During a two week period, starting on the 8th of December of 2025 I had the opportunity to do my first secondment at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin (College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin), where I was supervised by Professor Lidia Tajber working alongside Agnes Graaf.
My work revolved around pre-formulation studies with the aim to increase the bioavailability of Vitamin D vitamers that are used within the consortium. Specifically, the research was about how disrupting the crystallinity state of the vitamers and induce changes in their molecular structure can increase the solubility of these compounds. During the time I gained hands on experience with techniques used to disrupt the crystals, validating the results and investigating the effects on solubility.
My own research is within the field of fundamental science and focuses more on biological processes. Because of this it was interesting to gain insight into the later stages of drug development and I feel this experience has increased my understanding of some additional aspects that are important to consider to make my own research successfully reach the clinics.
Additionally, it was valuable to learn about the work process at a different department and to meet other students and university staff not directly involved with the Eradicate consortium, to hear about their research and personal experiences. During my stay, Dublin was in full Christmas preparation which brought about a particularly lively and vibrant atmosphere. I had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities both with the Trinity College lab groups and outside of it, and I am grateful for the warm welcome I received.