The following is an interview with Dr. Federica Laudisi:

1. Could you please provide a brief introduction of yourself to our readers?
I am a mucosal immunologist, with strong expertise in human chronic inflammatory pathologies. After getting my Ph.D. in immunology in Rome at Sapienza University, I spent three years at the A*STAR-Singapore Immunology Network (SigN) in Singapore and one year at the Charitè Universitӓtsmedizin in Berlin. In 2015, I joined the laboratory of Prof. Giovanni Monteleone at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, focusing my research on gut inflammation and cancer. I am currently setting up my group here.

2. Could you please briefly introduce the main content of the winning paper?
This paper describes the importance of the intestinal epithelial barrier in maintaining gut homeostasis and ensuring the critical crosstalk between gut microbes (both commensals and pathogens) and the host’s immune system. We also describe potential alterations (either genetic or related to the environment) that may undermine such equilibrium, thus leading to gut dysbiosis. This pathological condition is now recognized to trigger the onset of several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. Indeed, targeting intestinal barrier dysfunctions represents a fascinating and challenging approach to treating gut-related diseases.

3. What is your current research and why did you choose this research field?
My research interests focus on the genetic, cellular, and environmental factors underlying chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as mechanisms and inflammatory/neoplastic signals that sustain and amplify colon carcinogenesis.

4. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
I believe that research topics concerning microbiota targeting (including mycobiome and virome), as well as the host’s immune response modulation, may be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years since they are now considered a valuable and promising strategy to prevent and/or treat gut-related diseases.

5. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to submit your paper? What benefits do you think authors can gain when publishing their articles in Biomedicines?
Biomedicines is a multidisciplinary journal that attracts a number of experts in different scientific fields. Therefore, in my view, this increases the visibility of your research among the research community. Moreover, the open access format, as well as the social media sharing, importantly contribute to disseminating your work.

6. How was your experience submitting to Biomedicines?
My experience submitting to Biomedicines was positive. The whole submission procedure was easy and clear to follow. I also appreciated the quickness of the revision since we received a first decision within two weeks, and this is a very important aspect to be considered in publishing scientific articles.

7. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life? Have you ever encountered any difficulties conducting research and how did you overcome them?
I believe that the key to a happy laboratory life is to create a positive and balanced atmosphere in your teamwork. We are a group of scientists working together many hours per day and many days per year. We share successes and frustrations. Everyone is an important cog in the wheel, and it is not possible to reach ambitious goals without the help of your colleagues.
Sure, I have encountered many difficulties conducting research at every step of my career. We should not be afraid of failures and troubles; they are part of our lives. They make you stronger; they make your goals more defined and clearer. I try to be resilient and cultivate my passion for science, despite everything.

8. We are an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts the authors?
As I mentioned previously, being an open access journal gives a lot of advantages to the authors, since it helps to share your research more easily among the scientific community. Moreover, it allows low-income countries to read your work and take inspiration for further in-depth studies, thus helping the growth of the research community.

9. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I would like to thank the co-authors who helped me to conceptualize and draft this paper. A special thanks goes to Prof. Giovanni Monteleone. I am grateful for his support and guidance throughout my career.

More information about journal awards can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines/awards.