My Erasmus+ traineeship at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Ireland, was a highly valuable and enriching experience that significantly contributed to my academic and professional development. I undertook this research stay as part of my PhD in Human Movement and Sports Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico,” where my work focuses on understanding the relationship between physical activity and gut microbiota.
During my traineeship, I worked as a visiting researcher under the supervision of Prof. Paul D. Cotter and Prof. Orla O’Sullivan in the Food Biosciences Department. My primary responsibility was to conduct advanced bioinformatic analyses related to gut microbiome research. I carried out a comprehensive study integrating six metagenomic datasets to explore taxonomic composition and functional potential across different exercise-intensity groups. This included analyzing species- and strain-level microbial signatures and identifying functional pathways, as well as investigating antimicrobial resistance gene profiles.
This experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge of metagenomic data analysis and significantly improve my computational skills. I gained hands-on experience with advanced bioinformatics tools and pipelines, enhancing my ability to independently interpret complex microbiome data. Working in a leading research environment with access to high-performance computing infrastructure provided me with the opportunity to strengthen my technical expertise and refine my analytical approaches.
Beyond technical skills, the traineeship also fostered my ability to work in an international and collaborative research setting. I engaged with researchers from diverse backgrounds, contributed to scientific discussions, and gained insight into interdisciplinary approaches within microbiome science. This exposure broadened my perspective and improved my confidence in communicating scientific ideas.
Overall, this Erasmus+ mobility experience played a crucial role in advancing my PhD research. It enabled me to strengthen the scientific quality of my work and laid the foundation for future research outputs, including potential publications. Moreover, it reinforced my long-term goal of pursuing a career in research at the intersection of microbiome science and computational biology. The knowledge and skills I acquired during this traineeship will have a lasting impact on my academic journey and professional growth.
Tehreema Ghaffar - dottoranda in Scienze delle attività motorie e sportive
Università degli Studi di Roma FORO ITALICO