Prof. Alireza Fazeli's job shadowing visit on Research Management at the University of Milan

Prof. Alireza Fazeli from the Estonian University of Life Sciences undertook a job shadowing visit at the University of Milan, Italy, from 19 to 25 June 2025. Hosted by Prof. Tiziana Brevini, the visit focused on research management practices within veterinary and animal sciences, offering strategic insight into research infrastructure, laboratory methodologies, and postgraduate education systems. 

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Observation of infrastructure, workflows, and laboratory operations at the Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering (DIVAS & DISAA).

• Participation in academic and research discussions on tissue engineering, extracellular vesicles, and experimental design planning.

• Exploration of quality assurance mechanisms and research governance during an ISO-aligned audit session.

• Engaged in discussions on doctoral training coordination, postgraduate research structures, and collaboration opportunities .
  
  

Key Highlights:

• Visited the Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering (DIVAS & DISAA, Via Trentacoste, Milan) for:

  • Guided tours of advanced laboratories and research infrastructure.

  • Observation of specialized equipment, including tissue culture incubators, biochemical analysis tools, and devices for membrane permeability studies.

  • In-depth discussions on tissue engineering, extracellular vesicles, and methodological design.

  • Planning of future collaborative experiments, including endpoint definition and analytical strategies.
    
    

• Participated in a shadowing session during an ISO 9001:2015-aligned audit at the Center for Advanced Technologies in Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, gaining exposure to:

  • Research evaluation processes.

  • Biotechnology services related to reproduction and cryobanking.

  • Institutional quality assurance mechanisms.
    
    

• Visited the Veterinary Hospital and School of Veterinary Medicine at the Lodi Campus:

  • Campus tour guided by a PhD student, highlighting student learning facilities and high-end laboratories (e.g., molecular biology, parasitology, and tissue culture).

  • Met with key faculty, including Prof. Fabrizio Ceciliani and Prof. Michele Mortarino, to discuss research themes such as One Health, animal welfare, and extracellular vesicle biology.

  • Engaged with Prof. Zani and Prof. Mortarino on topics related to postgraduate education and strategic collaboration.
    
    

Knowledge Transfer:

Prof. Fazeli shared insights from the Estonian research environment, engaging with colleagues on:

• Research management models

• Doctoral education structure and funding

• Curriculum development and innovation transfer

• Strategies for internationalisation and cooperation

A sincere thank you to all the experts at the University of Milan who generously shared their time, knowledge, and experience, contributing to the success of the visit:

• Prof. Tiziana A.L. Brevini, Prof. Fulvio Gandolfi, Prof. Georgia Pennarossa, Dr. Sharon Arcuri

• Prof. Fabrizio Ceciliani, Prof. Michele Mortarino, Prof. Zani

• PhD Student Francesca Di Filippo

Your support and openness made this exchange both enriching and impactful.

This visit provided substantial inspiration for enhancing research management and infrastructure development at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. It also offered valuable ideas for modernizing facilities, supporting doctoral education, and initiating collaborative research in areas such as One Health and veterinary biotechnology.