Erasmus student conducts LC-MS analyses at NIOM

Through the Erasmus program and a close collaboration between NIOM and the Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo (UiO), chemistry student Maria Maniati is carrying out a research internship at NIOM, developing a quantitative analytical method for determination of serotonin and related molecules.

Maria Maniati is originally from Athens, Greece, where she recently completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. During a gap year before starting her master’s studies, she moved to Oslo to participate in a research project currently running at the Department of Biomaterials.

As part of her training, she works on developing an analytical method for serotonin and related metabolites. The availability of the necessary equipment at NIOM was the foundation for the collaboration between the institutes within Maria’s work. This method can be applied in upcoming projects on the characterization of the biological effects of biomaterials by both institutions.

Why NIOM hosts students

According to senior researcher Silvio Uhlig at NIOM, hosting students is an important part of the institute’s mission and its collaboration with universities.

“It is a basis for cooperation with other institutions. In Maria’s case, this collaboration is with The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Oslo,” Uhlig says.

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He emphasizes that students bring both knowledge and new perspectives into NIOM’s research environment.

“It is rewarding for us, because students come back with questions and new insights. That makes us reflect on what we are actually doing – and sometimes they bring new ideas to us.”

Possible outcomes for NIOM and future research

Uhlig also points out that student projects often result in concrete tools and methods that remain at NIOM after the internship has ended.

“In Maria’s case, she will contribute with an analysis method that can be used in many different contexts – something we would not have had if she hadn’t been a student here,” he says.

“We expect this method to become part of our toolbox, for example in toxicology-related work.”

For Maria, the internship provides hands-on experience with analytical methods and quality control that will be valuable both in research and in industry.

“I am building a portfolio of skills that will be useful for the future,” she says.

The collaboration between NIOM and UiO illustrates how student mobility and shared research infrastructure can strengthen Nordic research environments – benefiting students, institutions and future scientific development alike.