July 2025

My PhD within the Disc4all European Innovative Training Network (ITN) has been an enriching experience and has given me the opportunity to develop into a more well-rounded scientist. The Disc4all training framework offered an interdisciplinary approach bringing together expertise from clinicians; computational physicists and biologists; geneticists; computer scientists; cell and molecular biologists; microbiologist and bioinformaticians to tackle IVD degeneration. To that extent, my thesis benefitted tremendously through the opportunity to bridge my experimental data to in silico models which would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of Disc4all. Personally, I have learned greatly from the opportunity to collaborate with so many individuals of various backgrounds and value the different perspectives they bring.

UBern

Pursuing my PhD as part of the Disc4all consortium has been a truly transformative journey, both professionally and personally. The Disc4all project focuses on addressing intervertebral disc degeneration, a key contributor to chronic low back, and offers a unique interdisciplinary environment that brought together experts from diverse fields including biologists, geneticists, computer scientists, cell and molecular biologists, microbiologists, bioinformaticians; and industrial partners. Being immersed in such a collaborative and innovative ecosystem not only broadened my scientific perspective but also deepened my appreciation for the power of interdisciplinary research. As an Early-Stage Researcher funded through the Disc4all Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Training Network, I gained access to exceptional opportunities for international collaboration and training. As part of the program, I had the privilege of completing three international internships in Sheffield Hallam University (UK), Hospital del Mar Research Institute (Spain), and Rochester Institute of Technology (US). Each experience enriched my academic and cultural understanding, exposing me to different research approaches and allowing me to build strong professional connections across continents. This journey has not only equipped me with advanced scientific and technical skills but also fostered personal growth, resilience, and adaptability. The dynamic and multicultural nature of the program challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, think critically, and embrace new perspectives. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the support, mentorship, and collaborative spirit that defined my PhD experience. Being part of Disc4all and the Marie Curie network has been a fulfilling and inspiring chapter in my life—one that I will always carry with pride and appreciation.

UBern

My PhD journey has been a remarkable experience of growth and discovery, filled with opportunities that have profoundly shaped my academic and personal development. One of the highlights has been presenting my research at international conferences, where I engaged with diverse audiences from various fields. This exposure has enriched my understanding and inspired innovative approaches in my work.

During my studies, I participated in secondments in different countries, which introduced me to new fields, broadened my research perspective, while also enhanced my adaptability and cultural understanding. Working alongside colleagues from various disciplines emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex scientific questions. Additionally, the seminars and workshops throughout my PhD provided me with valuable skills and insights that further enhanced my expertise.

Teaching in academia has further developed my communication skills and deepened my appreciation for knowledge sharing. Balancing teaching responsibilities with research deadlines has taught me invaluable time management skills, allowing me to navigate challenges effectively.

However, the journey has not been without stress. The pressure to solve complex problems, innovate, and find solutions independently can be overwhelming at times. Learning new techniques and theories often requires perseverance and self-motivation, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone. Yet, these challenges have fostered resilience, helping me to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Overall, my PhD experience has been transformative, equipping me with the ability to overcome obstacles and the skills to innovate. The combination of research, teaching, and engaging with diverse audiences has prepared me well for my future endeavors in academia and beyond.

UPF

As the Disc4All project reaches its final milestone, we turn the spotlight to the individuals at its core—the Early Stage Researchers who embarked on this ambitious, interdisciplinary journey. Now stepping into the next chapter as post-doc, they carry with them not only academic expertise but invaluable experiences shaped by collaboration, innovation, and growth.

Testimonial: Francesco Gualdi, IMIM

Durin the three years of PhD I had the opportunity to work with excellent people and researchers from all over the world. First of all, my supervisors guided me in the best way possible, by leaving me free to explore what I liked but still giving me precious suggestions and focusing my research on pragmatical endpoints. Being part of an ITN allowed me to exchange ideas with other PhD students and PIs from very heterogeneous backgrounds and research fields. This gave me the capabilities of understanding many different types of research, from wet – lab to artificial intelligence. I think that a comprehensive view on research is the real advantage of being part of an ITN. I already signed a contract for a post – doc where the skills I developed in the last three years are of great importance.

