From Varese to Kraków: A Scholar’s Journey Across Borders
Congratulations to Nicolò Bittoni on successfully completing his Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Università degli Studi dell’Insubria! His thesis, entitled “The role of the striatum and inflammatory processes in chronic pain development in a rat model of osteoarthritis”, marks the culmination of an intensive and insightful research journey, part of which was conducted within our laboratory at the Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Kraków, under the Erasmus+ programme.
It was a true pleasure to host Nicolò in our research group. His time with us was not only scientifically productive but also enriched by intercultural interactions and a strong sense of teamwork. Throughout the internship, he demonstrated strong learning abilities and exceptional adaptability within our multidisciplinary research environment. His theoretical knowledge of neuroinflammatory mechanisms in chronic pain was impressive and translated effectively into practice. Moreover, his collaborative and communicative approach contributed significantly to the efficiency and atmosphere of the team.
Beyond the laboratory, Nicolò fully embraced the cultural life in Kraków and immersed himself in the local experience. He became an enthusiastic supporter of one of the city’s local football clubs, joining colleagues for matches and engaging in lively discussions about Polish football traditions. His support went beyond mere attendance—he showed a genuine interest in the local sports culture, which helped him form closer connections with the community.
Nicolò also showed great curiosity toward Polish cuisine, eagerly sampling a variety of traditional dishes. From pierogi and bigos to żurek and oscypek, he approached each new flavor with an open mind and sincere appreciation. His enthusiasm for local food quickly became a shared joy among colleagues, sparking many lunch conversations and recommendations.
Perhaps most memorably, he took on the challenge of trying pasta with strawberries—a sweet and somewhat unexpected combination that is a nostalgic childhood dish for many Poles. While initially skeptical, he embraced the experience with humor and openness, turning it into a lighthearted moment that further strengthened team bonds.
We sincerely appreciate his dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm for research. Nicolò exceeded expectations, and we are confident that he is well-prepared for the next steps in his academic and professional career. We wish him continued success and look forward to following his future accomplishments!
❤️❤️