Learning new things at Institute of Regeneration and Repair at The University of Edinburgh
Doctoral student Caroline Salminen Frisendahl from Kristina Gemzell Danielsson’s research group at KBH, recently conducted a lab visit the University of Edinburgh. Caroline’s area of research is reproductive medicine with a focus on implantation and endometrial regeneration and how it is impaired in infertile women.
Why did I chose to visit the University of Edinburgh?
Our group at KI has a long-term collaboration with Dr. Jacqueline Maybin’s research group at the Institute of Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh. The purpose of my visit was primarily to learn more about the well-established mouse model on simulated menstruation and endometrial repair that they use in their research on heavy menstrual bleeding.
What did you do during your lab visit at the Institute of Regeneration and Repair?
The research group was very welcoming and treated me as part of their team during my stay in the lab. I joined the ongoing experiments on their mouse model, observed sample collections in the clinic, attended lectures and research meetings, and presented my PhD studies to the institution. I also had the opportunity to join the research group on an away day with the entire institution, where I networked and learned more about their ongoing research in diverse areas of reproduction.
What were the major differences between working in a lab at KI and The University of Edinburgh?
I did not observe any major differences between the experimental labs at KI and the lab I visited in Edinburgh. Like KI, they have modern and well-equipped labs and collaborate extensively across groups at the institution.
What is your impression of Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a beautiful city with incredible historical buildings and monuments that contribute to an inspiring atmosphere. The people in Edinburgh are also very friendly, and there is breathtaking nature just around the corner.
Do you have any recommendations?
It is good to plan ahead a bit so that you can make the most of your visit. I strongly recommend researchers and students to seize the opportunity to undertake a research visit at Edinburgh University. It is a great chance to explore a lovely city while enhancing your collaborative network and gaining new knowledge and skills.
I particularly remember…
The most memorable experience, apart from getting to know the lovely research group that I visited, was observing the mouse model that they use. I have never worked with animal models in research before and found it fascinating that they had managed to design mouse tampons to measure menstrual blood loss. These aspects are likely even more interesting to observe since I’m doing a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Apart from the lab experience, we also climbed up a hill named Arthur’s Seat, which offered beautiful views of the city and was truly a memorable experience.
To what extent has your stay abroad affected you personally?
This was just a short visit, but I’m inspired to take my current studies to the next level by conducting more mechanistic studies in suitable animal models, and I might also consider a postdoctoral period in Edinburgh.
What will you bring back to KI?
I will bring back the knowledge I gained about the mouse model they use and discuss it further with my research group at KI to see if it could be a suitable model for some of our ongoing projects.