IMIM

Testimonial: Ahmad Alminnawi, LIEGE

Undertaking my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering marked a pivotal period of intellectual growth and professional development for me. My research got more interesting by the day especially since I was working both in the wet lab and on computational modeling and simulations, so I was able to see these two aspects complement each other firsthand. The numerous conferences I attended not only expanded my knowledge but also connected me with influential figures who I believe will play a crucial role in shaping my career in the future. The secondments to other Disc4all institutions abroad provided invaluable experiential learning especially since they specialized in the topic that I was dealing with. However, the distinctive nature of my research set me apart from my colleagues at my host institution as I was the only person working on the intervertebral disc and the only one using bovine models. This created a sense of professional isolation, notably when I hit a roadblock in my research and needed external input. Despite this challenge, the comprehensive network I cultivated, and the insights gained from my experiences, allowed me to go through these hardships. It was a true experience of self-discovery and intellectual growth as every uncertainty turned into a challenge and finally a triumph. I consider myself lucky to have had this experience and acquired fellow researchers from all over Europe who turned into a big support network that changed what could have been a solitary pursuit into a collaborative adventure. I consider the mentorship received as not just about guidance on research methodologies but also a priceless lesson in resilience and perseverance.

Université de Liège

As the Disc4All project reaches its final chapter, we celebrate not just the research, but the remarkable journeys behind it. Our Early Stage Researchers—now proud PhDs—have shared their stories, insights, and transformations. From academic breakthroughs to personal growth, here’s what they had to say about their time in this unique, interdisciplinary adventure.

Let their voices tell the rest.

Testimonial: Andrea Nüesch, SHU, UFSD

Being part of the Disc4All project has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. I benefited greatly from the programme as a whole — the infrastructure provided was outstanding, allowing us to network not only within Europe but also with the wider disc research community across the globe. This international exposure opened up opportunities for collaboration with colleagues from diverse fields, which fostered truly interdisciplinary working strategies and significantly contributed to my growth as a scientist. The three years spent living abroad, including the secondment, provided me with invaluable insights into how science is approached in different countries. I was able to learn new techniques, gain perspectives from various scientific backgrounds, and adapt to different research cultures. These experiences have broadened my horizons, strengthened my adaptability, and enhanced both my technical and soft skills. Equally important has been the personal journey alongside the other Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). Over the course of the programme, we developed strong bonds that I believe will endure well beyond the lifetime of the project. Even as we now begin to follow our individual paths, I am confident that we will continue to support one another — both scientifically and personally — and remain a valuable source of advice and encouragement. I am also truly grateful for the superb supervision I received throughout the programme. The guidance and mentorship I was given helped me become a more independent, confident scientist, able to take initiative while still recognising the value of collaboration and shared expertise. Overall, the Disc4All project has played a crucial role in shaping my scientific career, and I am deeply thankful to have been part of such an inspiring and supportive network.

Andrea Nüesch, SHU, UFSD

As the Disc4All project reaches its conclusion, we look beyond the scientific milestones to celebrate the people behind them. Our researchers, who joined as early-career scientists and now emerge as PhDs, have experienced more than just academic success—they’ve grown through collaboration, exploration, and personal transformation. From breakthroughs in the lab to lessons learned along the way, they now share their unique experiences from this interdisciplinary journey.

In Their Words:

Testimonial: Exarchos Kanelis, ProtATonce LTD Former ITN Disc4All PhD candidate – now Junior Lab Scientist at Protavio Ltd

Embarking on a PhD journey within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program has been a transformative experience for me. The program's emphasis on international collaboration and interdisciplinary research has allowed me to work with some of the brightest minds in the field of Spinal Health across Europe. My project has not only deepened my expertise in these fields but also broadened my perspective on spinal health challenges.

The MSCA program provided an incredible support system, including funding for research and opportunities for networking through various schools and meetings. This exposure was instrumental in developing my professional network, opening doors to collaborations I hadn’t anticipated at the beginning. The opportunity to work in different countries and institutions was a unique aspect of the MSCA experience, enhancing both my personal growth and professional competence. Living in different cultural settings enriched my understanding of diverse research environments and fostered a more holistic approach to my work.

