologies? How did you learn about our institution?

Before coming to Italy, I was studying biotechnology in Uzbekistan. During my studies, I attended a three-month intensive summer school at the Center for Advanced Technologies. After the course, I asked the head of the biotechnology department for the opportunity to stay and continue as an intern, and I was able to work in a research laboratory. During that experience, we worked on a project related to enzyme production, which required reading and analyzing many research papers. I noticed that a significant number of high-quality publications in this field were authored by Italian researchers. This really stood out to me and strengthened my interest in pursuing my studies in Italy. That experience, combined with the strong academic reputation of Italian universities, is what ultimately led me to choose Italy and the Medical Biotechnologies program in Padua.

What are the main features of your degree programme?

What I have enjoyed the most is the structure of the programme and the variety of subjects it offers. The courses cover different areas of biotechnology and help you build a strong scientific foundation while also developing critical thinking. For example, courses like Stem Cells and Developmental Biology and Human Genetics in Health and Disease give a deep understanding of modern biomedical research. At the same time, the programme is not only theoretical.

Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?

In the course Bridging Science and Business: The Biotech Journey, professionals and business owners from the biotech field come to class and share real-world experiences. This helps us understand how scientific research can be translated into industry and real applications, which I find very valuable.

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application?

My advice would be to come with curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. The programme is demanding, but if you are genuinely interested in biotechnology and biomedical sciences, it is very rewarding.

How has your experience in Padua been so far? What does the city have to offer?

Padua is a very welcoming and student-friendly city. There are many students, both Italian and international, so it’s easy to feel part of a community. I also really appreciate the atmosphere among my classmates. They are very friendly and supportive, and I get along with them very well. They often try to help international students experience Italian culture. For example, the other day one of my classmates brought me crostoli and told me I absolutely had to try these traditional sweets. Small moments like this make you feel included and truly part of student life in Padua. Overall, the city offers a great balance between studying and social life, and it’s a very comfortable place to live as a student.

What do you do when you’re not studying? How do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not studying, I like to stay active and spend time with my classmates. We often go for morning runs together, which is also part of my training for a marathon. Running helps me stay disciplined, clear my mind, and start the day energized. I also enjoy playing chess and ping pong. Chess challenges me to think strategically, while ping pong is a fun way to relax and connect with friends. Both are great ways to balance mental focus and physical activity, and I love sharing these moments with my classmates. Traveling is another passion of mine. I enjoy exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and discovering the history and traditions of the areas I visit. Being in Italy is perfect for this, as there are so many beautiful cities and cultural experiences nearby. Even short trips give me a chance to learn, meet new people, and enjoy memorable experiences outside of my studies. Overall, I like spending my free time doing activities that combine challenge, fun, and social interaction. Running, games, and traveling help me stay motivated, balanced, and connected, making my time in Padua both enjoyable and meaningful.