IFOM Alumni Network

IFOMer once in your life…IFOMer for ever!

In 20 years, our paths crossed many times and we spent a lot of time together in IFOM labs and offices, sharing experiences, experiments, challenges and social life. Many of us have left their IFOM bench to pursue their career throughout the world, either in the scientific community or in industry or in the editorial domain. How did their IFOM experience help them throughout their career? Which IFOM memories do they carry with them? Find out the most successful and exciting stories of IFOM Alumni, a lively and inspiring testimony for the future generations of IFOMers.
Have a good read and join the IFOM Alumni Network to reconnect with the IFOM community!

Takuya Abe

Current role:
Assistant professor at Tokyo Metropolitan university, Japan

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoctoral Researcher

Training and professional timeline:
2005-2007: Master Course, Tohoku university, Japan
2007-2010: Doctoral Course, Tohoku university, Japan
2010-2016: Postdoctoral Researcher, IFOM, Italy
2016-present: Assistant professor, Tokyo Metropolitan university, Japan

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
I think that a big support from IFOM helped my research career. I have visited IFOM almost every year after I got an assistant professor position in Japan. This is because IFOM is kind enough to accept former IFOMers. Thanks to this, I could collaborate with current IFOMers, and published many Co-authored papers. For me it was critical to get grants in current position.

Abe's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... that IFOM is the best institute in Italy, and it will be the best institute in the world.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the mensa and coffee machines.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... when my paper was accepted for publication in Genes & Development.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... out of the ordinary.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the diversity of researchers.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you can enjoy both your life and your research.

Filippo Acconcia

Current role:
Associate Professor of Physiology at the Department of Science – Section Biomedical Science and Technologies at the University Roma TRE in Rome, Italy.

Role while at IFOM:
Post-doctoral Fellow in the group of Dr Simona Polo

Professional timeline:
2015-present: Associate Professor Università degli Studi Roma Tre - Roma Italy
2008-2015: Assistant Professor Università degli Studi Roma Tre - Roma Italy

Training timeline:
2006-2008: Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Ubiquitin Signalling in EGFR Endocytosis and in Breast Cancer Cell Migration IFOM - Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare Polo Simona Milano Italy
2005-2006: Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Estrogen Receptor alpha Signalling in Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration MD Anderson Cancer Center Kumar Rakesh Houton, Tx United States of America
2004: Visiting Scientist - Proteasome-mediated Degradation of the Estrogen Receptor alpha in Breast Cancer Cells Institut Jules Bordet, Universite Libre de Bruxelles Leclercq Guy Brussel Belgium
2002-2004: Ph. D - Estrogen-dependent Regulation of Cell Proliferation in Cancer Cells Università degli Studi Roma Tre Marino Maria Roma Italy

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
There are many ways through which my experience as IFOMer helped through my career. Here I briefly share two, that I believe, are the key ones:
1. IFOM changed my mind in terms to approaching a scientific problem basically by trying to address it in the most critical ways possible. Thus, planning experiments is an exercise in which I try to tackle a scientific problem by addressing it under multiple perspectives and controlling it as much as possible.
2. I am sure that, since IFOM is a world-wide renowned research center, my experimental experience helped in being sponsored for my research.

Filippo's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... a great place to work an exciting place to find outstanding scientists.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the practical endless possibility to access to all up-to-date techniques.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the goliardic jokes I had with my friends in the island in the lab. Those were really light moments that usually made our days!!!
#3 bis My most exciting memory of IFOM is... when I unexpectedly realized I discovered something new under my eyes. I came out from the dark-room jumping around the aisle and I went showing the results to my friend in the lab!!!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... instrumental to understand to perform rigorous and robust research.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... possibilities, environment, discussion, opportunities to learn up-to-date techniques and develop excellent science.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... that will make easy to develop scientific career.

Get in touch
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Federica Alberghini

Current role:
Employed at Merck as a Medical Science Liaison in the Oncology Medical Affairs unit.

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student and post-doc.

Training and professional timeline:
I arrived there as biomedical sciences trainee, as I was lucky enough to be able to run there my master’s thesis internship. Next, I worked there as a PhD student and as a post-doc afterwards. After IFOM, I started a master at Bocconi University (Milan), named “Master in Healthcare Management”, which lasted one year and offered the opportunity for a stage in a pharmaceutical company at its end. At the end of the master, I was hired as a stagiaire by Celgene, where I worked in the oncology marketing unit. At the end of that experience, I ended up as a Medical Science Liaison Oncology in Merck, where I currently work.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My IFOM experience was pivotal for my career, in that it equipped me not only with technical skills related to oncology and cutting-edge scientific techniques, but it also fostered my soft skills in terms of problem-solving, collaboration with others, ability to team work and curiosity. All these elements have formed, and still are forming, some of the building blocks my current career rests upon.

Federica's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... scientific excellence, passion for cutting-edge science.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the high-level scientific discussions.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... when I learned I had been admitted to the PhD program.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... undoubtedly one of the most important moments.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its friendly atmosphere and frequent collaboration between scientific groups.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... they will learn not only how to do science and run a project, but will also learn the value of maintaining an overview of what science can offer through high-level scientific seminars. In addition, they will work in a friendly yet demanding and stimulating environment.

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Veronica Algisi

Current role:
Senior Clinical Research Associate

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student

Training and professional timeline:
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at University of Milan;
PhD in Molecular Medicine and Human Genetics at European School of Molecular Medicine (in IFOM);
Training course for Clinical Monitor at Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo;
Clinical Research Associate in different companies

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
In IFOM I learnt about oncology and I've been selected by a company to work on oncological clinical studies.

Veronica's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... great science.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... smart people.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... PhD defense.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... an important personal step.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its internal organization.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... research is at high level

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Viviana Anelli

Current role:
Medical scientific liaison (MSL) in Hematology-oncology in a Pharma company

Role while at IFOM:
post-doc

Training and professional timeline:
2001: degree in Biology
2004: PhD Biochemistry
2004-2016: post-doc in Italy and USA (2004-2016)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Ifom helped me appreciate and love scientific research

Viviana's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... innovative international science.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the sense of community.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... big group lunch with great scientific conversation.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... inspiring, life changer .
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... laboratory organization and cleaning, technology.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it is a fantastic place for doing science in an international environment.

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Sina Atashpaz

Current role:
Lead Scientist, Stem Cell Program, Cytera CellWorks, London, UK

Role while at IFOM:
I initially joined the Lab of DNA Metabolism headed by Prof. Vincenzo Costanzo as a Post-doctoral Scientist and then I was fortunate to be promoted to a Senior Scientist position where I led a team of 5 junior and senior scientists

Training and professional timeline:
2019-present: Lead Scientist, Stem Cell Program, Cytera CellWorks, London, UK
2016-2019: Senior Scientist and Team Lead, IFOM- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
2015-2016: Post-doctoral Scientist, IFOM- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
2011-2014: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Medicine, University of Milan and European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy
2009-2010: Research Fellow, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2003-2009: Professional Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy (PharmD), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Combining my expertise in stem cell biology with those established in Prof. Costanzo’s Lab on DNA damage led to the development of several interesting projects one of which has been recently published in eLife. Prof. Costanzo supported these exciting projects by trusting me to expand the stem cell team so that I could gain an invaluable experience in leading and managing a team of scientists at different career levels. The open approach I was given to lead the projects really helped me become an independent scientist. In addition to solving complex scientific problems and delivering high quality results, I was also involved in multiple professional activities such as teaching at IFOM summer school, acting as the vice-president at IFOM Postdoc Association (IPA), coordinating several cross-functional collaborations, as well as presentations at various international meetings, all of which helped me develop positive leadership qualities and build high interpersonal skills.

Sina's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... integrated state-of-the-art facilities.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... stem cell team (@Negar Argavanifard, @Andrea Gnocchi, @Eliene Albers and @Sara Samadi Shams), friends and colleagues, IFOM welcome office (@Marina Properzi and @Mio Sumie), breakfast at campus bar (cappuccino e brioche), IFOM Postdoc Association (IPA)
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... IFOM trekking tours, Christmas parties, pizza talks and IFOM Italian language classes.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... exciting, rewarding and unique experience.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... extremely supportive welcome office, integrated state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of free lunch options.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... well-organized internal and external seminars, interaction with world key opinion leaders, collaborative environment.

Get in touch
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Tanja Bange

Current role:
Project leader for Mass spectrometry applications at the Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany.

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student

Training and professional timeline:
Since Jan 2018: Project leader mass spectrometry in Charo Roble’s group at the Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany.
2012-2017: Senior Postdoc in Andrea Musacchio's lab at the Max-Planck Institut of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund, Germany
2007-2012: Postdoc in Matthias Mann's lab at the Max-Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich, Germany
2001-2006: PhD student in Paolo di Fiore’s and Simona Polo’s lab at IEO and IFOM in Milan, Italy
2000-2000: Master thesis in Paola Barbieri’s group at Università degli Studi in Milan, Italy

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
I benefitted throughout my whole career from the scientific way of thinking I learned during my PhD at IFOM.

Tanja's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... great place to do science in a very enjoyable environment.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the large community of PhDs and Postdocs.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... several parties and activities.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... an amazing opportunity to grow scientifically and personally.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its open scientific community.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it’s a unique environment with lots of possibilities to do science, many inspiring people and lots of fun…

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Rodrigo Bermejo

Current role:
Principal Investigator of the DNA Replication and Genome Integrity group at the Center for Biological Research - Margarita Salas (Spanish National Research Council) in Madrid.

