I am a biochemist at the Institute of Blood Pathology and Transfusion Medicine of NAMS of Ukraine and have always worked in the field of biochemical research. My work was devoted to the study of blood coagulation proteins but since June of last year, I have radically changed the field of my scientific activity to molecular genetic research. Therefore, I am looking for opportunities to quickly master new research methods and implement them at our Institute. In this context, I was honored to receive a Ukrainian Short-Term Fellowship from FEBS, to do an internship at a laboratory in Italy.

Modern genetic hematological research with the participation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies is not carried out in Ukraine at the proper level. My internship focused on the study of NGS assays with subsequent implementation to determine the genomic profile of hematological patients in Ukraine. Since the genetic aberrations driving these malignancies vary considerably across different cancers as well as differ from the diagnosis to the definitive treatment, specialized and comprehensive NGS assays are necessary to detect the disease stages and progression properly. The project was designed to propel the future of precision medicine in hemato-oncology. During my internship, I had the opportunity not only to master new research methods but also to get acquainted with work processes and establish new contacts with colleagues who share common scientific interests.

I completed my internship at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), which is part of three separate institutions, working together as a whole: Istituto di Medicina Rigenerativa (ISBReMIT), Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza and Poliambulatorio “Giovanni Paolo II”. All these structures cooperate and interact with each other on the principle of complementarity. This is an excellent example of the association of practical medicine with scientific research. A great instance of such cooperation is the CAR-T research project which is being carried out by the hematology group led by Dr. Vincenzo Giambra at Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza. Thanks to the FEBS Short-Term Fellowship, I was able to master various methods of biological research. At the same time, I got access to work on various devices and had the opportunity to learn from the institute's employees. I was convinced once again that: “La cura si chiama ricerca” (“The treatment is called research”).

Italy is incredible, so I couldn't miss the chance to visit and explore this country. My internship took place in one of the most beautiful pilgrimage centers in Italy – the city of Padre Pio, a place where the sky touches the Earth. Casa Sollievo della Soferenza is the titanic work of the Padre Pio – his creation. He had a great dream: to create the best Hospital in the world with the best doctors and equipment, and where the patient would be the main focus. And he achieved this! I have never seen anything more magnificent in my life. I had the opportunity to visit the Hematology department of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza and communicate with the doctors Nicolla Cascavilla, Massimo Carella, and others. This will allow us to continue our close cooperation. We are very grateful to them for their assistance in the treating our patients.

We want to provide appropriate treatment at our Institute in Ukraine, so we need to introduce new research methods. The treatment of patients directly depends on scientific research and this is an axiom. There is no progress without research. Only the invention of new drugs and the implementation of new treatment protocols will improve the quality of life of patients.

I would like to thank the FEBS Fellowships Committee for this opportunity and support. This scholarship has been my lucky lottery ticket on the path of my scientific career. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Vincenzo Giambra, Ph.D., the Group Leader, for having me in his Hematopathology Laboratory and for all the hospitality, guidance, and mentorship. A special thanks to Paola Parrella, Chiara di Nunzio, Serena Di Lasio, Simona Isani, Vittorio Curiello, and Gaja Bruno, who accepted me into their team, trained and supported me throughout the internship period, and for all the care and support that they provided me. In addition, to my colleagues Sofia Khudzii and Maryana Kokoruz, my head of the laboratory Dr. Myroslav Voroniak, PhD, for assistance in my first steps in molecular genetic research, Vasyl Novak, PhD, MD,  Prof., Director of the Institute of Blood Pathology and Transfusion Medicine of NAMS of Ukraine.

Everyone knows how important it is for a person to be part of a team and to find like-minded people. This is especially important in the scientific field. I hope my scientific journey in the field of molecular research has just begun.

Top photo of the ISBReMIT team in Italy. All photos provided by Nataliya Shurko.