Supported by an Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases Work Visit Grant, PhD candidate Pien van Paassen (Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC) recently completed a one-month research stay at the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IIID) at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. Pien van Paassen: ‘This visit has been a valuable experience that significantly enriched my academic development, expanded my professional network, and contributed directly to my ongoing PhD research.’
Pien’s host institute, the IIID, is globally recognized for its work at the intersection of immunology, infectious diseases, and genetics, with research areas ranging from HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and malaria to autoimmune diseases and cancer immunology. The institute is known for its strong focus on translational research and global health impact, particularly in the application of advanced genomic and immunogenetic tools.
Learning from a leading research team
During her visit, Pien collaborated with the lab of Dr. Abha Chopra. Dr. Chopra’s team is engaged in complementary topics in immunology, immunogenetics and infectious diseases. Pien: ‘Working alongside such a skilled and dedicated team of research analysts, bioinformaticians, and PhDs, was inspiring. I had the opportunity to share my ongoing work, get frequent one-on-one education and discussion with dr. Abha Chopra and participate in lab meetings.’
Pien also attended the annual meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI), where she connected with both early-career scientists and established researchers, further broadening her international academic network.
New skills and fresh perspectives
A key outcome of the visit was performing laboratory techniques not available at Amsterdam UMC. The results from these assays will now be integrated into Pien’s PhD thesis.
‘This experience has sharpened my scientific thinking and allowed me to look at my project from new angles. Collaborating with experts in the field deepened my understanding of early host-pathogen interactions, particularly in the context of viral integration.’
Pien van Paassen, PhD Candidate Experimental Immunology at Amsterdam UMC
Pien encourages other early-career researchers to apply for the AI&I Work Visit Grant: ‘I am grateful to AI&I for the support and would strongly recommend it to other early-career researchers looking to broaden their skills, gain international experience, and build meaningful collaborations.’ In conclusion, she remarks, ‘What I enjoyed most was how fun the work visit was. If I regret anything, it is not extending my stay.’
For more information contact Pien van Paassen (p.vanpaassen@amsterdamumc.nl).
Text: Pien van Paassen and Esmée Vesseur