REIMMUNE project represented an invaluable opportunity to diversify my scientific knowledge and my research skills, acquiring cutting-edge competences through advanced multidisciplinary training. RE-IMMUNE allowed me to reinforce my CV and represent an important step in my career development.
The transfer of knowledge process took place through several activities (e.g.; training courses, one-by-one meetings, supervision in research activities) and it was reached in an inspiring environment characterized by collaborative interactions among supervisors and the other staff members. The interdisciplinary approach of the project, combined with the experience and know-how of the host institutions allowed me to gain new scientific and research skills, I was able to enlarge and build up my scientific background not only in a direct way (topics related to the project), but also in an indirect way, by taking part in the group meetings where all the researchers presented and discussed their projects, but also by exchanging ideas with them. In particular, in the outgoing phase I have chosen as host institution UOM because Prof. Caruso is a renowned, world-class experts in layer-by-layer (LbL) technology, an emerging technique which play a pivotal role in the project.
I successfully received the following training / transfer of knowledge: i) Layer by layer technology to synthesize smart nanocarriers, ii) training on experimental methods and techniques for the characterization of the nanocarriers (e.g.; DLS, cryo-TEM, SEM); iii); training on confocal microscope and imaging Flow cytometer; iv) training on super-resolution microscopy (STORM, FLIM, FCS and 3D SiM microscopes); v) training on 2D and 3D cell culturing / preparation of cell samples; vi) complementary knowledge of immunology, histology and molecular biology; vii) training on software for images processing; viii) manipulation of samples for in vitro experiments; ix) analysis and discussions of biological/immunological outputs.
I also acquired complementary research skills, such as improvement of scientific writing thanks to co-writing papers (1 published, 1 submitted and 1 in preparation), management of international collaborations and multi/interdisciplinary teams; supervision and mentoring of undergrad and PhD student (3); projects management and research budget administration (I followed all the phases of RE-IMMUNE, supported by the dedicated staff of UNITOV), reinforcement of communication and dissemination skills (participation in 1 international conference, organization of 2 workshops on MSCA actions, invitation to 1 webinar).
