Anna Laura Capriotti
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
Challenges? The COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of global warming have demonstrated the need for increased scientific effort when dealing with global crises. In general, I believe that different experts can and should work together here. Considering that science is our biggest weapon for dealing with such challenges, there is a need for government and intergovernmental institutions to work side by side and to aid universities and research centers. In the field of analytical chemistry, truly precision and personalized medicine is currently just a dream – but efforts in the field of omics science could take us one step closer.
Mission? In the next 10 years, my personal aim is to create a solid yet dynamic young research group in the field of separation sciences and omics. Following the footsteps of my mentor Aldo Laganà, who effectively emerged from nowhere thanks to his charisma and willpower, I hope to be a good mentor for the next generation of young scientists – especially following the difficulties faced by the youngest generations following political and economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dream dinner party? I would surely invite Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the English novelist who, in the 19th century, anonymously published her famous novel Frankenstein, which is considered the first science fiction novel in history. Since science fiction has usually been associated with male novelists, she had to fiercely fight to be acknowledged. Women have always had to fight for seeing their credits recognized – in art as well as in science and research. As a young female researcher, Mary Shelley has always been an inspiration to me.
