Alumni Association News 2012

At the alumni meeting in Greece last year, participants enquired about training opportunities for young Greek researchers at EMBL. Director of Core Facilities and Services Christian Boulin encouraged them to spread the word amongst young researchers in their groups and networks to apply to the EMBL Visitor Programme. And so it was that Chris Papadimitriou visited the EMBL Genomics Core Facility for three-months’ training earlier this year.

“Without EMBL alumna Zoe Lygerou, who established the contact, I might never have known about this opportunity,” says Chris (pictured), who is now back at the University of Patras, continuing his Master’s thesis on the role of DNA replication inhibitor, Geminin, in hematopoiesis.

“The experience enabled me to continue my research more efficiently and productively. I trained on DNA microarray experiments under the supervision of Vladimir Benes, Head of the Genomics Core Facility, and learnt the methods and techniques for performing a successful experiment from beginning to end. I also started analysis and interpretation of the microarray data using bioinformatics tools.

“It was rewarding to work with such cutting edge technology, and to benefit from the expertise of the Gene Core technicians who did their best to share their knowledge and experience.

”After completing the data interpretation of his microarray experiments, Chris plans to move into regenerative medicine – a field based on molecular biology that uses stem cell research to eventually benefit patients.