This month, August 2025, marks the end of my time at Åbo Akademi University — a place that has been so much more than just a workplace for the past 15 years. It has been the home of my scientific growth, especially in the field of bioimage analysis, a place where I learned about infrastructure development, and my arena for teaching. Most importantly, it has given me friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.

Leaving academia is not just a career decision; it’s an emotional one. Being a scientist and an educator has been deeply ingrained in my identity. Letting go of that world means saying goodbye to traditions and to a community that has carried me through both challenges and successes. It means parting ways with colleagues, mentors, and students who all have become friends. There’s sadness in that, and I’m allowing myself to feel it fully as part of the process.

But alongside the bittersweet goodbyes, there is also excitement. I am stepping into a new role at Aiforia Technologies Oy, where I will continue to work with bioimage analysis, but in a different setting. The prospect of having a permanent contract, building new professional networks, and exploring another side of science fills me with anticipation.

Academia teaches one to live with uncertainty

Looking back, my career may appear well planned and linear. In reality, at every stage I had little idea what would come next or where I’d be in five years. Academia has taught me to live with this uncertainty — a skill I believe will serve me well in industry, where even permanent contracts can end if the business struggles.

My reasons for leaving academia are simple. I never envisioned myself running my own research group —  I lack the passion and persistence needed to compete for those positions. While there are alternative paths within academia, they often felt like temporary solutions rather than fulfilling destinations. I didn’t want to spend my career in limbo, waiting to decide what comes next, only to realize one day that I had retired without ever making that choice.

After defending my PhD, I knew it was time to think seriously about what to do next. For as long as I can remember, I have applied for industry positions, with very little success. I was invited to only two interviews — and offered no positions.

And then it happened…

So what was different this time? Two words: connections and patience.

Aiforia Technologies Oy, founded as a spin-off from FIMM in 2013, is a company I’ve followed from the beginning. One of my friends from my bachelor’s studies had joined, and we stayed in touch. Over the years, I made no secret of my interest towards this company, regularly submitting open applications and sharing my enthusiasm. My first interview in 2021 didn’t lead to a job, but I persisted. This time, when a new position opened, I could finally tick all the boxes — and this time I was offered the role.

I guess you could say I’m leaving the nest — stepping out of my comfort zone that has shaped me for so long. It’s not without fear, but it’s also filled with hope. I know the tools I’ve gained in academia will help me find my wings in this new chapter.

Joanna Pylvänäinen, Postdoctoral Researcher, Åbo Akademi University