Young Researchers of IMMEDIATE

What are you currently working on within the scope of IMMEDIATE and what are your main goals and objectives in the project?

In the IMMEDIATE Project, my team and I are focusing on creating and refining a set of applications and APIs to facilitate communication between researchers and the public, including clinical study participants. The app will be prototyped in English and tested with study participants, and their well-being profiles will be delivered at the end of the study. To support health professionals, we will create a distance learning program delivered through an e-learning platform. This program will include modules on the diet-microbiome-metabolite-chronic inflammation axis and training on the IMMEDI-APP. It will be available in multiple languages, aiming to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and encourage them to utilize the app in their practice.

Our main goals are to enhance communication between researchers and participants, promote health education, and develop user-centred digital tools that contribute to the project’s objectives.

What do you particularly like about your field of research?

What I particularly appreciate about my field of research is its dynamic nature and the vibrant community of scholars it encompasses. The field is constantly evolving with new discoveries and emerging trends, which keeps the work exciting and full of potential. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to engage with researchers from various disciplines, fostering collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. This interconnectedness not only enriches the research experience but also contributes to the advancement of knowledge in meaningful and impactful ways.

What inspired you to go into science?

My inspiration to pursue a career in science stems from a deep fascination with the unknown and the boundless opportunities for discovery. From a young age, I was captivated by the idea that there are countless mysteries waiting to be unravelled. The prospect of contributing to our understanding of the natural world and potentially making groundbreaking discoveries fuels my passion. Science offers a dynamic platform for exploration, where each new research endeavour opens doors to innovative insights and solutions. The opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge and uncover new phenomena is what truly drives me in this field.

In your words, what will be the impact of IMMEDIATE on society?

The IMMEDIATE Project is set to make a profound impact on society by shifting our approach to health and disease. By investigating how our diet, microbiome, and immune system interact, it aims to address chronic inflammation. What excites me is the project's focus on early detection. By identifying biomarkers and risk factors before they lead to serious health problems, we can implement personalized interventions to prevent irreversible damage. The use of cutting-edge technologies and AI to create individualized risk and resilience scores is particularly promising. I'm also looking forward to seeing the outcomes of their intervention studies, such as those involving the anti-inflammatory microbe Akkermansia muciniphila. If these interventions prove effective, it could mean real improvements in both biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Additionally, the mobile apps being developed will be a game-changer, enabling people to track their health and make informed decisions based on real-time feedback. Overall, IMMEDIATE has the potential to empower individuals to take charge of their health and improve overall well-being, which could have a huge positive impact on society.

What motivates you, personally, to work on this project?

Personally, I'm motivated to work on this project because it represents a tangible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and the focus on individualized health solutions resonates with me. I believe that empowering people with the knowledge and tools to manage their own health can lead to profound improvements in overall well-being. Additionally, the collaborative aspect of the project, involving diverse expertise and innovative approaches, inspires me. It’s motivating to be part of a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes on a broad scale.

What are your goals after the project?

After the project, my goals are to build on the insights and advancements we’ve made to further the application of personalized health interventions.

I also aim to continue working on innovative approaches that leverage emerging technologies, such as AI, to address other pressing health challenges. Expanding on the knowledge gained from this project, I hope to contribute to developing new tools and strategies for early detection and prevention of diseases. Ultimately, I want to help translate the breakthroughs we achieve into real-world solutions that can improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers?

For aspiring researchers, it’s important to foster a deep sense of curiosity and passion for your subject matter. This intrinsic motivation will not only sustain you through the inevitable challenges but also fuel your creativity and drive. Building a strong foundation in the fundamentals of your field will enable you to approach complex questions with confidence and expertise.

Being well-organized is key; keeping meticulous records of your work and managing your data effectively can make a significant difference in the quality of your research. Collaboration is another vital aspect—engaging with peers and mentors can provide fresh perspectives and enhance your research.

Resilience is crucial as well; the research journey is often fraught with obstacles and setbacks, but learning to persevere through difficulties is essential. Effective communication of your findings, both in writing and presentations, is necessary to share your discoveries and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Ethical integrity must guide your research practices, ensuring that your work is credible and trustworthy. Lastly, balancing your research with other aspects of life and managing your time wisely will help you stay productive and avoid burnout. By embracing these principles, you’ll be well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to your field.

