In May of this year, I had the opportunity to complete a secondment at Cellply in Bologna as part of the OncoProTools Doctoral Network. Coming from a university hospital environment, I was interested in gaining insight into how research is carried out in an industrial setting. Cellply develops platforms for single-cell functional analysis, with applications in immuno-oncology.
The aim of my secondment was to explore the applicability of the Vivacyte platform for co-culture experiments involving adherent cells. Incorporating such co-culture systems into my current work could provide additional depth to my PhD research, which focuses on evaluating the theranostic potential of selected FAPI radiopharmaceuticals and investigating the role of FAP within the tumor microenvironment. Establishing relevant models could offer a more detailed understanding of cellular interactions and FAP-associated mechanisms.
During my stay in Cellply, I worked within the Biology team and collaborated closely with Héctor Caballero González, Silvia Bocchi and Laura Rocchi to whom I am extremely thankful for the warm welcome and support throughout my entire stay. Together, we planned experiments, optimized procedures, and addressed technical challenges. I appreciated the collaborative structure, where interactions between different departments supported problem-solving and project planning.
This secondment allowed me to develop new technical skills and gain perspective on how research questions are approached in a company environment. Experiencing both academia and industry helped me better understand my own working style and what aspects of research are most important to me.
Overall, the secondment was a valuable experience that contributed to my scientific development and my understanding of how academic and industrial research can complement one another. And beyond the scientific aspect, Bologna is a beautiful city with incredible gastronomy, and I truly enjoyed my time there!