by Aigli G. Vakrakou, Athens, Greece
I am very excited with the experience and the training I obtained during this one-year EAN Research Fellowship, as the results of my collaboration with the host institute (Neuropathology Department, University of Gottingen) are very important and promising in the field of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The research environment in the Neuropathology Department was inspiring, creative, and very academic. My supervisor, Prof. Christine Stadelmann-Nessler, is a paradigm of excellence, not only as a scientist but also as an understanding and supportive person.
During my stay in Gottingen, I was actively involved in research projects and educated in the basic immunopathology aspects of CNS (central nervous system) autoimmune diseases. My basic research field was tumefactive MS (TMS). My neuropathology training has been essential for discriminating MS and TMS from other inflammatory, autoimmune, or demyelinating diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). During this fellowship, I not only improved my skills in scientific research methodology but also produced significant results, some of which have already been published or have been submitted to well-known academic journals.
I totally recommend the Neuropathology Department to young scientists, as I strongly believe that their stay there will help them in their future careers. The working conditions are ideal, and the most important aspect is that Prof. Stadelmann-Nessler promoted an interactive and friendly environment among colleagues.
I really appreciate the EAN for giving me this unique opportunity.
