Research and freedom: discovering Manuela Basso’s journey and the Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology in Trento

09/09/2024

Manuela Basso has always viewed research as an opportunity to explore new scientific boundaries in complete freedom. According to her, this freedom not only manifests itself in physical space, as research can thrive in any laboratory around the world, but also in the realm of thoughts, as it encourages individuals to ask themselves questions and find answers using the tools available within a specific context. After earning a degree in Biotechnologies in her hometown of Turin, she completed her PhD at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan, before moving to New York, where she spent six years at the Burke Neurological Institute affiliated with Cornell University. Today, she is an associate professor at the Department of Cellular and Computational Biology (CIBIO) at the University of Trento, which she joined ten years ago. In this interview, Professor Basso reveals  the key qualities of a successful researcher, her professional dream, and presents the Master's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, which she coordinates.

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Manuela Basso and I am an associate professor in the Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology at the University of Trento. I also coordinate the Master’s program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in research?

I chose to become a researcher because I have always associated this profession with a sense of freedom. This freedom is spatial, as scientific research can be conducted anywhere in the world, as well as intellectual, allowing researchers to ask questions and seek answers using also the tools available in a given context.

 

Besides passion and preparation, what are the three characteristics a researcher must have?

A researcher must be determined, brave, intellectually honest, and generous, as they need to be willing to share their discoveries with others.

Could you present the Master's program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Trento?

The Master’s program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology has been structured to mirror the research activities conducted by the Department. It focuses on biotechnologies used in the biomedical field. Leveraging the Department’s exceptional expertise, highly specialized for example in genome editing or in computational biology to understand the data generated daily by new technologies, we are able to offer high levels of knowledge in these specific areas. The goal is to equip students with the tools to understand biological processes, innovate, and create new technologies to address biomedical needs.

 

As a researcher, what is your dream?

As a researcher, I have the dream of working in a multidisciplinary team. This vision is not yet common in universities, but I believe it is the only way to achieve our goals.

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