Luca Acerbi has always been fascinated by the white coat. While as a child he dreamed of becoming a vet, as he grew up, he directed his ambitions towards a career in cancer research. In 2022, the Dompé Foundation awarded him a scholarship to support his Master’s studies in Biomedical Omics at the University of Milan, a cutting-edge and multidisciplinary program aimed at providing students with an in-depth understanding of omics. Currently engaged in an internship within Professor Pece’s research group at the European Institute of Oncology, Luca shares in this interview his academic journey, passions outside the lab, and much more.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hi, I'm Luca, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Milan. I’m attending the Master’s in Biomedical Omics. Since I was a child, I've always envisioned myself wearing a white coat. Initially, I wanted to be a vet, then a doctor, and now I’m a researcher. What I like about these professions, is the scientific approach to reality and the way to understand it.

What do you appreciate the most about your degree?

I believe that the Master’s in Biomedical Omics is training me for a promising future in oncology research thanks to its comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.

Tell us something about your internship

I'm currently undertaking an internship at the European Institute of Oncology within Professor Pece's research group. Our focus involves unraveling the spatial structures of bladder tumors through mRNA transcript sequencing. This year-long internship holds significant implications for both clinical and diagnostic purposes.

Outside the lab, what are you passionate about?

Beyond science, I love going to the mountains and hiking. These are two passions I share with my friends, Nicolò and Edoardo, whom I've known for a long time.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

The best piece of advice I've ever been given came from my scout leader when I was 12 years old. It’s: "There is no such thing as good or bad weather, but only good or bad equipment."

How did you react when you learned you had won the Dompé Foundation scholarship?

Finding out that I won this scholarship immediately filled me with joy. Receiving this news fueled my determination to strive for even greater achievements.