Name: Gaetano
Country: Italy 🇮🇹
How Moved to France 🇫🇷: For PhD studies
Today on "Tell Me Panda Talks," we have a special guest, Gaetano, an Italian scientist 🇮🇹 specializing in cancer and immunotherapy research and building his career in France 🇫🇷
Today, we'll talk about cancer, research careers, and the cultural shocks of living abroad as an Italian. If you're interested in these topics, make sure to watch the video until the end!
Timecodes:
01:10 - Science career: from Italy to France
04:22 - Impression of living and working in France
06:58 - How to measure success in science
12:10 - Switching from academia to the private sector
15:58 - Progress in cancer research
21:41 - How was your integration in France?
22:44 - Integration into life in France how difficult for a newcomer
25:26 - Shocking things in France
30:14 - Tips for future students and employees
Science Career: from Italy to France
Elina: Hi Gaetano, thank you so much for coming on the channel.
Gaetano: Thank you for having me and giving me the opportunity to share my experiences and insights. I think these are incredibly important topics, especially for anyone interested in cancer and immunotherapy research.
Elina: I'd love to start by learning more about your background. Why did you decide to move to France? I know you began your studies in Italy. What drew you to science, particularly cancer and immunotherapy research?
Gaetano: Sure! My journey to France is closely tied to my research. It wasn't a direct choice to move here, but rather a natural progression due to my scientific interests. I started my Ph.D. in Italy, where I was passionate about molecular biology, specifically the mechanisms of diseases like cancer. This passion led me to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Naples Federico II, where I had the opportunity to spend six months abroad. I found a collaboration that aligned well with my research project, which led me to the Mediterranean Center of Molecular Medicine in France. My time there was enriching, as I worked alongside scientists with new skills that complemented my research.
While there, I connected with a researcher who was establishing his own team in Paris. Our projects were closely related, so he invited me to join his group. The work was fascinating, and that's how I ended up continuing my career in France.
Elina: Was the work in France conducted in French, or was it in English?
Gaetano: The research was primarily in English, which is common in the scientific community. Although I learned French over time, especially since I now speak four languages—English, French, Italian, and a little Portuguese!
Elina: Wow, that’s impressive! Does knowing multiple languages help in the scientific field?
Gaetano: It certainly helps with networking and collaboration, especially in multilingual teams. However, I must say that English is the primary language of science, so not speaking French wouldn't be a barrier to conducting research in France.
Elina: How was your postdoctoral experience in France?
Gaetano: Research is a field where no two days are alike. There are always new challenges, requiring constant collaboration and adaptation. In the lab, I worked closely with bioinformaticians and other specialists to analyze and integrate data. Our research in France was particularly advanced in terms of technology and tools, which allowed us to identify molecular markers for specific tumors. This, in turn, helped us understand cancer mechanisms and explore potential drug discoveries.
Elina: So, when you start a research project, do you always achieve the expected results, or is there a chance of not reaching your goals?
Gaetano: It’s possible that at the end of a research project, the results aren’t what you hoped for. However, even negative results are valuable because they guide other researchers away from the same pitfalls. In science, we constantly adapt our approach, trying to find solutions even if the initial path doesn’t work out. Success in research is often measured by publication—where you publish, and how impactful your findings are.
Elina: I noticed you have several publications. How do you feel about the publishing process?
Gaetano: Publishing is both a goal and a necessity in science. It’s a way to share your findings with the broader community. Sometimes, these findings can lead to patents or further applications, especially in drug discovery. It's satisfying to see your work contribute to the field, whether through publications or practical applications.
Elina: You’ve transitioned from academia to the private sector. How did you make that switch, and what motivated you?
Gaetano: The transition was something I planned towards the end of my academic research. I wanted to move from basic research, which may take years to impact patients, to a role where I could apply my skills more directly in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge area in cancer research, and I wanted to be closer to patient care. After further training in immuno-oncology, I started looking for industry roles. Eventually, a company contacted me for a position that aligned perfectly with my goals.
Elina: Do you feel that your current role allows you to have a greater impact on people's lives?
Gaetano: Yes, definitely. I’m working on different types of cancer, and the work is highly stimulating. It’s a different experience from academia, but I believe in the potential of current cancer treatments and the progress we’re making in immunotherapy. I’m glad to contribute in any way I can, even if it’s just a small part of the larger effort.
Elina: For those not familiar with cancer research, could you explain what’s happening in the field of cancer and immunotherapy? People often say that we still don’t have a cure for cancer.
Gaetano: There isn't a single cure for cancer because it’s not a single disease—it’s a collection of different diseases. Each type of cancer is unique, requiring different approaches. We’re making great strides with immunotherapy, which involves harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Researchers are focusing on identifying specific markers for each type of cancer, which allows for more personalized treatment. The progress in this field is significant, but we still have a lot to learn.
Elina: Is there anything an ordinary person can do to prevent cancer, especially if they have a family history of the disease?
Gaetano: Prevention depends on the type of cancer. Lifestyle factors like diet, environment, and exposure to pollutants can all influence cancer risk. While genetics play a role, not all cancers are hereditary. If there’s a family history, it’s important to consult with a doctor who can recommend appropriate tests and monitoring. Being proactive about your health is key.