Role while at IFOM:
Post-doctoral researcher and research unit leader (Marco Foiani’s group)

Training timeline:
2003: PhD in Biochemistry, Medical School, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain (Summa cum laude).
2000: MD at the Medical School, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain

Professional timeline:
Since 2015: Head of the DNA replication and Genome Integrity Group at the Centre for Biological Research (CIB) at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
2011-2015: Head of the Genome Integrity Group at the Institute for Functional Biology and Genomics (IBFG); CSIC/Salamanca University.
2009-2011: Research Unit Leader at the F.I.R.C. Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy.
2003-2008: Postdoctoral fellow at the F.I.R.C. Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
It was a great training for establishing an independent research group and carry out cutting-edge research. It also provided me with the opportunity to strengthen the research track record to compete for research positions and grants and for international networking.

Rodrigo's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... excellent science.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the fantastic environment to carry out and discuss about research.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... many many exciting results leading to new ideas.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a boost in my scientific development and an opportunity to establish collaborations with leading international teams
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... providing all possible means to carry out all the experiments you may want (including great facilities).
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you can join top research groups in which to grow professionally and scientifically.

Get in touch
Linkedin
Website

Fabrizio Bianchi

Current role:
Head, Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy)

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student then Postdoc in Pier Paolo Di Fiore’s Lab

Training and professional timeline:
2002 - 2004: PhD student, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
2002 - 2003: Visiting Scientist, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
2005 - 2009: Post Doctoral Fellow, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
2010 - 2015: Scientist, Program of Molecular Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy
2016: Head, Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
2020: Member of the Directive Committee of the Italian Society of Cancer Research (SIC).

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
I think IFOM is one of the best place in Italy and probably in Europe where to make top-level science. IFOM is an exciting enviroment where you have the opportunity to work close to top-level scientists, in well-equipped labs with centralized facilities. This excellent institutional organization boosted my work to reach a high-quality scientific production in a short time. The frequent seminars and teaching sessions organized at IFOM have helped me a lot to increase my science knowledge and to be always up to date. I will be always greatful to all my firend “IFOMers" who have contributed to reach my ambitions in science with all the insightful discussions, suggestions and sometimes criticisms. Thank you guys!

Fabrizio's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... probably the best place in Italy and EU where to enjoy making science.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... its very scientific exciting and international enviroment.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the plenty of time spent with many friends in the lab enjoying make science (and sometimes funny jokes also… ;))))
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... an added value which is still helping me a lot, as a PI, to pursue my research ambitions.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the possibility to interact with many other top-level scientists.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... is the right place for the right researchers who love science and want to get the best in science.

Get in touch
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Marco Bianchi

Current role:
Scientific popularizer for the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, food mentor, book author and tv host, healthy food influencer.

Role while at IFOM:
Research technician at the Molecular Pathology Unit and Staff YouScientist (former IFOM per la Scuola).

Training and professional timeline:
Biochemical research technician from 2000 to 2013.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
It helped me to work in team and understand scientific data and the beauty of scientific research.

Marco's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... scientific research based on an international approach, even if we are speaking of an Italy – based reality. I saw IFOM growing in time and I saw how it expanded in terms of buildings, research teams, technologies and publications. I was one of the first employees to enter in the renewed building. IFOM is a family for me!
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... research, the laboratory counter, the seminars and the joy of a successful experiment.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... Concretely participating to the creation of the YouScientist educational laboratory.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a real pride!
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... being an internationally respected Italian excellence!
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... working at IFOM means discovering the scientific and technological future.

Get in touch
Website

Silvia Camporesi

Current role:
Associate Professor of Bioethics at King's College London, Director, Bioethics & Society MSc

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student, Foundations of Life Science and Ethics (2007-2010)

Professional timeline:
Before IFOM:
2004: University of Bologna Bachelor in Biotechnology
2007: MSc degree in Medical Biotechnology
2007: Alumna of Collegio Superiore University of Bologna (licenza 2007)
2006-2007: alumna, Mauro Giacca's Gene Therapy lab, at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Triest
IFOMer:
2007-2010: Phd in Foundations of LIfe Science & Ethics
After IFOM:
2010-2013: Wellcome Trust fellow at the Centre for Humanities & Health, at King's College London, London UK
2011-2012: Visiting Research Fellow, Department Anthropology History and Social Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
2013-2015: Lecturer in Bioethics & Society (fixed term contract ) at Department of Global Health & Social Medicine at King's College London, London UK
2016-current role: Senior Lecturer in Bioethics & Society (permanent contract) at Department of Global Health & Social Medicine at King's College London, London UK and Director, Bioethics & Society MSc programme

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
During my PhD in Foundations of Life Science and Ethics I worked in the development biology laboratory led by Professor Francesco Blasi. Learning first hand the basics of developmental biology from one of the best mentors definitely shaped my future research interest in ethics of stem cell research, genome editing and more broadly reproductive ethics. I believe that some good traditional training in developmental biology should be a must for any bioethicist!

Silvia's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... great place to work!
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the sense of purpose and of a "mission" in everyday's work, and the close contact with basic science.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the PhD retreat at Riva del Garda in 2007. British-style PhD retreats pale in comparison!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... crucial to teach me the value of lab-based science!
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the unique mentoring programme!
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... highest international standards in one of the most beautiful places to live in the world.

Get in touch
Linkedin
Website

Walter Carotenuto

Current role:
Lab coordinator

Role while at IFOM:
Researcher in the Marco Foiani’s group, Bioinformatician in the IFOM bioinformatics Unit, Lab coordinator.

Training and Professional timeline:
2017-present day, IFOM Lab coordinator
2014-2017 IFOM, Bioinformatician (IFOM Bioinformatics Unit)
2001-2014 IFOM, Researcher in the genome stability group (PI, Marco Foiani)
2008 The Open University- Life and Biomolecular Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy.
2005 Università degli studi di Milano, master degree in Applied Genetic.
2002 Università degli studi di Milano, degree in Biological scinces.

Walter's IFOM in 5#
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... that IFOM is my second family. I’ve been working in IFOM for almost 20 years, my entire working career, from undergraduate student to PhD. In these years I have covered different roles. I have worked as researcher, as bioinformatician and now I’m the lab manager.
I’ve always tried to do my best and I’m convinced that I did it.
#2 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... very recent. During the covid19 emergency I worked harder than ever realizing that all the people present in IFOM, was doing the same. This was the demonstration that we are like a family that fight for our home, I’m proud of my colleagues and I’m proud to be an IFOMer.
#3 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... very helpful for me to grow as a scientist and as a man, working with very high skilled scientists and meeting new friends from different nationality and cultures.
#4 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... IFOM is a top-notch research institute, fortunately this is not what makes it unique. The environment (people, location…), instead, is pretty peculiar.
#5 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... in IFOM could find well-equipped laboratories and core facilities, well-prepared scientists and staff always willing to help.

Get in touch
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Irene Chiolo

Current role:
I am Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Computational Biology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US

Role while at IFOM:
I completed my PhD from the University of Milan under the supervision of Marco Foiani, and continued some research as postdoc afterwards.

Training and Professional timeline:
1997-1999 Undergraduate Researcher, Laboratory of Marco Foiani, University of Milan, Italy
2000-2004: PhD Student, Laboratory of Marco Foiani, University of Milan, Italy
2005-2006: Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Marco Foiani, IFOM-IEO Campus for Cancer Research, Milan, Italy
2007-2012: Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Gary H. Karpen, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
2013-2019: Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA
2013-present: Member, USC Norris Cancer Center, Molecular Genetics Program, USC, Los Angeles, CA
2016-present: Affiliate Faculty, Department of Gerontology, USC, Los Angeles, CA
2020-present: Gabilan Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
In IFOM is where I learned to think as a scientist, I learned the importance of technical and scientific rigor, and I acquired many of the skills that are critical for a career in science (such as project planning, networking, oral and written presentation skills, mentorship of others). It is also where my passion for science flourished, and this is certainly impacted by and a reflection of the collegial and stimulating environment, the many highly intelligent and skilled people I interacted with, and the example of others.

Irene's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... One of the best research institutes where one can grow as a scientist, in Europe and internationally.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... All my colleagues who became best friends over the years.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... The lab excitement after major data presentations, big findings, publications. The margaritas in Marco Foiani's office to celebrate major accomplishments. The acceptance of the first paper with my first authorship on it. The many hours spent chasing results through the days and the nights. I remember doing an experiment in my pijama, during an overnight time course. I used the guest room at IFOM to get a few hours of sleep.#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been…. A springboard in my scientific career.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... A springboard in my scientific career.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... The high concentration of top notch research groups and very dedicated scientists at all levels. The research facilities are also exceptional, as are the seminars with worldwide renowned scientists.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... It will offer you an exceptionally stimulating environment to flourish in your career.

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Davide Cittaro

Current role:
Lead computational biologist at the Innovation Lab, Center for Omics Sciences, San Raffaele Hospital

Role while at IFOM:
Various, from fellow researcher, to HPC administrator to Data Analyst

Training and Professional timeline:
2002 - Laurea in biotechnologies @ UniMI
2003 - Master in bioinformatics @ UniMiB
2010 - PhD in Complex Systems @ UniTO
2003 - Fellow researcher @ IFOM (Rappsilber's lab)
2005 - System administrator @ Cogentech
2009 - Data analyist @ Cogentech
2011 - Head of bioinformatics @ CTGB, San Raffaele
2018 - Researcher @ COSR, San Raffaele

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Short answer: I was born there.
Slightly longer answer: I was skeptical about my future in research just after graduation. My experience at IFOM boosted my expectations and the awareness of my place in the research community. I met wonderful people who believed in my skills and supported my choices, people who taught me everything I needed, people who then became excellent friends.

