Alumni portrait of Selma Hasific: When an Early Fascination Becomes a Research Reality

Discovering an interest in cardiovascular research

All the way back to when Selma conducted her bachelor, she became fascinated with the complexity of the cardiovascular system and its central importance to human health. Her curiosity motivated her to become involved in research projects early on, first as a research assistant, and later by planning and conducting her own pre-graduate research study. 

Throughout her early research at the Department of Cardiology at Odense University Hospital, Selma worked with multiple inspirational and supportive supervisors and research teams who encouraged her curiosity and development as a young researcher: “Their passion for research and patient care inspired me to stay in academia and strengthened my motivation to contribute to the field myself”, Selma elaborates. Thus, pursuing a PhD within cardiovascular research allowed her to combine scientific curiosity with the ambition to make a meaningful difference in cardiovascular prevention and treatment for future patients. 

Gaining inspiration and motivation 

When Selma thinks about her time as a PhD student, the first thing that comes to mind is the people, who motivated her throughout her journey. For Selma, one of the most memorable parts was "the inspiring supervisors, supportive colleagues, and collaborative environment that made research both motivating and enjoyable”, Selma explains.  

Especially one supervisor, Professor Axel Diederichsen, has had a great impact on Selma - both on a professional and on a more personal level. From the beginning of her research journey, Professor Axel Diedrichsen has inspired and supported Selma by combining strong scientific expertise with a genuine interest in developing young researchers: “Axel has played an important role in shaping how I think about research, encouraging me to be curious, critical, and independent while always being available for guidance and constructive feedback”. According to Selma, this balance has been essential for her development, and much of the knowledge and understanding she has gained within cardiovascular research is largely due to his teaching, mentorship, and the opportunities he has provided her with.  

On a more personal level, she has come to see him as a kind of “academic father figure” within the field of cardiovascular research: “He is someone who not only teaches and guides, but also sets an example through his dedication, integrity, and way of thinking about science and patient care”. For Selma, this relationship has been very meaningful and has played a central role in shaping both her development as a researcher and her motivation to continue in the cardiovascular field.  

Learning how to balance research and private life 

When asked about which challenges Selma has faced while doing her research, she answers: “Luckily, I have not experienced major challenges with the research projects themselves, and overall, my experience has been very positive. As a young researcher, the beginning naturally involved a steep learning curve”. However, if she had to name one specific challenge, it would be learning how to maintain a work-life balance. Particularly in periods with tight deadlines and multiple ongoing projects, balancing research and private life can be challenging: “Research can be highly absorbing, especially when one is deeply engaged and motivated, and at times it has required a conscious effort to stay structured, prioritise effectively, and maintain sustainable work habits over time”, Selma elaborates.  

Gaining confidence and support as an early career researcher 

According to Selma, being a part of the Danish Cardiovascular Academy has not only played a crucial role through financial support but also “been an important source of motivation and recognition, reinforcing my commitment to the project and to pursuing a career in cardiovascular research”. A particularly meaningful experience for Selma was winning the “Best Oral Presentation” at the first DCAcademy Summer Meeting, which she describes as “both encouraging and motivating for me as an early-stage researcher”.  

Making a real difference for future patients 

Currently, Selma is on maternity leave and will be returning to the role as a postdoctoral researcher, where she will continue to develop the research projects that were initiated during her PhD with a particular focus on cardiovascular prevention. “I hope to contribute with meaningful findings that can ultimately help improve early prevention and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease”, Selma explains.  

Simultaneously, Selma plans to continue her clinical work in cardiology alongside her research. She chose to take on a full-time research position first to have the time needed to complete and further develop the projects she had already started and is deeply invested in. “Overall, this path has given me the opportunity to combine curiosity, long-term scientific development, and a strong ambition to make a real difference for future patients through improved cardiovascular prevention”, Selma says.  

Contributing to better prevention strategies 

Looking into the future, Selma aspires to one day be working as a specialised cardiologist while combining clinical work with dedicated time for research: “I would especially like to continue working within cardiovascular imaging and prevention”. 

Selma’s hope is to build a career where research and clinical practice continuously inspire and strengthen each other. This would allow her not only to care for patients directly but also fulfil her dreams of being able to “contribute to earlier detection, better prevention strategies, and new knowledge within cardiovascular disease”, Selma highlights.