What are you currently working on within the scope of IMMEDIATE and what are your main goals and objectives in the project?

Currently, I am studying the effect of Akkermancia muciniphila on the level of short-chain fatty acids in faeces. My main task is to prepare and perform the analysis of short-chain fatty acid concentrations using the LC -TOF MS/MS technique.

What do you particularly like about your field of research?

The possibility of studying the interactions between the bacterial microbiome and the human body. Many scientific studies have shown the great role of the human microbiome in the well-being of the body. Still, the complexity of the processes that occur between the host and microorganisms makes the discovery of these relationships very difficult but on the other hand exciting. We must remember that human evolution would not have been possible if bacteria had not existed before. This shows how big of a role they play in our lives and how dependent we are on them.

What inspired you to go into science?

The desire to learn, discover and deepen knowledge about the biochemistry of the human body and in particular commensalism between humans and bacteria.

In your words, what will be the impact of IMMEDIATE on society?

I think that the project can contribute to the earlier detection of some diseases, especially those related to chronic inflammation, which will ultimately help in faster recovery. I also believe that the conclusions from the research will help in health education to avoid many diseases in the future.

What motivates you, personally, to work on this project?

The IMMEDIATE project is in many ways consistent with my scientific interests. Moreover, thanks to the project I can meet many people with whom I can exchange experiences. As a result, it encourages reflection and motivates further experiments.

What are your goals after the project?

Further research in the area of microbiome.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers?

Learn by doing. Then it is easier for us to find a field that will fascinate us.

What are you currently working on within the scope of IMMEDIATE and what are your main goals and objectives in the project?

I am working on the KTX360 cohort. It is a large kidney transplantation study, and we are focusing on the relationship between the immune system and metabolites produced by gut bacteria and how those affect outcomes after the transplantation. Unfortunately, after receiving the transplant and getting a chance to live without burning on dialysis, we observe that many patients are rapidly losing kidney function. However, we also know that some patients are doing better, and their decline in kidney function is not so extreme. The idea behind this is that chronic inflammation primarily contributes to kidney failure after the transplantation. Within the cohort, I am investigating how health issues develop and vary among individuals after transplantation, considering proteomic, metabolomic and immunomic levels.

What do you particularly like about your field of research?

I love how my field is interconnected—it touches many biological aspects, including pathophysiology and immunology, which extend into metabolism, biochemistry, and molecular biology. On top of that, it requires specialized knowledge in data analysis and computational skills. I feel incredibly fortunate to have gained such a broad and deep understanding through this project.

What inspired you to go into science?

I've always been curious about how things work, especially how the human body functions. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Over time, my interest in biology grew to include technical fields simply because many diseases remain poorly understood, making treatment either challenging or ineffective. This realisation led me to pursue a second bachelor's degree in biotechnology. I wouldn’t say there was a moment when something specifically inspired me to go into science; rather, I immersed myself in it out of pure curiosity. What keeps me in science, however, is the outstanding collaborative atmosphere and example set by my colleagues, whose passion and dedication continue to inspire me.

In your words, what will be the impact of IMMEDIATE on society?

I firmly believe that we are what we eat. Every day, we nourish not just our bodies, but also the millions of microorganisms living within us. We know that the microbiome can be modified, which in turn affects immune homeostasis. IMMEDIATE aims to improve metabolic health through diet, focusing on healthy individuals and transplant recipients. The potential impact could be profound, as the project has practical aspects, - developing tools that help people live healthier lives, while addressing existing health issues and preventing diseases.

What motivates you, personally, to work on this project?

I’m gaining unique, invaluable experience that I know will be useful no matter what I work on in the future. Plus, the project is challenging, and I enjoy that. Every challenge provides me with a portion of motivation to keep pushing forward.

What are your goals after the project?

I want to stay in immunology research and contribute to improving post-transplantation outcomes.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers?

One piece of advice I’d offer is to stay persistent but be mindful of maintaining balance. Research can be intense, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Setting clear boundaries and working with focus and discipline can help keep your passion alive without leading to burnout. It’s important to remain committed to your work while not pushing yourself too hard.