Davide's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... what a memory!
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... I don't miss science only because I have many occasions to collaborate with groups at IFOM. I'd then say the table soccer.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... it's hard to tell, as I have many good memories of it. I surely remember my first research paper.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... I just say that many projects I'm developing now didn't exist if I hadn't met some people at IFOM.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... IFOM is a top-notch research institute, fortunately this is not what makes it unique. The environment (people, location…), instead, is pretty peculiar.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... excellent research, nice people, warm climate and Italian food, should I add more?

Get in touch
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Salvatore Corallino

Current role:
Scientist, High Content Screening Unit at AXXAM S.p.A.

Role while at IFOM:
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Giorgio Scita Lab

Training timeline:
2018: 2nd-level Postgraduate Master Degree in Pre-clinical and Clinical Development of Drugs (PharmaTrain), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
2011: PhD, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
2007: Master degree, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

Professional timeline:
2018-present: Scientist, High Content Screening Unit (AXXAM S.p.A., Bresso, Milano, Italia)
2018: Clinical Research Coordinator (San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italia)
2017-2018: Internship as Clinical Research Associate (Mediolanum Cardio Research, Milano, Italia)
2011-2017: Post-Doctoral Researcher (IFOM Foundation, Milan, Italy)
2013: Visiting Scientist (EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany)
2007-2011: PhD student (University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy)
2010: Visiting Scientist (The Institute of Cancer Research, London, U.K.)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
The IFOM experience prepared me well to the job challenges I encountered in my career so far. During those years, I acquired a broad range of experimental experience and theoretical background necessary for addressing relevant biological questions. More importantly, besides the technical skills, I developed soft skills essential for being successful in any work experience. These include the ability to work to high standard of accuracy, to prioritize work and to work to strict deadlines independently as well as collaboratively on teams.

Salvatore's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... one of the top institutions in Europe in the molecular oncology field.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... people are what I miss most. The boss and the colleagues I worked with at IFOM ended up becoming my good friends and I really enjoyed staying late in the lab, talking about science, going out for a beer with them at the end of the day. Besides that, I really miss the dynamic, interactive and multicultural scientific environment.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... when Giorgio told us that our paper on the role of endocytosis in the control of collective epithelial movements was accepted for publication by Nature Materials. In that moment I realized that everything was worth it: the entire days spent in cell culture, the long sessions at the microscope, the weekends in the lab, the endless meetings with our collaborators. I was so excited in seeing our efforts rewarded.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... the research quality, the innovation, the cutting-edge technology proposed by IFOM are well recognized all over the world. Having been part of this community is always a source of pride and a good business card.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... I strongly believe that in very few places a researcher can be scientifically and administratively supported as in IFOM.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... working at IFOM might represent an important opportunity of personal and scientific growth. There a scientist can learn from, exchange ideas and collaborate with top experts in the field. There is the possibility to work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in order to tackle relevant cancer-related questions from different angles. I am convinced that anyone would feel rewarded to work within an institution that endeavours constantly to be fresh and exciting.

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Cecilia Cotta-Ramusino

Current role:
Vice President of Tessera Therapeutics – a Gene editing/therapy company within Flagship Pioneering (a Boston-based biotech incubator and holding company) - and Senior Fellow at Flagship Pioneering.

Role while at IFOM:
I did my PhD at IFOM in the laboratory of Marco Foiani and spent at IFOM about two years as a Post Doc.

Training and professional timeline:
After my work at IFOM I moved to the United States where I assumed the following positions:
2006-2012 Post Doc in the laboratory of Steve Elledge at Harvard Medical School
2012-2014 Hybrid position between academia and industry at DANA Farber Harvard Cancer Institute,
2014-2018 First Scientist at Editas Medicine, the first CRISPR Gene-editing company, based in Cambridge (MA), where I began my new carrier, namely early stage company building and development
2018-2019 First employee at Insitro (a San Francisco based company that combines biology - including CRISPR Gene-editing - with machine learning). I helped to launch the company and I became the head of the department of Functional Genomics
2019- present I work at Tessera Therapeutics were I oversee a team of about 20 scientists developing the next generation of gene-editing.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Marco Foiani and my experience at IFOM have been very important to my career. The scientific rigorous training that I received helped me very much in finding new paths and new technologies that are key elements to biotech development.

Cecilia's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... Science, Rigor, Fun, Community
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the people.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... When we first moved in and we were taking coffee at the second floor that at that point was an open building site – it was fun.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... Foundational.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for...Combination of quality of science and human relations.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... he will learn and be trained by excellent scientist in a state-of-the-art facility - all the floors have been built now

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Elisabetta Crippa

Current role:
I currently work as medical writer in a healthcare communication agency.

Role while at IFOM:
I spent almost ten years at IFOM, first as a PhD student then as a postdoc researcher.

Training timeline:
I graduated in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology then I got a PhD in Life and Biomolecular Science. I worked for 5 years as postdoc and then I decided to move outside the Academia starting a career as medical writer.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM experience helped me to acquire many skills that allowed me to successfully face new challenges when I decided to develop a different career.

Elisabetta's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... a strong experience in the scientific field but also a strong personal experience as I met many special people.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... people that I met throughout almost ten years.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the time I spent with some labmates when I had to stay late in the lab for some experiments.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... an opportunity that allowed me to open my mind and to develop many different skills.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its capability to offer the right conditions to perform a research project in the best way.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... IFOM offer a lot of possibilities for a great career.

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Leila Dardaei

Current role:
Research investigator and lab head at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Boston, USA

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student (2009-2012) and postdoctoral fellow (2013-2014)

Training and Professional timeline:
PhD in molecular medicine and human oncology

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM is a well-structured research institute with extraordinary resources. It provides all sorts of support for PhD students and helps them to develop their career in biomedical sciences. At IFOM, I learned how to do excellent science and how to interact with impressive IFOMer scientists. My training as PhD student in professor Blasi’s laboratory at IFOM provided me with solid knowledge and skill sets in molecular oncology. It enabled me to successfully translate my learning to new cures for cancer patients later in my career.

Leila's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... a big scientific family under one umbrella.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... my colleagues and those scientific/cultural discussions during coffee breaks.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... my PhD mentor’s 80th birthday party. I flew from Boston to Milan to be part of this unforgettable event.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... blessing.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... world-class science and loving IFOMers.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will not regret it at all.

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Raffaella Di Micco

Current role:
I am currently a Group Leader at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.

Role while at IFOM:
I was admitted to the SEMM PhD program in Molecular Medicine in 2004. I joined the lab of Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna as a PhD student (July 2004- Sept 2008); following graduation I remained in the lab as a postdoc (Sept 2008-Jan 2010) before moving to USA for a postdoctoral training abroad. I spent six years at IFOM growing up as a scientist and learning from the IFOM spirit, mission and values which surely defined who I am today.

Training and Professional timeline:
I was a Postdoctoral fellow in the Hernando's lab at the Department of Pathology, New York University, New York (2010-2015). In 2015 I accepted a job offer at SR-TIGET and started my own research group, which counts at present 6 trainees (2 PhD students, 3 postdoc fellows and 1 lab tech).

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Working at IFOM I received a solid training in traditional and basic techniques of molecular and cellular biology, imaging and/or biochemistry. The training empowered me to tackle critical biological questions later and even nowadays when genome-wide approaches prevail biomedical researches. The research in my lab capitalizes on the scientific expertise I gained during my PhD and postdoctoral trainings in DNA damage, senescence, epigenetics and cancer biology.

Raffaella's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... a multidisciplinary and multicultural "think factory" that certainly impacted on my professional know-how and refined my critical mind-set.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the collaborative environment and the friendly atmosphere.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... I have many good memories, difficult to pick one; the time I spent at IFOM was the foundation of unique friendships that last far beyond the scientific life.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... instrumental to shape my attitude towards science and to cope with the numerous challenges we all face during a scientific training. I learned that hard work always pays off. I also gained visibility and established a network of long-lasting interactions with outstanding scientists with whom I still collaborate.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its sense of community, bringing together so many motivating, inspiring, outstanding and enthusiastic people in a small space.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... science is excellent. IFOM allows a unique exchange on expertise and scientific know-how that are key to push innovative and collaborative science. Lastly, being a scientist in IFOM will definitely contribute to establish yourself as a future leader within or outside academia.

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Ylli Doksani

Current role:
Group leader IFOM

Role while at IFOM:
Undergraduate, Master student, PhD student, Marco Foiani’s lab

Training and Professional timeline:
2002-2005 Specializzation in Applied Genetics, IFOM
2005-2008 PhD student IFOM
2016-current Group Leader, IFOM

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
At IFOM I was exposed to everything I needed to become a scientist, brilliant mentors, colleagues and friends, cutting-edge research and a management style that places science first, Last but not least, IFOM labs were really fun. I really decided to pursue a career in science after my graduation thesis in IFOM.

Ylli's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... Home.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... my old friends that are now spread all over the world.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... a typical day in the former lab B was funnier than most work environments. Pranks and jokes were not uncommon.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... fundamental.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... being IFOM.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... science is excellent, you will find great people to interact with, you will have access to amazing facilities and services and you will be supported in every step of the way.

