In Sweden as well as internationally the teaching and research nexus has been described as the defining characteristics of higher education promoting generic skills such as information analysis and critical reflection. Vertically Integrated Projects has been proposed as one educational strategy where research and teaching are linked by inviting students to take active part in actual research projects. The strategy is well aligned to Scholarship of teaching and learning enabling the transition from a teacher-centred accepted knowledge to a student centred perspective where students are invited as producers of knowledge. The aim of the current study was to explore students' experiences of participation in a research-based learning activity with academia and industrial partners, designed as qualitative explorative study using focus group interviews. Findings describe not only factors students find motivating for learning, but also their experience of being part of professional life with its benefits and challenges.