Anna Rapisarda is a Postdoctoral Researcher & Project Manager at the Experimental Hepatology Group (University of Valencia and CIBEREHD), one of the partners of the ONTOX project. Anna was motivated to join the ONTOX project to get the chance to help reduce the use of animals in chemical risk assessment. She is inspired by ONTOX’s vision to develop reliable, more accurate, ethical alternatives that prioritise human health without relying on animal testing. Contributing to a project that aims to advance toxicology in this way is something she finds truly meaningful.
Find out more about Anna and dive into the following lines of the next ONTOX #YoungScientist Series.
Anna, what was behind your motivation to become a scientist?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, but my curiosity soon shifted toward biological science. While I initially considered studying medicine, I realised that what truly motivated me was understanding the mechanisms of the human body and leveraging that knowledge to propose strategies to cure or prevent disease.
Can you tell us about your primary scientific expertise?
My education consists of a degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in medical biotechnology, which I completed in Rome, my hometown. I then moved to Spain, where I completed my training with a PhD in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, at the University of Valencia. The central subject of my doctoral thesis was the improvement of treatment for a rare genetic disease, myotonic dystrophy, using two models of the disease in Drosophila melanogaster and in cell lines from patients.
Why did you become a Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Manager at the Experimental Hepatology Group (University of Valencia)?
To be completely honest, my PhD experience was quite challenging, both personally and professionally. It was difficult enough that, after defending my thesis, I seriously considered redirecting my career toward another field that interests me greatly, the food industry. However, I found out about an open position in the Experimental Hepatology Group at the University of Valencia. The group’s research focus immediately drew me in; their projects were innovative yet closely tied to clinical applications. Located within a university hospital, our labs offer ideal conditions to maximise collaboration between researchers and physicians, which enhances the impact of the work. Deciding to give research another chance turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made!
As part of the ONTOX project, what are your responsibilities?
At ONTOX, I hold a dual role as a postdoctoral researcher and project manager. On one hand, I work closely along with the other members of the ONTOX team to conduct comprehensive literature reviews on clinical and epidemiological data related to the ONTOX’s hepatic endpoints, drug-induced cholestasis and steatosis. On the other hand, I handle project management responsibilities, including organising meetings, drafting reports and deliverables, managing and justifying costs, and addressing any management procedures that may arise
What are your expectations from ONTOX? What has this work already given you?
ONTOX has enriched my experience in several ways. It has allowed me to dive into the field of toxicology within a multidisciplinary context, learning from international experts across various fields and perspectives. During the ONTOX Hackathon, which I had the chance to participate in, I had the opportunity to work side by side with members of regulatory agencies and specialists from the industry. Through ONTOX, I hope to gain a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the entire process that leads to the approval of the new approach methodology we are developing.
Do you work on other interesting scientific projects that aim to reduce or replace testing in animals?
The Experimental Hepatology group conducts multiple research lines focused on in vitro modelling of hepatic toxicity. Among them, one project stands out for its goal of reducing animal testing in the study of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This project leverages advanced techniques, such as cellular reprogramming and metabolomics, to develop in vitro liver models that replicate individual-specific responses. By using patient-derived hepatocytes, we can study idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity in a more personalised and precise manner, greatly reducing the reliance on animal models as they do not mimic idiosyncratic responses.
Have you achieved something in your career of which you are particularly proud?
I’d say what I’m most proud of is not giving up and persevering to reach my goal. As for specific achievements, aside from the accomplishment of defending my thesis despite all the challenges and a couple of awards for oral presentations, I’m confident that the most rewarding moments are still ahead!
What do you think is the greatest challenge in your life as a young scientist?
In everyday life, the challenge is to find a balance between work and personal life, even more so since I had a baby two years ago. While in the long term, I believe the greatest challenge many scientists face is achieving job stability.
Can you share your future scientific plans?
I will do my best to continue on the path I began three years ago, ideally through another European project that allows me to see the outcomes of ONTOX grow and maintain a role within the European research community.
Who is your biggest inspiration in science or general?
I don’t have just one answer to this question. I’m always looking around me for inspiration; if you’re open and receptive, you can learn from the most unexpected people and situations. That said, going back to the beginning, my mother has always been my guide in life, and my older brother sparked my research interest; he was the first scientist I ever met.
Besides making the world better with science, do you have other hobbies?
Of course, I do! I love contributing to making the world a better place with good food. Cooking and experimenting with new, delicious, and healthy recipes is a real passion for me. I especially enjoy kneading and baking all kinds of dough, whether it’s bread, pizza, or cookies, and sharing the results with family and friends.
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