Get in touch
Linkedin

Rajakumara Eerappa

Current role:
Associated Professor, Biotechnology Department, IIT Hyderabad, India

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoctoral Fellow at Dr. Dana Branzei group

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My stay in IFOM helped me to improve my scientific communication and grant writing skills. Especially my postdoctoral mentor Dr. Dana Branzei guided me in grant proposal submission. These skills helped me develop as mentor, teacher and principal investigator.

Rajakumara's IFOM in 5 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... lovely and lively place to work and enjoy professional life.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... free and tasty food at Mensa! Especially a person like me who was not a good cook.
#3 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... something I cherish for ever.
#4 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its culture and cosmopolitan nature.
#5 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... go ahead, you will enjoy both professional and personal life!

Get in touch
Linkedin
Website

Daniele Fachinetti

Current role:
Group leader at I. Curie, Paris, FR

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student in Marco Foiani

Training and professional timeline:
2015-present: Group leader at I. Curie
2010-2015: Post-doctoral fellow at Ludwig Cancer Research - UCSD, San Diego (US)
2008-2009: Post-doctoral fellow at IFOM, Milan
2004-2008: PhD at IFOM, Milan
2002-2004: Internship at IFOM, Milan

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Set passion for science, self-confidence, technical experience, work organization, team building, think about models.

Daniele's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... the place to do science in Italy.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... friendly environments, amazing colleagues, institute organization.
#3 My most exciting memories of IFOM are... lab retreats in Foiani lab: a way to share science, fun and in certain occasion also love (an ex IFOMer member, PhD student with Foiani and Di Fiore, is my wife).
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... what I need to become a group leader myself.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... concentration of amazing scientists working on DNA.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... if you are working on DNA there is no better place to be.

Get in touch
Website

Luca Ferrarini

Current role:
Head of the data analytics group at Dot.Cy (Cyprus)

Role while at IFOM:
First I was a post-doc within the Elisabetta Dejana group, then I was head of the bioinformatics unit

Training and professional timeline:
Project Manager in Customer Communication Management (at Doxee, Modena, Italy)
Head of the bioinformatics and data analysis unit at the IFOM research center in Milan
Senior researcher as bioinformatician at the IFOM research center in Milan
Post-doc neuroimaging researcher at the Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Working at IFOM has given me the opportunity to learn new algorithms for the analysis of biological data. When I moved on to coordinating the bioinformatics unit, I learnt how to deal with multiple stakeholders and manage a variety of projects together with the team. Although later on I moved away from research and bioinformatics, the acquired experienced certainly paid off.

Luca's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... an amazing research center, full of highly skilled and motivated scientists.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the diversity of projects I worked on and the high sense of community.
#3 My most exciting memories of IFOM are... are related to the weekly interdisciplinary meetings we were organizing and that were a unique opportunity to learn from others and share your findings.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a memorable experience.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the high level of research which is conducted and how it is combined with an extremely pleasant campus life.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will find wonderful scientists eager to teach you and guide you through your projects.

Get in touch
Linkedin

Simona Fiorani

Current role:
I am currently Lead Editor of iScience, an interdisciplinary journal from Cell Press. I am leading a team of 10 editors and overseeing the journal strategy.

Role while at IFOM:
I joined IFOM when I was still doing my undergrad thesis in the lab of Dr Marco Foiani; at the time the buildings were still being renovated! Afterwards, I started my PhD with the Open University.

Training and professional timeline:
I obtained my Master’s degree in 2001 at University of Milan (Molecular Biology); I then applied and obtained a place at School of Applied Genetics at the University of Milan while I continued my research in Marco’s lab. I started my PhD in 2005 and defended my thesis in 2008. I moved to UK to work at Cancer Research UK until 2014 when I started my career in Editorial, first as an Assistant Editor at Nature Communications and then as an Associate Editor at Nature Cell Biology. I continued this path and came back to Nature Communications as Senior Editor and then taking the Team Leader position. In 2018 I moved to Cell Press to launch iScience.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM experience prepared me for my next move as a post doc in UK. It gave me the confidence of being able to work in an international environment and apply the scientific rigor learned during my PhD years. The years spent there opened my horizon to the rest of the word geographically and scientifically giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with international scientists and listen to talks and seminar from different areas of research.

Simona's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... center of excellence.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... I miss the camaraderie amongst young scientists. Interactions are favored and encouraged.
#3 My most exciting memories of IFOM are... one of the funniest moments was when I was running an experiment overnight and the IFOM security person scared the life out of me during their routing round check!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... fundamental to become a rounded scientist. Even if I am not in the lab anymore, once a scientist always a scientist.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the logistic and structural support in terms of availability of reagents and infrastructure accessibility. There are only few experiments you can design and cannot executed in IFOM.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it’s a place to develop and apply ideas without a lot of the bureaucratic burdens that characterise other Research Institutes.

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Chiara Francavilla

Current role:
I am a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale fellow at the University of Manchester. This corresponds to a Junior PI position in other EU countries.

Role while at IFOM:
I was a PhD student (2005-2009) in the group of Dr Ugo Cavallaro

Training timeline: 1998-2004: Master Degree in Industrial Biotechnology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. Final mark: 110/110 summa cum laude (Title of the thesis: Sic1, an inhibitor of CDK in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is regulated by carbon sources in the growth medium.)
2004-2005: Fellow, Centro S. Raffaele del Monte Tabor foundation, Milan, Italy (Group of Prof M.E. Bianchi).
2005-2009: PhD student in Molecular Medicine, SEMM (European School of Molecular Medicine), FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM) and European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy. (Title of the doctoral thesis: The adhesion molecule NCAM is a master regulator of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) activity. Supervisors: Dr U. Cavallaro and Prof G. Christofori, University of Basel-Switzerland)

Professional timeline:
2009: Postdoctoral fellow, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM) and European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy (Group of Dr U. Cavallaro)
2010-2013: Postdoctoral Fellow (Marie Curie Intra European IEF and EMBO Long Term Postdoctoral Fellowships), NNF-CPR, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Group of Prof J.V. Olsen)
2013-2015: Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research (NNF-CPR), The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Group of Prof J.V. Olsen)
2016-present: Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow, Division of Molecular & Cellular Functions, School of Biological Sciences, FBMH, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
As an IFOM PhD student I have learnt how to work in an international environment and how to perform research in an independent and innovative fashion. Being exposed to different scientific topics and participating to the seminars of international speakers have developed my curiosity for science and have helped the creation of my own networks. All these aspects have formed the foundation for applying to European post-doctoral fellowships and for being successful. I have exported what I have learnt during my training in IFOM to Denmark first and then in UK. I keep sharing my experience as a PhD student with the PhD students that I currently supervise as an example of hard working, enthusiasm, resiliance, support, and personal initiative.

Chiara's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... learning with fun.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the friendly atmosphere and the canteen.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... is the great time that my generation of PhD students had in the famous lab B with science, fun and a bit of drama.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... the key to the next successful steps.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the people working there.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it is an excellent international environment that allows personal and scientific growth.

Get in touch
My website
My scientific program @The University of Mancherster
My webpage @The University of Mancherster

Sofia Francia

Current role:
Researcher, permanent position at Istituto di Genetica Molecolare “Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza”- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR).

Role while at IFOM:
I started with a FIRC fellowship in 2004 in the group of Fabrizio d’Adda di Fagagna, then I entered the PhD program of SEMM the year after remaining in the same research group. I got the PhD in 2009, but I stayed until 2010 as post-doctoral fellowship. After my second maternity leave and one year working as collaborator of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT@SEMM, I was back as scientific collaborator of IFOM from 2012 to 2015.

Training and professional timeline: In July 2003 I got Degree in Biological Science achieved at the “Università degli studi di Milano” doing my master thesis in the laboratory of prof. Marco Foiani. From summer 2004 to April 2009 I was a SEMM PhD student at IFOM (with a 6 month interruption for maternity leave in 2007). In 2010 I stayed one more year at IFOM as postdoctoral fellowship. In 2011 I collaborated with IIT@SEMM to finish important experiment for my current project, still in collaboration with IFOM. In 2012, thank to a Short Term EMBO fellowships, I spent a couple of months in Czech Republic, as visiting researcher in the laboratory of Jiri Bartek, at University of Palacky, Olomouc before going back to Italy as postdoctoral scientific collaborator of IFOM. In 2014 I won a selection for a fellowship from Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia to work at IGM-CNR. In 2015 I became researcher at IGM thank to a grant of Cariplo Fundation for young investigators. In 2017 I won the selection for a permanent position as researcher.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
It was absolutely fundamental to shape my professionality and my passion as a scientist

Sofia's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... great science, great people, great fun!
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... a perfect organization, the collaborative environment, the vibrant and informal frequent scientific discussions.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... many unforgettable memories…To mention two imperative ones: my PhD defense and the celebration for my first publication in Nature .
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a giant career boost.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... safety roles, supportive environment.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... is certainly one of the best place for doing science in Europe.

Get in touch
Linkedin

Marco Fumasoni

Current role:
Group leader at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia (IGC), Oeiras, PT

Role while at IFOM:
At IFOM I walked my very first steps in scientific research, from my bachelor's and master's internships in Marco Foiani’s lab to the Ph.D. in Dana Branzei’s lab.

Professional timeline:
2015-2021: Postdoctoral fellow in the Murray lab at Harvard University, USA
2009-2014: Ph.D. student in the Branzei Lab at IFOM, IT
2006-2008: BSc and MSc student in the Foiani lab at IFOM, IT

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM introduced me early on to several aspects essential for a career in science, from the virtues of an international and diverse team to the dedication and passion required to answer fundamental biological questions.

