Yveline Chen

Please tell us about your research project.

My research project is based at the Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (DPAG) at the University of Oxford, under the supervision of Dr. Oliver Stone. Our work aims to understand the diversity of the vascular system in adult stages by tracing its origins back to the earliest stages of embryonic development.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

I am a master's student currently on a gap year from my medical degree at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, as part of the MD-PhD dual programme supported by the École de l’Inserm Liliane Bettencourt. I was honoured to be selected for the MFO Medicine-Sciences programme, which gave me the incredible opportunity to undertake a 5-month master's research internship at Oxford as a visiting student.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford is a very small city, yet a truly charming one. Its stunning architecture—straight out of Harry Potter—with majestic college buildings, the beautiful Bodleian Libraries, and the historic streets of the city center, creates a magical atmosphere that’s impossible not to be captivated by. I also came across hidden gems scattered throughout the city that absolutely amazed me: quiet college courtyards, peaceful riverside paths, and vast meadows filled with wildlife. It feels as though medieval architecture and untouched nature are intricately woven together. They're so close to each other, yet when you're immersed in one, it’s hard to imagine the other is just a five-minute walk away.

Beyond that, I also really appreciate the strong sense of identity that surrounds Oxford. Whether it’s the University as a whole competing with institutions like Cambridge, or the friendly rivalry between individual colleges, there’s a real spirit and tradition here that makes the experience unique. The university presence is felt everywhere, from the majestic campuses to the lively academic buzz—it’s unlike anything I had ever seen, and I loved it instantly.