My name is Romain Topalian (ESR 5) working as a PhD student at Hochschule Biberach (HBC). In July 2023, I had the unique opportunity to engage in an intensive secondment at the renowned Queen Mary University of London. During this period, I deepened my expertise in the preparation and characterization of nanogels. A significant portion of my research was dedicated to the synthesis of proline monomers, an integral component for many advanced organic reactions. Additionally, my exploration into fluorescent nanogels highlighted intriguing possibilities, especially concerning potential biomedical applications. Situated in the heart of London’s dynamic cosmopolitan environment, this experience was not just an academic revelation, but also a golden opportunity to expand my network, connecting with numerous scientists from diverse specializations. This experience reaffirmed the invaluable contribution of international collaborations to the evolution of scientific research.

Bio2Brain ESRs Gabriela Davide, Beatrice, Romain, Selin, and Seth