“During my secondment, I have had the opportunity to achieve significant professional milestones and gain enriching personal experiences. Here is an overview of my accomplishments:

Professional Achievements:

Upon my arrival, I initiated a comprehensive presentation introducing the activities of my home laboratory, delving into specific research projects and methodologies. This not only served the purpose of introducing myself to the team but also facilitated in-depth discussions about potential future collaborations on thematic areas of mutual interest. The exchange of ideas during this session laid the foundation for fruitful collaborations in the future.

This project not only contributed to my understanding of NMR technology for studying lipoproteins but also opened avenues for novel research in cardiovascular health. Before embarking on this experience, I had little to no knowledge of the application of NMR in studying lipid profiles. Having delved into this field, I am now appreciative of the capabilities of NMR in providing insights into lipid profiles and cardiovascular health. I see great potential for this technology to play a crucial role in future collaborations and research endeavours within the cardiovascular domain.

My visit to Biosfer Teslab also provided me with the opportunity to explore workspaces that I don’t frequent in my daily routine. This included entering the research laboratories where practices in proteomics and metabolomics take place, and particularly the laboratory housing the instruments used for NMR. I watched my colleagues as they processed and examined blood samples using NMR. Upon returning to the office, a bioinformatics colleague demonstrated the transformation of NMR spectra into quantitative measurements related to lipid profiles and more. This hands-on MSCA SE CardioSCOPE experience offered me valuable insights into the intricate processes involved in utilizing NMR for various analyses.

During my stay, I also attended the Cardionet Meeting (Basic Research and Clinical Translation Working Group of the Catalan Society of Cardiology) at the Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus.

Participation in this meeting was a significant networking opportunity within the cardiovascular research community. Beyond merely attending sessions, I actively engaged in discussions, fostering connections with professionals actively conducting research in my field of interest.

Personal Experiences:

First, I participated in the retreat of the Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), which took place in Arnes between November 7 and 9. This meeting was not only an academic gathering but a transformative experience in team dynamics. Collaborative activities and discussions with fellow researchers provided me with practical insights into effective teamwork, knowledge that I am eager to implement within my research group.

Second, I had the pleasure of meeting other colleagues who are just starting their secondment, coming from the Institute of cellular biology and pathology ‘Nicolae Simionescu’ – Romanian academy. I enjoyed having dinner with them, sharing impressions, and exchanging advice about this experience.

Not least of all, I had the opportunity to get to know the research group Biosfer Teslab, which was not only composed of highly competent and professional individuals but also very kind, making me feel part of the group from the very beginning.

Beyond the laboratory and academic settings, my two-month stay in Reus was a captivating journey into the heart of the local culture. From exploring historical landmarks to savouring the culinary delights of the region, each experience added a layer of richness to my overall stay.

In conclusion, my secondment has been a multifaceted journey of professional growth, from detailed presentations and collaborative research projects to hands-on laboratory experiences.

Simultaneously, it has been a personally enriching adventure, filled with cultural  exploration and meaningful interactions with colleagues in Spain.”

Dr Elena Olmastroni, Università degli studi di Milano