Marco's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... an Italian window on the best international research.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the cheerful personality of many IFOMers.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the goliardic jokes I had with my friends in the island in the lab. Those were really light moments that usually made our days!!!
#3 bis My funniest memories of IFOM are... from spontaneous social events out in Milan.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a privilege.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its many resources.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it's a top institute in a fun city in a beautiful country.

Get in touch
Lab website

Sonu Gandhi

Current role:
Scientist-D @ DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad Telangana, India

Role while at IFOM:
Post Doctoral Fellow

Training and professional timeline:
Cancer Biomarker in Cell Matrix Signaling Lab, 3.3 years

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
The techniques that I learned at IFOM helped me to grow in my full capacity. The research facilities in IFOM is extremely good and escalate the work in no time with very helpful staff. I learned how to design, implement the project, writing the grants to fetch the funding.

Sonu's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... researcher friendly, abundant amenities, research instruments, well organized, safety rules well implemented, good facilities, good interactive environment.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... healthy food of Mensa ;)
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... our big Indian gang in IFOM.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a blessing.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its extremely well organised research facility.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... the working environment is very good, people are very interactive that is a pre-requisite of any work place.

Get in touch
Linkedin

Gabriela Grigorean

Current role:
Project Scientist at University of California - Davis, USA

Role while at IFOM:
Proteomics Facility Director

Training and professional timeline:
2002 PhD University of California, Davis, CA USA
2002-2003: post-doc New York University, New York, NY, USA
2003-2005: post-doc University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
2005-2007: Proteomics Core Manager Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
2007-2013: Proteomics Facility Director, IFOM, Milano, Italia
2013-2014: Scientist, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
2014-2018: Field App Scientist, Thermo Fisher, San Jose, CA, USA
2019-present: Project Scientist, Univ. of CA- Davis, CA USA

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Learned to manage a facility, learn how research in a variety bio-science fields works (i.e., epidemiology, microbiology, cancer research, medical applied research).

Gabriela's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... WONDERFUL place to be at, stimulating intellectually, opportunity to interact with many international scientists and learn to not be insular but to be open to different ways of conducting research, of approaching problems
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... everything that IFOM is (list would be too long)
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... can't think of specifics, but a few incidents when I was insisting speaking Italian (although everyone is fluent in English).
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... beyond enriching. And professionally, the fact that IFOM is so international is a great advantage.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the flow of science/research moves swiftly, the researchers are particularly efficient at producing solid data and answering research questions. Also, the graduate students are treated with more respect than I have noticed in other institutions, and are given wider berth to put forth their ideas.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... the facilities are equipped very well, the availability of technical resources is impressive. The help that the Admin gives is very good (i.e., help with various non-science tasks like taxes, immigration, help with writing grants, etc). Approachibility of the PIs is better than I have seen at other institutions. Easy to for example, chat with an important researcher just by going to lunch in the cafeteria (which by the way provides amazing fresh food). One feels that one is taken care of (i.e., the cafeteria, offer free Italian learning classes, so much more).

Get in touch
Linkedin

Giorgio Iotti

Current role:
Head of Program Leadership and Control, Global Rare Disease R&D, Chiesi Group

Role while at IFOM:
Post-Doc

Training and professional timeline:
2016-present: Project Leader and Head of Program Leadership and Control, Global Rare Disease R&D, Chiesi Group
2013-2016: Medical Scientific Manager – Rare Diseases, Chiesi Group
2011-2013: New Product Planning Manager, Corporate Marketing, Chiesi Group
2006-2011: Post-Doctoral Fellow, IFOM
2002-2006: Research Scholar and Ph.D. student, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia (USA)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
It was critical. The scientific knowledge and the critical assessment of research performed at IFOM has been instrumental to allow me to grow in assessment of new projects and to lead R&D programs in the Pharma industry

Giorgio's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... a great place to perform top-notch science in a very stimulating environment
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the scientific community and the many friends I had while doing research there
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... every single day at IFOM, special mention to the lunch breaks with table soccer games
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been...a critical part of my professional and personal experience
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the inter-connection between different research groups in the lab allowing exchange of ideas and experiences and creating a great personal network
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because...you can develop your career with many opportunities both in the academia and in the industry

Get in touch
Linkedin

Amit Kumar

Current role:
I finished my postdoctoral research in 2014 returned to India and joined CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research as Senior Scientist and Wellcome-DBT Intermediate Fellow.

Role while at IFOM:
I was EMBO & Marie Curie Long term postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Prof. Marco Foiani.

Training and professional timeline:
I finished my PhD from Spain and joined IFOM in March 2010 and finished my postdocotral stint in July 2014 from the laboraotry of Prof. Marco Foiani.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My training at IFOM has been incredible for my career perspective. Even before finishing my postdoctoral contract I had been offered a senior scientist position in India’s oldest and most prestigious organization that is Council for Scientific and Industrial research (CSIR). CSIR is on similar lines as CSIC in Spain and CNRS in France and Italy. Not only that the training, expertise and the quality of research that I did at IFOM helped me in receiving prestigious fellowship by Wellcome Trust (UK) and DBT (India) Alliance intermediate fellowship. It is very similar to ERC starting grant in Europe. In fact Prof. Marco Foiani is the mentor of this fellowship that helps me in continuing my association with IFOM.

Amit's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... incredible place to do blue sky research.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the Mensa (Canteen), and the famous lab retreats of Foiani lab for sure, Christmas dinners and many more
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... there has been many and I had the best time of research life in IFOM, full of imaginations, creativity, independence and what not, the table tennis sessions etc. etc. Publishing the Cell paper stands out, it helped me earlier (getting a job) and it is helping me even now.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... good, it really did not impact much. I would say in this part of world (India) even now the alumnus from famous UK and USA score more than any other places.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its international office that support researchers coming from outside of Italy. It is something that I think is the biggest support for outsiders to focus on their research and quality of life that it brings along.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... all PIs are the best in their field of research and they working on ideas that can compete at any stage.

Get in touch
Linkedin

Ramesh Kumar

Current role:
Senior Research Investigator, Discovery Biology, Syngene International Ltd. Bangalore, India.

Role while at IFOM:
I worked as project leader for the IFOM supported drug discovery project at the Singapore location

Training and professional timeline:
2003-2005: M.Sc. Biotechnology, University of Hyderabad
2005-2006: JRF, IISc. Bangalore
2007-2011: PhD Biochemistry, NUI GalIrelandway
2012-2013: Research Fellow, LUMC, Leiden
2013-2017: Research Fellow, IFOM, Milan, Italy
2017-2019: Research Fellow, DUKE-NUS Singapore
2019-2020: Senior Research Investigator, Syngene International Ltd. Bangalore, India

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
After my PhD and a very short postdoctoral work in the area DNA Repair and Genomic Instability, I joined IFOM as postdoctoral research fellow. Here I got opportunity of working in the area of preclinical drug discovery. This was one of the best opportunities of my career where I learned several aspects of drug discovery research ranging from highthrghput screening to target identification, validation and MOA studies. Under leadership of Prof. Marco Foani, Sir David Lane and Dr. Cheok Chit Fang, I contributed significantly for identifying the small molecule to treat p53 defective tumors. During four years of research career, I was supported by one of the best infrastructure, resources and generous funding. This work opportunity has shaped my career to take onto any complex projects in the area of preclinical drug discovery.

Ramesh's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... this is one of the best research centres, which believes in innovative research by international collaboration, shared technologies, human resources and cross-fertilization of ideas.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... open discussion with great minds and mutual respect.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... acceptance of first author paper into Nature Communication. Our exciting findings was featured in many Newspapers.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has... allowed me to take lead role on complex and challenging research projects in the area of Oncogenic signaling and therapeutic development.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... mutual collaboration and exchange of ideas.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... IFOM is the great place to learn and grow. This is one of the best places to obtain world class trainings in modern and evolving science covering a wide range of topics raging from very basic to preclinical and clinical drug discovery. This is the great place to make internal and external collaboration, and obtain mentorships from scientists of international repute.

Rashmi Kumar

Current role:
Senior Scientist at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh

Role while at IFOM:
Post-Doctoral researcher at Dr. Stefano Casola's Lab

Training and professional timeline:
I was trained at IFOM from Jan 2011-July 2014.
After returning India, I was on personal break for about a year and half, after that I joined Indian Institute of Toxicology Research as Ramalingaswami fellow in April 2016.
In December 2017, I joined as Senior Scientist at IMTECH, Chandigarh.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
At IFOM, I got trained to become an independent professional: weekly lab-meetings, departmental seminars and long discussion with Stefano, shaped my understanding about subject and developed the critical analysis skill. Moreover, under guidance of Dr. Casola I learned the fine skills to balance family and work.

Rashmi's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... unique and friendly open lab culture.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... Casola group, long scientific discussions, help from International office (Mio and Marina) and of course Pizza at bar.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... getting EMBO long term Fellowship.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... wonderful experience for my development as Scientist.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... openness, friendly and International atmosphere.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will learn all required Scientific skills, well equipped laboratory, highly eminent guides and friendly atmosphere will let your scientific brain flourish and you will develop as an independent researcher.

