Current employment and workplace

I am looking for my next job opportunity

 

How did I become interested in my field of research?

During the second year of my Master's in Sound & Music Computing at Aalborg University, I came across an opportunity that ended up shaping my entire research path.

I heard about an internship at Oticon Medical focusing on music and vibrotactile feedback for cochlear implant users. The idea of exploring music from a completely different sensory perspective immediately fascinated me. Instead of approaching music only as an auditory experience, I began to see it as something multisensory and connected to accessibility and human experience. The work drew me in so much that I continued with the topic for my Master’s thesis.

That experience is what ultimately sparked my interest in pursuing a PhD. I wanted to understand better, explore deeper, and contribute something meaningful to a field where technology and human perception come together.

 

What am I most passionate about in my work?

What I’m most passionate about in my work is, first of all, music. It has always played a fundamental role in my life, and the possibility of helping children with hearing loss access meaningful musical experiences is very motivating. Knowing that my research might make music more enjoyable or accessible for someone who can’t fully experience it today is a major driving force.

On the technical side, I’m inspired by the hands‑on nature of the project. I genuinely enjoy building tangible prototypes and working at the intersection of engineering, perception, design, clinical care, and creativity. The interdisciplinary scope means there’s always something new to learn and a wide range of challenges to tackle, making the journey exciting.

 

In the long term, what impact can my research have on society?

The exploratory nature of the study opened an initial conversation about the potential of tangible music‑training devices for children with hearing loss. My hope is that more researchers and clinicians will build on this work, helping to identify effective strategies and strengthen the evidence behind this approach.

 

What piece of advice would you pass on to future and current PhD students?

Choose your PhD topic carefully, it will be your daily companion for several years, so make sure it’s something you’re genuinely curious about and excited to explore in depth. Just as important as the topic are the people around you: your supervisors, collaborators, and the colleagues you interact with. The right people can transform your PhD journey from simply okay to great!

 

What considerations should current and future PhD students have in relation to their future career?

Make the most of your connections and networking opportunities. During your PhD, you’ll meet many people (researchers, industry partners, collaborators) who can help you take your next career step. Don’t underestimate how valuable these relationships can be. 

 

A little bit about the person behind the researcher?

I’m a curious person with a strong interest in technology, and an even stronger passion for music. I’ve been playing the drums since I was a kid, and over the years I’ve been lucky to share that passion with many musicians and friends. Music has always been a big part of how I connect with people.

I’m also into photography. My camera is very often with me, whether I’m traveling, or simply documenting moments at events.

Linkedin - Francesco Ganis