MicroMerco April: Projects, Research and Hands-On Training

April marks the launch of Micromerco April, a month-long initiative promoted within the activities of Scylla Biotech and the integrated research laboratories, designed to bring students closer to real scientific research through direct experience.

This initiative is structured as a series of weekly sessions combining research presentation, methodological training, and hands-on laboratory activities, with the goal of transforming theoretical knowledge into practical scientific competence.

The opening session, held on April 1st, immersed students in an ongoing research project focused on antiviral strategies against Zika virus.During this session, students followed a structured program including: a progress report on the project "Intracellular persistence and antiviral activity of an immunogenic ASO targeting Zika virus NS5", presented by Dr.ssa Alessia Berbiglia; a guided methodological session covering key experimental steps such as cell culture, infection, and plaque formation; and a transition from classroom to laboratory, emphasizing continuity between theory and practice.

Laboratory activities were organized and supervised by Dr. Francesco Coppolino, Dr.ssa Federica Grasso, and Dr.ssa Alessia Berbiglia.

What to Expect

During Micromerco April, a series of structured activities will be organized, including:

• Short research presentations (progress reports), where young researchers present their projects and discuss experimental approaches
• Guided laboratory sessions, focused on key techniques such as cell culture, viral quantification, and molecular assays
• Microscopy-based observations, allowing students to directly visualize cellular systems and experimental outcomes
• Interactive discussions, encouraging critical thinking and scientific dialogue between students, PhD candidates, and senior researchers

Each session is designed to be concise, focused, and highly interactive, promoting active participation rather than passive learning.