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Carolina Lage Crespo

Current role:
Project Lead IBD, NOVA Medical School

Role while at IFOM:
visiting scientist

Training and professional timeline:
2018-2020: NOVA Medical School, Project Lead
2018: Visiting Scientist & Specialist, Innovimmune Biotherapeuticsv 2015-2016: Imaging Scientist & Technologist Istituto Clinico Humanitas
2009-2014: Visiting Scientist, IFOM
2006-2015: PhD and post doctoral student, San Raffaele Milano

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My experience at IFOM was highly enriching because, as a visiting PhD student there, I created my own collaborations and I acquired strong independency and problem-solving skills. These are key skills for a scientific career.

Carolina's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... I tell you was one of the best places I ever worked in. At IFOM you breath science and in a highly familiar environment. It's perfect!
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the enthusiastic scientific environment, the collaborative people, the nice and highly professional staff, the advanced technology (specially from the Imaging Facility) and good friends I made there.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... difficult to choose because I had several in five years-time.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... life changing. As a visitor at IFOM for 5-yr, I have always felt like a IFOMer. I collaborated with great scientists and with the Imaging staff and this was fundamental to accomplish my PhD work successfully.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the type of Institute. IFOM is an institute of excellence with ground-breaking science and technology but with a highly familiar and international environment.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you and your science will be cared and you will grow scientifically and personally.

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Caterina Lucano

Current role:
Medical writer and database content manager at Orphanet (INSERM), Paris

Role while at IFOM:
Ph.D. student in the SEMM Molecular Oncology program

Training timeline:
2014-2016: SISSA international school for advanced studies, Post-graduate specialization course in Science communication and journalism
2011-2014: IFOM/SEMM (European School of Molecular Medicine), Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology
2008-2010: Università degli Studi di Milano, Master's degree, Cellular and Molecular Biology

Professional timeline:
2018-Present: INSERM US14, Medical Writer and Database Content Manager at Orphanet, the worldwide reference database for rare diseases and orphan drugs
2017-2018: Telethon Foundation, Care Coordinator and Project Manager of the project "Just like home", part of the Telethon Patient Care Unit
2016-2016: Telethon Foundation, Freelance science writer collaborator
2015-2016: Telethon Foundation, Science communication trainee

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
I consider the four years that I spent in IFOM extremely formative for my career. First of all, in IFOM I learned how to think with a strictly scientific and focused point of view, a feature that has been helping me develop my subsequent career as a medical writer. Moreover, my training as a Ph.D. student taught me how to work with precision, organization, and exactness in every project I undertake. Finally, my utmost love for science communication would not have blossomed had I not been exposed to the wonderful and variegated scientific environment that is IFOM: seminars, informal talks, lessons, conferences, lab meetings and simple coffees with colleagues contributed to plant the first seeds of what I afterward decided to undertake as my professional journey.

Caterina's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... an international and highly valuable scientific institute, with top-notch research and the will to invest and believe in every single scientist that crosses the door.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... ginseng coffee in the garden, while talking with colleagues about the latest exciting experiment or the next theories to put to the test.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... probably Graduation Day, the sense of completeness and satisfaction that I felt being there with my peers (and by then friends) was priceless.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... the first step towards an extremely satisfying career as a medical writer.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the international ambiance and the vast possibilities to collaborate with scientists from all over the world.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will learn something in IFOM, no matter your starting point. The number of tools at your disposal and the sharing of knowledge with fellow scientists will ensure that you have the most fruitful experience.

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Urulangodi Madhusoodanan

Current role:
Assistant Professor Department of Biochemistry Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Role while at IFOM:
2019-2016: Post-doctoral fellow (Dana Branzsei's Laboratory)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
After more than 6 years of post-doctoral research at IFOM, I returned back to India and started my career as an independent researcher. The high-quality research at IFOM is accelerated because of large number of international students and staffs work together. Such a multi-national working environment was really instrumental in shaping the way in which I started thinking about my future independent research career. Learnt the art of collaborative and multiple experimental approach to address a particular scientific question, is the important lesson learnt at IFOM. The fundamental training that include group meetings and brain storming sessions were very open at Dana Branzei’s Lab, and at IFOM in general, where horizontal transfer of knowledge and ideas occurred, constantly. My approach as a group leader, is exactly the replica of what I have learnt at IFOM.
The sharing of laboratory space, common kitchen (for reagents), radioactive, instrument and other facilities were always available to use when ever needed. The office staffs who took care of all foreign students stay, official documentation, stay permit and so on, so efficiently. I never felt that I was a foreigner at IFOM. The other important things that are unique and attracted me was the Mensa/cafeteria and postdoc association and a room allotted for postdocs to sit and talk everything about science and beyond at IFOM.

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Chris D. Madsen

Current role:
Group leader in Cancer and matrix remodelling, Lund University, Sweden

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student at IFOM-IEO-Campus under Francesco Blasi and Nicolai Sidenius

Training and professional timeline:
2002: Candidatus scientiarum’s degree in biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
2002-2003: Biochemist at the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Clinical Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
2004-2008: Ph. D. fellow, IFOM-IEO-Campus, Milano, Italy Supervisors: Prof. Francesco Blasi, Dr. Nicolai Sidenius and Prof. Vincent Ellis
2008-2012: Postdoctoral research fellow, Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, United Kingdom.
2013-2016: Postdoctoral research fellow, Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Supervisor: Ass. Prof. Janine T Erler
2016-present: Ass. Prof and Group leader, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Sweden

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
There is no doubt that my time at IFOM has be very important for my career. IFOM was the place where I discovered my true passion for cancer biology and it is not wrong to say that IFOM planted the first seed of cancer knowledge that I have ever since tried to flourish. Indeed, IFOM was the place where I began to wonder if my research one day would help people – not just generating publications. I wanted to learn more than just cell biology; I wanted to understand the disease.
IFOM was also the place where I developing my communication skills. It was truly intimidating the first time you had to give a presentation in front of the entire institute in the big lecture hall. All the group leaders began to question your data and you were trying to withstand and survive the pressure by arguing your case. This really sculpted me as a speaker and at the same time, it boosted my self-confidence – I was actually able to defend my science and my beliefs.
However, the most important skill I learned at IFOM was that: ‘it is as hard to make bad science as good science’. In a matter of fact, it might even be harder to do bad science. What I mean by this is that when things are not going the right way, you need to STOP doing what you have been trying and start doing some DEEP THINKING. We always need to ask the right questions, and we need to design our experiment in order to get the right answers, which might not always fits your theory. I think this is the most important gift I got from my time at IFOM. I always tell my students to stop doing experiments if there data does not make sense, and I ask them to read the literature and to come up with some solutions and some answers.

Chris' IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... best place to do basic science in Italy.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... all the social events and get-togethers after a long day in the laboratory. My god, we went for many aperitovi and ate many pizze!!!
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... I have so many! However, it was always good fun to yell after Kristian Helin, Andrea Musacchio and Pier Giuseppe Pelicci when we were playing football every week. Normally, they were ‘yelling’ at us students, but on the football field, we got our revenge! I have to say, they demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship!
Another great evening ended with Nicolai Sidenius not understanding why his motorino was not going anyway at 4 o’clock in the night down by Naviglio. It only took him 5 minutes with the gas handle at max to realised he had not unlocked his motorino!!! He still turned up in the lab at 8 am.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a rich learning experience, where I develop as a scientists, but more importantly I ‘learned how to keep learning’, and how to develop human skills, like caring, feelings and social values.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... generating life-long friendships between people from all over the world and being open-minded for any culture and social belief. Some of my best friends are still from the old IFOM-time.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will never regret it, as long as you come with an open-mind and a free spirit.

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Gema Malet

Current role:
Senior Scientist at Laminar Pharmaceuticals (Oncology Department)

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoc Senior Scientist in Giorgio Scita's lab

Training and professional timeline:
With a PhD in biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Valencia, Spain I dediced to move to the field of cancer cell biology at the Inserm in France as a postdoc. Next I moved to IFOM following scientific intesrests around cell migration. I worked in IFOM from 2011 to 2019. Currently my research focuses on an innovative therapeutical approach in Laminar Pharmaceuticals; the membrane lipid therapy (melitherapy) for the treatment of cancers.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Currently I am doing cancer research for the pharma industry and I apply my research interests and skills on cancer-related questions, to solve industry-related problems.

Gema's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... an amazing scientific comunity
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the feeling that you can do whatever you need to answer biological questions. I miss the microscopy platform team & facility and Giorgio`s catching motivation and passion for science. Miss my ifomer friends, the mensa , the ifomer staff wanting to help and I miss those weekends in Italy
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... I think we had a motivational peak when we built an international network of collaborators from Singapur and Israel around the topic of collective chemotaxis.It was fascinaitng and I felt that science is a universal language. I won't forget the many interesting conversations with other IFOMers from all over the world while working in the hood, by the coffee machines and the mensa. Being in such an international environment is like traveling.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a reference of how good science can be done
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for...its integrated state of the art facilities and the collaborative environment and the stimulating environment including high level seminars
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... It's a great idea because...its an oportunity to do world class science while living in a stunning beautiful country

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Marco Francesco Morini

Current role:
Global Program Regulatory Manager in Early Development Regulatory Affairs, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student

Training and professional timeline:
2007-2009: Master’s Degree in Medical, Molecular and Cellular Biotechnologies, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano
2010-2013: PhD in Molecular Medicine, University of Milan
2014-2017: Postdoctoral Fellow in the Tumor Biology lab at Department for Biomedicine in Basel
2018-2019: Postgraduate in Regulatory Affairs at Novartis, Basel
since 2019: Global Program Regulatory Manager, Novartis, Basel

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
The experience in IFOM was crucial under many aspects. It exposed me to cutting edge science and a truly international environment. The hands on experience I had there plus the concepts and topics I learned during lectures and seminars are still relevant for my current job and were considered a plus during the hiring process in the pharma industry.

