Today we have the great pleasure of speaking with Salma, a brilliant RBP-ReguNet researcher who is currently completing her PhD at University of Milan under Professor Pierfausto Seneci supervision.

Can you tell us a bit about your academic and professional background?

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, followed by a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry. After completing my studies, I worked as an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmacy for four years. During this time, I was involved in teaching, laboratory training, and research activities, which strengthened both my scientific knowledge and my interest in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. This experience motivated me to further develop my research skills in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

What motivated you to join this MSCA-DN project?

I was motivated to join this MSCA-DN project because it gives me an excellent opportunity to develop my expertise in RNA chemistry while working on a challenging and innovative topic in the RNA and RNA-binding protein field. RNA-related targets are becoming increasingly important in drug discovery. I also appreciated the opportunity to work in an international research environment, collaborate with researchers from different disciplines, and receive training that combines scientific, technical, and transferable skills.

What specific research or training are you focusing on within this project?

My research focuses on the rational design and synthesis of RNA-binding protein modulators, covering the drug discovery process from hit identification through lead optimization and lead selection up to targeted protein degradation including PROTACs and RIBOTACs.

How do you think this project will contribute to your career development?

I believe this project will significantly strengthen both my scientific expertise and my professional development. It allows me to gain hands-on experience in modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery while working on a challenging biological target that used be ungruddable.

In addition to laboratory skills, I am developing my abilities in scientific communication, problem-solvingand working in an international research environment. I believe these skills will provide a strong foundation for my future career in pharmaceutical research and drug discovery, whether in academia or industry.

What have been some of the most rewarding experiences in your research so far?

One of the most rewarding experiences for me when one of ym research projects was selected as an oral communication in EFMC-ISMC 2026 which is one of the most prestigious conferences in my field. Which gave me an amazing opportunity to present my work to other scientists, receive feedback, and discuss new ideas.

It is also rewarding to see how the work developed from a hit identification to lead optimization and obtaining a potent ligand and ultimately turning into a targeted protein degrader.

Can you describe any challenges you have faced during your time in the project and how you overcame them?

One of the main challenges in medicinal chemistry research is that not every compound behaves as expected. Sometimes a compound that looks promising based on its design may show limited activity, poor properties, or unexpected results.

I have learned to approach these situations as part of the research process rather than as failures. I carefully analyze the experimental results, discuss them with my supervisors, and use the information to the next experiments. This has helped me become more patient, adaptable, and systematic in my approach to research.

What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by the end of this fellowship?

By the end of the fellowship, I hope to have developed a strong and comprehensive understanding of the medicinal chemistry drug discovery process, particularly in the context of RNA-binding protein field.

Most importantly, I would like to become a more independent researcher who can formulate scientific questions, design appropriate experiments, interpret results, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary research.

How do you see the impact of your research on the wider community or field?

RNA-binding proteins are involved in many important biological processes and are increasingly being investigated as potential therapeutic targets. However, developing small-molecule modulators for these targets can be challenging.

By contributing to the discovery and optimization of new RNA-binding protein modulators, my research could help expand the chemical toolbox available for studying these proteins and potentially contribute to future drug discovery efforts.

More broadly, I hope that the knowledge and compounds obtained through this research can contribute to a better understanding of RNA-related biology and support the development of new therapeutic strategies in the future.

What advice would you give to future fellows or researchers entering this field?

My advice would be to stay curious, patient, and open to learning. Research does not always go according to plan, and unexpected results are a normal part of the process.

I would also encourage future researchers to take advantage of opportunities to collaborate, attend conferences, present their work, and learn from researchers with different expertise. In a multidisciplinary field such as drug discovery, collaboration and communication are just as important as technical knowledge.

Finally, I would say that it is important to enjoy the process of learning. Every experiment provides information, and even unsuccessful results can help you understand the problem better and improve your next approach.