One of the most rewarding aspects was the mentorship and guidance from experienced researchers. Their insights and feedback were invaluable in shaping my research direction and improving my methodology. Utilizing advanced techniques like Luminex multiplex analysis, I was able to analyze multiple biomarkers simultaneously, providing comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress induced disc degeneration. The integration of bioinformatics allowed for sophisticated data analysis, identifying potential therapeutic targets.

The MSCA program has undoubtedly set a solid foundation for my future career, instilling confidence and a global outlook that I will carry forward. Ultimately, I aspire to continue doing research, focusing on innovative solutions to combat disc degeneration as well as other conditions that affect the general population.

ProtATonce LTD

My doctoral journey within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Disc4All project has been predominantly positive and intellectually stimulating. Working on this innovative research initiative has allowed me to push boundaries in my field, despite encountering some operational challenges along the way. Although I joined the project six months after its commencement—which initially limited collaborative opportunities and created a slight learning curve—I quickly adapted to the research environment. The work, while occasionally progressing at a slower pace than anticipated, has been characterized by its groundbreaking nature. I take particular pride in our focus on developing solutions accessible to non-expert users, which I believe will have meaningful real-world impact. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this experience has been the relationships formed with remarkable colleagues who have since become close friends. These connections have enriched both my professional development and personal life, creating a support network that extends beyond the confines of our research. The MSCA Disc4All project has undoubtedly shaped my academic trajectory and provided a foundation for future endeavors in ways I could not have anticipated at the outset of this journey.

Maria Paola Ferri, BSC

As the Disc4All project comes to a close, it's time to reflect not only on the scientific achievements, but on the inspiring journeys that made them possible. Our Early Stage Researchers—now fully fledged PhDs—have walked an extraordinary path of learning, collaboration, and growth. From lab discoveries to life lessons, they’ve shared what this interdisciplinary adventure has meant to them.

Now, hear their stories—in their own words.

Testimonial: Dimitrios Lialios, BSC

Pursuing my PhD has been a transformative journey, both intellectually and personally. My work focused on the multiscale and multiphysics modelling of the intervertebral disc (IVD), bringing together biomechanics, transport phenomena, and cellular mechanobiology within a high-performance computing framework.One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the opportunity to work across disciplines—mechanics, biology, numerical methods, and HPC—and to see how theoretical ideas could be translated into practical simulations with clinical relevance. I also placed significant emphasis on understanding and optimizing the numerical implementation, including the finite element assembly and solver performance, which proved crucial for enabling large-scale simulations. During my PhD, I also had the opportunity to participate in international secondments that broadened my scientific perspective. At the University of Bern, I gained hands-on experience in the wet lab, which deepened my understanding of the experimental underpinnings of my models. At KU Leuven, I collaborated with researchers in the field of spinal biomechanics, benefiting from interdisciplinary exchange and expanding the translational relevance of my work. Equally important were the people I met along the way—colleagues, collaborators, and fellow PhD students—many of whom became close friends. Their support, camaraderie, and shared curiosity made this journey not only intellectually enriching but personally meaningful. Throughout my PhD, I’ve grown not only as a researcher but also as a problem solver and communicator. The challenges I faced—whether theoretical, numerical, or computational—shaped my ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and maintain clarity in complexity. This journey has strengthened my commitment to computational science as a tool for addressing real-world biomedical problems, and I look forward to contributing further in this interdisciplinary space.

BSC

🎓✨ Missed the 8th Barcelona VPH Institute Summer School? No worries – we’ve got you covered!

📹 The full recordings from this year’s summer school are now available! 🔗 Find them right here: https://lnkd.in/dTkgUwck and dive into cutting-edge talks, and discussions on Integrative Medicine! 🧠💻Check the activity report attached!

👩‍⚕️👨‍💻 Whether you joined us in Barcelona or not, now’s your chance to (re)live the experience

📍 Watch, learn, get inspired – anytime, anywhere.

UPF-VPHi

https://www.youtube.com/@disc4all_project/playlists