Marco's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... best cancer research in the heart of Milan.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the people in the labs and in the supporting facilities. So many funny moments with many of them!.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the best and most exciting memories of IFOM belong to the start and end of my stay in IFOM: the day I came for the selections and the PhD ceremony. The funniest moments were the ones with my lab mates. We had a great time together!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... great also for the networking. Still now, very often I meet abroad people that used to work in IFOM and it’s always nice to connect with them.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its international environment and state of the art facilities and labs. It’s nothing short of some other famous research campuses around the world.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... that it’s a unique reality in Italy. If you have the chance to work there, don’t hesitate and grab it!

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Masato Murakawa

Current role:
VP, Global Precision Medicine committee, Daiichi Sankyo Inc

Role while at IFOM:
Post doctoral research fellow

Training and professional timeline:
Apr 2007-Jul 2010

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM experience has guided my unique global pharmaceutical experience. Generally MDs are working at hospital to treat patient for cure but not so much move to industry as Pharmaceutical company. During my IFOM life I was impressed seamless working relationship between academia and pharma. After IFOM, I move to Novartis, Basel Switzerland, and worked in global pharmaceutical environment with US and European colleagues and many global top scientists. Now I am working for Japanese pharmaceutical company, DaiichiSankyo, to provide better medicine for help patients.

Masato's IFOM in 3 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... is one of the top institution in Italy and Europe.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... open style lab space, this is new and unique lab management style where many researchers could talk easily without nay boundary.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... surely publishment for a global scientific community i.e. article and presentations.

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Francesco Nicassio

Current role:
Principal Investigator and Center Coordinator at Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM (CGS- IIT) – Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)

Role while at IFOM:
2005-2010: Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Training and professional timeline:
2017-Present: Centre Coordinator at Centre for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia - Milan (IT)
2012-Present: Researcher at IIT@SEMM Centre for Genomic Science, Milan (IT)
2012-2014: Scientific Advisor to the Molecular Medicine Programme of IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan (IT)
2011-2012: Research Scientist on the Molecular Medicine Programme of IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan (IT)
2005-2010: Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Milan (Italy)
2001-2005: PhD Degree in Life Sciences, Open University, London (UK) at IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan (IT)
1995-2000: 5-year Degree in Biology University of Bari, Bari (IT)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
The experience in IFOM was undoubtedly one of the most important of my scientific career and my human path. This is not only because IFOM has been the place where I have worked for several years (8 in total between PhD and post-doc), the place where I learned the meaning of research, the value of scientific rigor, the price of the results. IFOM has also been a home for me, made up of friends as well as colleagues, all united by the desire to transform a passion into a job, all united by an unprecedented commitment.
There is a unique sense of collaboration and participation at IFOM. It can be felt not only among researchers, but also among technical staff, administrative staff, technological services and custodians of the concierge. To me IFOM is kind of large Italian family, that supports everyone in times of difficulty and to encourage young researchers (‘the kids’) to be independent and fly towards ambitious goals. It is a bond that always remains.
The years in IFOM have been hard and intense, but they have given me many friends, fortunately many now PI in well-established research institutes or universities and therefore valuable collaborators in current research.
I have always recommended to Italian and non-Italian researchers a research experience in IFOM, because it will surely help to grow and I recommend doing it to the maximum without sparing… It might last for one or 5 years it doesn't matter, but try to absorb everything you can from whoever you meet there, as I did ... because in science as well as in life the most important things are what you learn together with others

Francesco's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... the first place in Milan I called home.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the sense of camaraderie between PhD students and junior post-docs.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM... has to do with the "famous" Christmas Parties, when undergrads and PhD students mingle and have fun with senior post-docs and PIs. Nothing beats watching your boss acting silly and treating you like their best mate!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... of great help when seeking information and setting up collaborations.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its researchers' readiness to help others and share their knowledge and expertise.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... no matter what stage you are at in your scientific career, at IFOM you will find all the resources, facilities, expertise and knowledge that you need to learn more and improve further.

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Website

Müge Ogrunc

Current role:
Chief Scientific Officer at StarkLabs, France

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoctoral Fellow at the d’Adda di Fagagna Lab

Training timeline:
2099-2014: Postdoctoral Fellow at the d’Adda di Fagagna Lab

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
I specifically came to work for the d’Adda di Fagagna lab in IFOM because of their scientific excellence. I knew that I wanted to make the transition from academia to industry. When I look back, my IFOM tenure prepared me in many aspects in an academic setting for the next steps in industry. In the d’Adda di Fagagna lab, I led a multidisciplinary project with collaborations on and off campus. With IFOM Tech Transfer office initiatives, we presented our data to a mid-size biotechnology company. All these experiences now help me when I try to manage StarkLabs on a daily basis with scientific/business collaborations around the world.

Müge's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you say IFOM, what comes to mind is that ... IFOM is one of the best research institutes in Southern Europe.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... on the personal level: amazing coffee in the bar and free Italian lunch. On the professional level: open-space labs where we can interact/brainstorm with other lab members and receive cell culture team support from the in-house facility.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... right after I gave a seminar about my work on campus, the entire campus knew who I was and what I was working on.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has... given me valuable scientific/personal connections
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its well-integrated platforms.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... hope you will get the interview!

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StarkLabs Linkedin
Stark Labs Website

Sebastiano Pasqualato

Current role:
Head of the Biochemistry and Structural Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology - Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCSS - Milano

Role while at IFOM:
Post doc fellow - Scientific Group Prof. Andrea Musacchio

Training and professional timeline:
07.2011 – present: Crystallography Unit Coordinator European Institute of Oncology - Department of Experimental Oncology
01.2011 – 06.2011: Coordinator of the COGENTECH Crystallography Unit COGENTECH - Consortium for Genomic Technologies
2003-2010: Post-doctoral fellow - Dr. Andrea Musacchio’s Lab - Structural characterisation of kinetochore proteins, European Institute of Oncology - Department of Experimental Oncology
1998-2002: PhD student - Dr. Jacqueline Cherfils’ Lab - Structural characterisation of small G proteins, Laboratoire d’Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurales, CNRS (France)
1997-1998: Internship - Prof. Cesare Montecucco’s Lab - Biochemical studies of tetanus neurotoxin, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali Università degli studi di Padova (Italia)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
Experience at IFOM was instrumental in maturing my professional skills, both in terms of managing projects and providing my experienced assistance in structural biology.

Sebastiano's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you say IFOM, what comes to mind is that... extraordinary community of scientists
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the excitement of being in a growing environment, with people from many different institutions/background.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... long days at the bench, in an environment that mixed science with laughs and tennis-table games, with colleagues which became life-long friends.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has... an excellent place in which to develop my skills and science.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... its open space labs, shared instruments, labs shared among different groups. Not unique, but rather rare
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... science is great and there’s an attention at life/work balance, an excellent educational program and great facilities.

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Lorenza Penengo

Current role:
PI at the Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (IMCR) and Assistant Professor in Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Stability, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoc in the Simona Polo lab at IFOM

Training and professional timeline:
1998- 2002: PhD in Molecular Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, IT, and Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IL
2003- 2006: Postdoctoral Fellow, IFOM-IEO Campus (Institute of European Oncology and FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Milan, IT
2008-2014: Group Leader, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Assistant Professor in Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, IT
2014-2015: Oberassistent, Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (IVPT), University of Zurich
2017-present: Group Leader and Assistant Professor, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (IMCR), University of Zurich

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
it gave me the basis of my scientific independence and fostered the connection with amazing scientists (ex IFOMERs) now spread around the world!

Lorenza's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... it’s a great community to grow up as scientist and to make connections that will last over the years
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... people
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the 'after 6 pm life' in the lab, when we (the crazy lab B!) were used to pump music and have fun, to survive working in the lab until late…
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a milestone for my training
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... density of top-level scientists
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... I am sure I have already convinced you!

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Marco Saponaro

Current role:
Research Group Leader at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at University of Birmingham

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student in the Marco Foiani lab at IFOM

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My early years at IFOM have had a profound impact on my future career. I was allowed to have my first immersion in high quality research in a truly international environment, with top-class invited speakers and seminars. IFOM provided me with high-quality facilities and services that helped shaping my projects at the time, facilities that I have missed in my following research institutions. Finally, my experience at IFOM allowed me also to establish a network of contacts that are now spread around the world, happy to meet again when I go for conferences and meetings.

Marco's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... I was so much younger...
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... facilities and services, in particular kitchen and cell culture, and the canteen!
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is...perhaps the table football tournament, not that I was particularly good at it
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... instrumental in teaching me how to accomplish high-standard international competitive research
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the broad range of top-class cancer research that is going on
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... great environment and great people! Go for it and get the best out of the whole experience

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Sara Sigismund

Current role:
Associate Professor, Department of Oncology and Emato-oncology, University of Milan c/o IEO, European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy)

Role while at IFOM:
Post-doctoral fellow and then Staff Scientist in the group of Pier Paolo Di Fiore

Training and professional timeline:
2021 – present: Associate Professor, Dept. of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Italy c/o IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
2018 – 2020: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Italy c/o IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
2010 – 2017: Staff Scientist, supervision of the Endocytosis Research Team, Laboratory of Cellular Logistic of Cancer directed by Prof. Pier Paolo Di Fiore, IFOM, Milan, Italy
2004 – 2010: Post-doc, Laboratory of Prof. Pier Paolo Di Fiore, IFOM-IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
2000 – 2004: Ph.D. student, Laboratory of Prof. Pier Paolo Di Fiore, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
1998 – 2000: Master’s thesis student, Laboratory of Prof. Marco E. Bianchi, Dept. of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
While I was at IFOM, the most significant lesson I learnt was the importance of collaboration in science, to be open-minded and ready to learn from different disciplines and fields of research. This was possible thanks to the highly interactive environment of the research campus and to the research infrastructure, with reagents and facilities shared by the different research groups. Since leaving IFOM, I have continued this collaborative mode of research, which has helped me to pursue successful research projects during my career.