Elina: Thank you for sharing your insights, Gaetano. It’s important for us to be informed and proactive about our health.
Gaetano: Absolutely. Staying informed and consulting with healthcare professionals can make a big difference in early detection and prevention.
Elina: So, talking about your life in France, particularly in Paris, how do you feel about it? Did you feel like you had to integrate? For example, I've been in Paris for 9 years, so I went through all the steps of integration: learning the language, looking for a job, getting a visa, obtaining nationality, and even finding a good coffee. Having great food too, of course! For me, the journey wasn’t always smooth; I had some struggles, like losing my visa and having to reapply and return to France.
You mentioned that your initial experience was quite smooth, especially with the language and your studies. What happened afterward? Do you still feel that your life in France has been comfortable, or have there been challenges? Could you tell me more about that?
Gaetano: Yeah, I must say my entry into France was quite smooth. I was guided by the CNRS where I was working, and they even helped me find a place to live initially. That’s one of the most difficult things in Paris, not just in France. Finding housing can be really complicated, but it depends on the time of year. I arrived in June, which is a good time because people are moving out, so there are more opportunities to find a place. Plus, there’s the Fête de la Musique on June 21st, which is an amazing festival.
Elina: It’s interesting you mention coffee because you’re Italian, right? I think it’s a special topic for you.
Gaetano: Yes, exactly. It’s funny because I feel pressure when I have Italian friends over and offer them coffee, wondering if they’ll judge me. Different cultures have different shocks when they come to France. For instance, people from countries with less bureaucracy might find France’s bureaucracy overwhelming. But others might find it similar to their home countries and feel right at home. When I first came to France, I didn’t know about the concept of “apéro.” I just wanted to eat, not have a drink before dinner. What were your cultural shocks when you arrived? Since Italy and France are close, did you feel any competition between the two cultures?
Gaetano: One of my biggest shocks was crème fraîche.
Elina: What’s wrong with crème fraîche?
Gaetano: You don’t use crème fraîche in carbonara! It’s just egg yolk and pecorino cheese, not even Parmesan. You mix those for the sauce, and that’s it. Carbonara with crème fraîche is tasty, but it’s not carbonara. I admit, I’ve made it that way in Italy sometimes, but it’s not traditional.
Elina: I get it. Anything else that shocked you?
Gaetano: Good coffee is hard to find here. The French think they have good coffee, but it’s not like Italian coffee. Italians know there’s always better coffee out there. And another thing is the separation of the toilet from the bathroom. In Italy, it’s all in one room, but here, they’re separate.
Elina: That’s true! What about language? Do you feel pressured to speak French?
Gaetano: Definitely. Speaking French is necessary here; people will look at you differently if you don’t. It’s a bit of pressure, but it does push you to learn the language. Some people live in other countries and never learn the local language, but I think it’s important to do so. You speak four languages, right?
Elina: Yes, and it’s a real asset to be able to communicate in different languages. But I know what you mean about the pressure—it can feel like a negative selection at times.
Gaetano: Yes, exactly. But on the bright side, since I arrived in 2017, I’ve noticed more and more Neapolitan pizzerias in Paris. If you want a good pizza, you can find one here now.
Elina: Really? Do you have any recommendations?
Gaetano: One of my favourites is Ober Mamma. It’s a well-known place. Another one I’m excited to try soon is Peppe, which has a great reputation and even won a competition for the best pizza in the world. You should definitely try it.
Elina: I will! Now, what advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue a scientific career, especially in fields like cancer immunology?
Gaetano: My advice is to understand why you’re passionate about your research. Is it because of personal devotion, like curing cancer, or are you more interested in understanding biology on a mechanistic level? This will help you decide if you want to pursue basic research or applied science. Also, consider whether you prefer academia or industry. Talk to people in both fields to get a clear idea of what each path involves. In academia, you’re focused on building your own research and papers, while in industry, you work more collaboratively and might have more opportunities to shift projects or take on different roles. Small startups can be a great bridge between academia and industry because they offer a bit of both worlds.
Elina: That’s excellent advice. And it’s true that sometimes you think you want to do one thing, but in reality, you might have different preferences. You also mentioned that you have various hobbies and passions. Could you share more about those?
Gaetano: Yes, apart from my scientific career, I’m passionate about photography, particularly street photography and portraiture. I like to capture everyday life and people’s faces. For me, it’s important to maintain your passions outside of work. Photography is a way for me to explore, much like how I explore the micro world in science. I see myself as a reporter in both fields—reporting on society through my photography and on biology through my research.
Elina: That’s fascinating! It’s great that you can connect your scientific work with your artistic passion. It must give you a lot of energy and inspiration.
Gaetano: Absolutely. It’s important to have hobbies that allow you to detach from work and find inspiration elsewhere. For me, it’s all connected—I’m just using a different lens and focus.
Elina: Thank you so much for this conversation. I hope our viewers feel as inspired as I do. We wish everyone pursuing an academic career, or even considering the private sector, the best of luck. And let’s definitely plan for that pizza!
Gaetano: Yes, let’s do it! Thank you for having me, and I hope this was helpful to those watching. Bye-bye!
🎥 Note: this video was filmed in July 2023
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