Collaboration sits at the heart of the EvaMobs project. But what does international collaboration actually look like in practice?
Building on the strong collaboration between EvaMobs partners NIBRT and ITQB NOVA, Neha Dalvi (research associate at NIBRT) recently also travelled to ITQB NOVA for a secondment. Her visit followed a similar exchange by her colleague Arda, further strengthening the connection between the two institutions.
Supporting EvaMobs work package 2
At NIBRT, Neha plays a key role in the Formulation and Stability Lab, contributing to EvaMobs’ work package 2 (WP2). Neha explains:
“I am a research associate in Formulation and Stability Lab at NIBRT, Dublin. NIBRT objectives fall under EvaMobs WP2 – to develop a pipeline to accelerate the stability analysis of monobodies for stable protein selection and once the stable proteins are selected we will develop suitable formulations for the same.”
In other words, NIBRT focuses on developing faster and more efficient ways to test whether our monobodies stay stable and functional over time. Why does this matter? Because stability is essential if these proteins are to be used safely and effectively as antiviral treatments.
Hands-on work at ITQB NOVA
To truly understand how stability links to earlier development steps, Neha’s secondment zoomed in on gaining experience in the earlier steps of the process: how these proteins are produced and analysed in the lab.
“The goal of my visit was the production and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins in the Applied Protein Biochemistry Group under the supervision of Dr. Joao B. Vicente, Dr. Diana Lousa and Prof. Claudio M. Soares at ITQB NOVA.”
Her visit to ITQB NOVA was designed to extend her expertise in both the production of these proteins and their detailed characterisation. Reflecting on her experience, Neha mentions: “During my stay at ITQB NOVA, I was able to gain knowledge regarding the production phase of the recombinant proteins we aim to create antivirals with, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in the somewhat tedious process of purifying these proteins.”
This hands-on exposure gave valuable insights into the practical challenges behind producing high-quality proteins – knowledge that directly feeds back into the EvaMobs development pipeline.
Bringing knowledge back to NIBRT
After returning to Dublin, Neha will build directly on the skills and insights gained at ITQB during her secondment. The collaboration does not end with the visit – it continues in the lab. The proteins produced at ITQB NOVA will be assessed at NIBRT using accelerated stability testing workflows developed within EvaMobs. This will allow the team to quickly identify which monobodies are most promising for further development.
Beyond the scientific achievements, the personal value of working side-by-side with colleagues also stood out for Neha:
“Working in the lab while enjoying the sun and overlooking the ocean is something rare in Ireland and along with science the fact that I was basking in the sun is something I will always relate my work experience at ITQB NOVA. The group was very helpful and working with such inquisitive scientists in person was a delight!”
Neha at the ITQB NOVA lab
