With an ambition to become an academic and run his own IB company, Paolo Savoca says the Bioinformatics course and the powerful tools he learned about has been a highlight of his MSc studies, as they will contribute towards his future career and academic choices.

Why did you undertake this MSc?

I was looking to expand my knowledge to different scientific fields and have a more rounded appreciation of the world of IB. The limitless applications of IB inside and outside industry make this course an appealing choice to refine the existent set of skills acquired during my BSc and to refine them via a more applied approach.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would like to gain experience in industry and then undergo a PhD. My final ambition would be to be an academic and to also have my own IB company. My curiosity and attraction for the applications of bioinformatic and AI tools, make the prospect of focusing on this area of science an interesting and stimulating prospect.

What has been your favourite part of the MSc?

I really enjoyed the bioinformatic course as many of the materials learned are powerful tools which can easily be applied to different areas of research and industry. The Industrial placement I am currently on is by far the most hands-on and eye-opening part of the course, as it is giving me an unique perspective on the world of industry. The daily problem-solving and critical thinking involved for the development of protocols used for concrete applications is contributing towards an intense personal and professional growth.

Where/ what do you think the next innovation in IB will be?

I think the most needed innovations would have to address issues related to the clean production of energy, food availability in third world countries, and the biorefining of waste.

Some of the areas which show potential for innovation in industrial biotechnology include the development of advanced bioprocessing technologies – including novel fermentation processes, improved downstream processing techniques, and automation and digitization of bioproduction – and biopharmaceutical production. Although the most radical changes in IB will probably derive from the circular economy and waste valorisation, as there is a need for sustainable waste management. This could potentially translate into avenues for innovations in the biorefining of waste streams, leading to the production of waste-derived biofuels, biochemicals, and biodegradable materials, and ultimately contributing to resource efficiency and a reduced environmental impact. This stream of innovation could be facilitated via an efficient and targeted use of bioinformatic tools, which have the potential of predicting avenues for new potential innovations and the refining of existing ones.

What do you enjoy doing away from your studies?

Aside from playing and composing music, my passion for nature often leads me to new adventures camping across different countries. This same passion led me to beekeeping, an inspirational activity, which allows me to increase my love and appreciation for animals and – combined with my research skills – allowed me to design my own harm-free trap to collect bee venom.