Scientific Communication highlights from the Joint Core Course A.Y. 2024-25
The Virgilio Program is excited to share the outcomes of the Joint Core Course on Scientific Communication, held between January and February 2025 under the guidance of Dr. Chiara Gabbi (MD, PhD). The course combined live webinars, an in-person session, and hands-on team projects where students developed real-world communication tools aimed at translating biomedical research for a broader audience.
Here are the projects produced by our students:
Project 1
A Revolutionary Approach to Fight Blood Cancer
Team Members: Leuci Laura, Mannino Mauro, Motisi Annagiulia, Ricci Sara, Savoldelli Francesca, Spolaore Alberto
Description: Our lay abstract “A Revolutionary Approach to Fight Blood Cancer” outlines an innovative research project aimed at understanding the mechanisms driving the progression of multiple myeloma (MM), a blood cancer that affects bone marrow. By utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology, researchers aim to identify the genes responsible for the disease’s evolution from early stages (MGUS and SMM) to active MM. The ultimate goal is to develop personalized therapies that improve patients’ quality of life by reducing side effects and extending remission periods.
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Project 2
Myopia prevention in kids
Team Members: Cristina Martinelli Bellaviti Buttoni, Silvia Sacchi, Matteo Marinini, Eusebiu Marian Latis
Description: In this video, we highlight the growing issue of myopia in children and why early prevention is crucial. With more and more kids around the world experiencing vision problems, we emphasize the importance of simple yet effective habits, like spending more time outdoors. By raising awareness, we hope to encourage parents, teachers, and children to take small steps that can make a big difference in protecting eye health.
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Project 3
Involvement of medical students in research
Team Members: Simone Laguardia, Francesco Sangalli, Lorenzo Cortellazzi, Davide Pizzi and Caterina Rocchi
Description: We choosed to talk about the “Involvement of medical students in research”, a topic we clearly care about. In the video, we focused on the importance of the contribution made by students to research and the benefits it can bring to the community.
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Project 4
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: a new weapon against cancer
Team Members: Maria Aleppo, Jiho Park, Hygerda Guma, Elena Coppo Nepi, Bianca Corbetta, Romina Fanchiotti
Description: This video is about Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, a group of drugs that improve the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. These drugs are now used to treat specific malignancies, like lung, skin, kidney, liver and some blood cancers. However, the benefits from this kind of therapy could be extended to other cancers too, thanks to the ongoing and precious effort of researchers all over the world. It is vital to raise awareness about cancer treatment options and to support research efforts, in order to improve therapy and ultimately patients’ lives.