Sara's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... happy and successful moments
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... organization and cooperation
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the daily discussions with my bench-mates working in different fields of research and the emergence of new “out of the box” ideas
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... for my personal and scientific growth
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... collaborative efforts
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it’s one of the most competitive research institutes in Europe, located in an amazing country

Andrea Taddei

Current role:
Senior Principal Scientist, BenevolentAI, London

Role while at IFOM:
2004: Research Fellow
2005-2008: SEMM PhD Student
2009-2011: Postdoc

Training and professional timeline:
2012-2018: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Research UK & The Francis Crick Institute – London
2018: Drug Discovery, Exploratory Scientist – BenevolentAI – London
2018-2019: Drug Discovery Team Lead– BenevolentAI – London
2019-2020: Senior Principal Scientist – BenevolentAI – London

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
IFOM gave me the most solid scientific foundations that were instrumental for my career. The training I received at IFOM during my SEMM PhD and following Postodoc shaped my scientific mind and gave me all the skills I needed to succeed in both my academic and company roles.

Andrea's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... scientific quality.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the sense of community I felt at IFOM We were like a big family, everyone knew everyone and was always keen to help others in their projects with advice, reagents and know-how. I met an enormous amount of friends at IFOM and I am still in contact with many of them, collaborating with a few also on the professional level.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... I remember the day of my PhD viva, the pride of discussing my project in front of a big audience with all my colleagues, friends and family there to celebrate. Also, I remember the time my first important publication was accepted and the surprise leaving party my lab colleagues organized when I moved to London.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... instrumental for teaching me what scientific quality is, how important collaboration in research is and the determination and resilience needed to succeed in my goals.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for...this sense of community that makes all IFOMers feel like a big family.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... it will teach you what it means to be a good academic scientist and will provide you with all the skills you need to succeed in any other kind of scientific career you might want to pursue in the future.

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Gabriele Varano

Current role:
Staff Scientist at University of Ferrara

Role while at IFOM:
PhD Student first, and 1.5 years as postdoctoral fellow

Training and professional timeline:
2001-2004: Bachelor Degree in Biotechnology
2005-2006: Master's Degree in Medical Biotechnology
2007-2008: ”Leonardo da Vinci” Recipient (Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK)
2009-2013:PhD in Molecular Oncology and Human Genetics (SEMM#09, Dr. Casola's Lab)
2013-2014: Postdoctoral Fellow at IFOM (Fondazione Umberto Veronesi) (Dr. Casola's Lab)
2015-2019: Postdoctoral Fellow at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA (Dr. Dominuguez-Sola's lab)
2019-present: Staff Scientist at University of Ferrara

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
It did a lot. The years spent in IFOM as a student first, and as a postdoc (even though for just 1 year) later, have been essential to turn me into a better scientist, to foster my professional growth, and I certainly couldn’t achieve what I did in my career without the contribution of every single person that I met there. Particularly, I have been lucky to be part of a great team, led by a great mentor, who has always been a catalyst of enthusiasm and energy. A “not-so-common” example who has been able to inspire and support my professional (and personal) growth. Being part of IFOM has been challenging but rewarding and I have been able to learn that we can achieve anything we are passionate about and willing to sacrifice for.

Gabriele's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... Home. It’s not just a working place. It’s a place where I met friends, colleagues, mentors that all became, in a way, part of my life, and, most of them, still are. Home is a place where you feel safe, where you know you can always find a sweet spot for yourself. Well, I had all of that at IFOM.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... all of it (is this an acceptable answer?). Top-notch Science, state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring people, collaborative attitude, friends…not to mention the table-tennis, foosball, the cafeteria and the welcoming people working there making your lunch tasting differently, the maintenance team always ready to help you out with every possible problem…as I said…all of it!!!
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... hard to pick one…Christmas parties have been lots of fun!!! Also, I have been lucky to be part of the very first IPA (IFOM Postdoc Association) committee…that was extremely exciting…can’t forget the struggles we had at the beginning to really understand what exactly we were trying to start, or our excitement when we organized the first Science and Prosecco or the Friday Pizza and Beer events…also…the Thursday soccer team…students, postdocs and PI all mixed up running after the soccer ball every Thursday night. Can’t forget any of this!!!
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... an honor. It has been instrumental to become what I am now, and it is a “classification” that I will always proudly remark on my cv.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the support that it provides to its IFOMers. One example: administrative people are amazing, ready to help foreign students or postdocs jumping in a new world, new language, complicated burocracy. I have never seen this welcoming attitude anywhere else I have been.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will have the chance to pursue your scientific interests and you will have freedom, you will find world-class scientists ready to advice and, if necessary, criticize you, you will find the most advanced facilities to push your creativity…you will have all the support you need for a successful career in science. Most of all, you will be Home.

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Lorena Verduci

Current role:
Research Associate, University of Cambridge, UK

Role while at IFOM:
Visiting researcher

Training and professional timeline:
2007: Master’s degree, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy 2010: Visiting PhD student, UCL, London, UK 2011: PhD, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy 2011-2013: Post-Doctoral researcher, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Milan, Italy. 2013-2014: Post-Doctoral researcher, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy. 2014-2016: Post-Doctoral researcher, Istituto dei Tumori Regina Elena-IFO, Rome, Italy. 2016-2017: Post-Doctoral researcher, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. 2017-2020: Research Associate, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
The period I spent at IFOM definitively strengthen my passion for scientific research and commitment to carry on with my career.

Lorena's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... amazing facilities, international environment, great working space.
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... all the friendly people I met that made me feel at home.
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the funniest moments were coffee breaks in the canteen when we discussed about science and life.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... it has been a unique experience.
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the diversity of research topics you will find.
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will find a fertile ground for your scientific research.

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Carlos Villaescusa

Current role:
Principal Specialist and Project Leader, Stem Cell R&D, Novo Nordisk

Role while at IFOM:
PhD student at IFOM-IEO-Campus at Francesco Blasi Group

Training and professional timeline:
2018 – present. Principal Specialist and Project Leader, Stem Cell R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark.
2016 – 2018. Director of the CMM Stem cell & organoid core facility, CMM/MMK Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
2015 – 2018. Senior Researcher, Team Leader, group of Prof. Martin Schalling, CMM/MMK Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
2014 – 2018. Editor-in-Chief, Advances in Regenerative Biology.
2011 – 2016. Assistant Professor in the group of Prof. Ernest Arenas, MBB Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
2011 – 2015. Associate Researcher, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
2007 – 2011. FEBS Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellow, group of Prof. Ernest Arenas, MBB Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
2007- Doctoral Degree – PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Supervisor: Prof. Francesco Blasi (IFOM, Italy). Co-supervisor: Prof. Riaz Farookhi (McGill University, Canada).
2001. Degree in Biochemistry, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain.

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
My experience at IFOM helped my in many different ways. I grew up scientifically in the area of developmental biology, something that plays a pivotal role in my past and current research on stem cells. In my years at IFOM, I learned how important is to be open to criticism from others. To listen and reflect on the feedback from our colleagues is essential to grow in science. I also realized about the key role that collaborations play in scientific research nowadays.

Carlos's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... science with a purpose
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... the sense of being part of a big scientific family
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... the interaction between young scientists and how everyone had different views and ways to work in science
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... essential to appreciate how important is to get constructive criticism in science and the key role that collaborations play in scientific research
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... the great organization and the feeling of being part of a big scientific project that the whole IFOM contributes to
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... you will have the possibility of interacting with many different groups to develop you scientific career in an international environment, probably the best scientific research institute in Italy

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Alessandra Zatti

Current role:
Research Program Manager

Role while at IFOM:
Postdoctoral scientist

Training and professional timeline:
Research Program Manager (since 2012)- Research and Development Office, Fondazione Telethon
Postdoctoral Scientist (2006-2011) - IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano (Italy)
Adjunct professor (2007-2010) - Vita e Salute San Raffaele University, Medical School, Milano (Italy); Teacher in the laboratory course: Histology and Human Morphology
Post-doctoral Associate (2001-2006) - Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, New Haven, Connecticut (USA)
Phd Biochemistry (2000) - Department of Biochemistry, University of, Padova (Italy)

How did your IFOM experience help you throughout your career?
For networking activities

Alessandra's IFOM in 6 #
#1 If you tell me IFOM, I tell you... excellence
#2 What I miss from IFOM is... Campus Life
#3 My most exciting memory of IFOM is... is a lot of friendships.
#4 In my career, having been an IFOMer has been... a privilege and very rewarding
#5 Travelling the world, I found that IFOM is unique for... ability to attract real talents
#6 Anyone applying for research at IFOM? It's a great idea because... the research quality and the training opportunities are top.

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