As part of its role as an anti-pandemic hub dedicated to the research, development and production of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for epidemic and pandemic infections, the Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena co-funds 30 doctoral scholarships aimed at diagnosis, prevention and therapy.

The research projects were presented during the five-day event of the National PhD Days in “Innovation in the Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy of Epidemic and Pandemic Risk Infections”, led by the University of Siena with the participation of 11 other universities and supported by Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena. The course coordinator is Professor Donata Medaglini from the Department of Medical Biotechnology.

Numerous in-depth sessions during the event addressed topics of great relevance to public health, including innovative technologies for diagnosis, vaccine development, antimicrobial drugs, monoclonal antibodies and strategies against antibiotic resistance.

Over the five days, 31 doctoral students had the opportunity not only to present their research projects but also to stimulate new collaborations, further strengthening the ties between universities, industries and local institutions. Joining them were Roberto Di Pietra, Rector of the University of Siena, Donata Medaglini, Vice-Rector and National PhD Coordinator, Marco Montorsi, President of Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Andrea Garulli, Delegate for Doctoral Research, Jacqueline Müller, Head of the Doctoral Research Office, Rino Rappuoli, Scientific Director of Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena and Annalisa Santucci, Board Member of the Fondazione.

The participating universities include the University of Siena, Humanitas University, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, University of Campania, University of Catania, University of Florence, University of Padua, University of Pisa, University of Salento, University of Sassari, and University of Turin.