Audrey’s summer secondment at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

I am delighted to share with you my enriching secondment experience, which transpired at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam during the summer of 2023. These three months spent at VUA provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different working environment while expanding my scientific horizons. Throughout this journey, I had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed colleagues, including Pim Leonards, Marja Lamoree, Lisa Bauman, and Lara Hofer.

One particularly notable collaboration emerged during my secondment, as I had the pleasure of working closely with Lisa Bauman, who holds a permanent position at VUA and is a recognized expert in thyroid hormone disruption. Together, we embarked on a scientific exploration that strengthened my expertise in endocrine disruption and helped me explore some Molecular Initiating Events for a future building AOP network. During my stay, my research focused on investigating the intricate cross-talk between retinoic acid signaling and thyroid hormone disruption at both the tissue (histological section of the eye and Hematoxylin & Eosin staining) and organ levels (fluorescence microscopy of thyroid follicles).

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Lisa Bauman and Lara Hofer, and it was truly heartening to operate as a dynamic fish team. The warm reception I received from my colleagues, particularly Lisa, Diana, Saul, Elvia, among others, made me feel like an integral part of the VUA community from day one. Our social interactions were equally engaging, with weekly bouldering sessions, city center explorations, and convivial gatherings near the university serving as highlights of my time in Amsterdam.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam impressed me not only with its architectural marvels but also with its progressive and inclusive ethos. The institution's commitment to fairness and positivity was evident in the eagerness of everyone to lend a helping hand. My experience at VUA was not only professionally enriching but also a great deal of fun.

Amsterdam, with its picturesque landscapes and laid-back atmosphere, left a lasting impression on me. I enjoyed numerous bike rides around the city, and I even ventured to the beach, soaking in the charming scenery and relaxed vibes.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pim Leonards, Marja Lamoree and Lisa Bauman at VUA for their warm welcome and support throughout my secondment. Additionally, I extend my thanks to the EU Commission under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action – European Training Network (Project No.: 859891) for making this valuable experience possible.

In closing, my time at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was a rewarding journey of professional growth, cultural exploration, and cherished memories. I look forward to sharing more insights and collaborating further in the future.