Maria Lugojanu, PhD student at the Doctoral School of Physics under the supervision of Prof. Zoltán Bálint, spent three months between 03.06-05.06 at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden through the EUTOPIA_HEALTH Cross-University Mobility Programme. Hosted by the Ståhlberg Group and supervised by Prof. Anders Ståhlberg and Dr. Daniel Andersson, she worked on the project “Pre-analytics: Optimization of DNA Extraction and Cell-Free DNA Characterization,” which contributes directly to her doctoral research. The mobility provided her advanced training in liquid biopsy analysis, in cell-free DNA extraction and characterization, as well as in qPCR-based molecular diagnostics.
Beyond the scientific outcomes, one of the most valuable aspects of the mobility was the opportunity to experience a different research culture and approach to collaboration. The atmosphere within the host group was open and supportive, encouraging independent thinking and viewing mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.