In this interview, we spoke with Giovanna, a fellow at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, about her academic journey, her research, and her advice for students navigating their studies!
Thank you for your time today Giovanna! To start, can you tell me a bit about your background and how you found yourself at Cambridge?
I’m originally from Italy, where I completed my degree in chemistry at the Universita’ degli Studi di Milano. It was a five-year program—three years of general study followed by two years of specialization, equivalent to what you might call an M.Chem. During those final years, I focused on organic chemistry, which fascinated me because of its clear, practical applications.
After completing my PhD at the University of Milan, where I worked on applying organometallic chemistry to develop molcules as potential new therapeutic agents, I decided to pursue postdoctoral research. My PhD included a collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline, which really shaped my interest in drug discovery. I always wanted my work to have a societal impact, and seeing the translational aspect of chemistry in real time was inspiring.
As I was awarded a Marie Curie fellowship, I did my first postdoc at the University of Cambridge, at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, and later moved to London as a senior postdoctoral fellow with Cancer Research UK at the School of Pharmacy UCL. I have then took up a group leader position moving to Stockholm to start my own research group at the Karolinska Institutet, but Cambridge continued to play an important role in my research through collaborations with colleagues here in the biomedical field; and more recently being based at the Pharmacology Department.
Can you tell me about your research?
My research lies at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. I focus on the use of biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology and chemical probes to determine the role and function of complex transcriptional machineries in health and disease, to help with the development of new therapeutic agents.
One of the aspects I’m most passionate about is bridging fundamental science with real-world applications. For example, during my first postdoc, I was leading a project that sought the role of molecular diversity in drug discovery to develop natural product-like small molecules as therapeutic agents. Then, when I joined the CRUK group at the School of Pharmacy in London, I focused on the modulation of protein-protein interactions of specific transcription factors as one of the principal investigators of a CRUK drug discovery programme. I then went to the Karolinska Institutet and which is medical university with a strong translational focus, to build my own research programme with the ultimate aim to develop new therapeutics.
What excites me most is the collaborative nature of the field. Any of the sciences doesn’t work in isolation anymore—it’s about integrating insights from biology, physics, chemists, and clinicians, and even data science, to address fundamental biomedical questions, and create new technologies and better therapeutic approaches.
What is your role at Cambridge?
At Cambridge, I wear multiple hats!
At Lucy Cavendish College I have both academic and pastoral roles. I am the Director of Studies for Natural Sciences (Biological), teach undergraduates pharmacology, and support students as a Tutor. I also serve as the convener for the Natural Sciences Tripos course.
One thing I truly enjoy is the small group teaching format here. It allows me to engage with students on a deeper level, creating discussions rather than simply lecturing. I believe that teaching is as much about inspiring curiosity as it is about imparting knowledge! I also find mentoring particularly rewarding, helping students navigate the challenges of their academic journey and discover their potential.
At the Department of Pharmacology, I carry out my own research and collaborate with other researchers there, and also teach for the third-year undergraduate course, Part II Pharmacology and I act as an Examiner for this subject.
You’ve worked across disciplines in your career. How important do you think interdisciplinarity is in science today?
It’s fundamental! During my second postdoc in London, I worked in a multidisciplinary team of chemists, protein scientists, biologists and clinicians. That experience taught me that to truly advance biomedical science—especially in areas like drug discovery—you need to combine expertise from different fields. This played an important role in accepting the position of group leader at the Karolinska Institutet, and being able later on to join the Pharmacology Department in Cambridge, so that I could work in an environment with a strong multidisciplinary ethos.
Science today is increasingly collaborative. For example, funding bodies like the Welcome Trust now specifically support interdisciplinary projects because they recognize that breakthroughs often happen at the intersection of disciplines. However, collaboration requires humility. You need to acknowledge that you don’t know everything and be willing to learn from others. It’s not just about blending knowledge but also about finding common language and goals!
What advice would you give to students who might be struggling with their studies?
First and foremost, don’t be ashamed of struggling! It’s a normal part of academic life, especially in an intense environment like Cambridge. If you’re finding something difficult, talk to someone—whether it’s your supervisor, director of studies, or college tutor, or a peer.
One common issue I see is students doubting their place here. Imposter syndrome can be incredibly isolating, but it’s important to remember that everyone has felt this way at some point. Reach out to your tutor—they’re there to support you, not just academically but also emotionally. Cambridge offers a wealth of resources; the key is to ask for help when you need it!
Finally, what brought you to Lucy Cavendish College, and what makes it special for you?
When I first joined Cambridge, I was affiliated with Trinity College. While I appreciated my time there, I found myself drawn to Lucy Cavendish as it’s a college that values inclusivity, diversity, and supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds. That really resonates with me.
I started as a supervisor, but over time, I took on more roles, including tutoring undergraduates. Now, as the Director of Studies and convenor for the Natural Sciences tripos, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a college that prioritizes student well-being alongside academic excellence.
Thank you very much for your time Giovanna!