For the Postdoc Appreciation Week 2025 (#PAW-NL), we highlight Stefania Principe, a second-year postdoctoral researcher at APH whose journey reflects the courage, adaptability, and passion that define the postdoc experience.

From Palermo to Amsterdam
Stefania grew up in Palermo, Sicily, where she trained and practiced as a physician and pulmonologist. Her scientific ambitions soon took her abroad. After a six-month exchange in the Netherlands, she decided to pursue her PhD in Amsterdam, splitting her time between the Netherlands and Sicily. Later, she started a postdoc at the University of Palermo, including a year-long exchange in the Netherlands. “The collaboration continued,” she says. Moving to the Netherlands wasn’t an easy decision as it also meant being farther from her family. Eventually, she settled fully in the Netherlands, becoming familiar with and adapting to the work culture. Now, with a Dutch husband and mastering the Dutch language, Stefania has truly made the Netherlands her home.
A Postdoc fueled by passion

As a postdoc in pulmonology, Stefania focuses on severe asthma and disease mechanisms. Her passion for clinical epidemiology and public health led her to APH. “I really found my passion, that I would have never discovered if I had just followed the regular path,” she shares. Stefania considers adapting to her role and the work environment a major achievement, both professionally and personally. She now leads projects, teaches in the master of Personalized Medicine, and has built a strong international network, especially in the European Respiratory Society.

“I really found my passion, that I would have never discovered if I had just followed the regular path”
Stefania Principe
APH Postdoc
The power of collaboration

Collaboration is very important in Stefania’s projects. “In every project we involve patients and stakeholders from the start. We always focus on societal impact and working in a multidisciplinary way.” She also believes researchers should make complex research topics accessible: “As academics, we have the duty to explain very complex topics to everyone. They should at least be able to understand what we are doing.”

Challenges from a Postdoc’s perspective

Despite her enthusiasm, Stefania is honest about the insecurities postdocs face. “Everything seems great, but there’s always the downside of insecurity. Career progression is never guaranteed.” She advocates for more permanent positions and more institutional support: “If we don’t try to make some changes now, it will never happen. Change must come from us.” Stefania highlights the importance of being supported with the time and the space to develop independence as a researcher.

Advice for other Postdocs

Stefania’s main driver is enthusiasm. “If your enthusiasm isn’t driving you anymore, it’s time for change. Don’t force yourself to do things you’re not happy with.” While her schedule is full and balancing everything can be tough, Stefania approaches it with her characteristic energy and organization: “I have a time schedule for everything and a thousand hobbies. It’s tough, but manageable.” Her final advice:

“It took me years to get where I am, but I made a wise choice to be here. You need to be brave enough to go out of the box, to step out of the regular path. If you do it aware of both the good and the bad, it will always pay off.”
Stefania Principe
APH Postdoc

Photo by Laura Ponchel