Bioinformatics and translational research at TIGEM, as told by two of its leading women researchers, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
On 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated worldwide: promoted by the United Nations, it seeks to advance gender equality in STEM fields, focusing on inclusivity, creativity, and innovation.
At TIGEM, female representation is significant: over 60% of the staff are women. On the occasion of the 2026 edition of the Day, we collected the testimonies of two of the institute’s researchers, inviting them to share the challenges they have faced and their unique perspective on the topic.
Rossella De Cegli holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and, after 15 years in the laboratory of former director Andrea Ballabio, has been working since 2019 in the Bioinformatics Facility, in a predominantly male team: she is the only woman alongside three men with engineering and bioinformatics backgrounds. Cristina Sorrentino, who also trained at TIGEM in Ballabio’s group, after completing her PhD in Life and Biomolecular Sciences with the Open University, collaborated for five years with a pharmaceutical company (Shire Pharmaceuticals, now Takeda) to develop a preclinical gene therapy protocol for mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA: an experience that gave her the drive and the skills to create one of TIGEM’s first structures dedicated to translational research: the Advanced Histopathology Facility, which she currently leads.
Rossella, what role does bioinformatics play in scientific research, and what was it like for you to move into it after working at the bench?
Bioinformatics can support research at different stages, from experimental design to the statistical and functional analysis of data generated in silico. It helps shape new experiments, but it also contributes to interpreting results and defining new hypotheses to be validated in the lab. Today it’s hard to imagine biology without a computational component: technologies produce enormous amounts of data, and bioinformatics is what makes it possible to turn that data into hypotheses and results.
While I was working in the lab, I was already analyzing my data independently: I had learned how to do it, and I became increasingly interested in understanding what lay behind the numbers. It was a natural transition, also because biology today is increasingly data-driven: many experiments are “omics”-based and generate large amounts of data, which require computational and statistical expertise to be analyzed properly. Our Facility supports the institute’s research groups in transforming large volumes of biological data into useful information to understand the mechanisms of rare genetic diseases. My long experience at the bench has been an added value: knowing how data are generated allows me to interpret them more accurately and to contribute to building new scientific knowledge that can have a real impact on people’s health.
Cristina, what motivated you to build from scratch something that didn’t previously exist at the institute?
During the period when I collaborated with industry, I saw firsthand how automated technologies can accelerate and improve translational research. I took advanced courses on the development and evaluation of preclinical protocols, as well as on surgical techniques in small and large animals. This is where the idea came from to bring the same innovative, automated technologies to TIGEM by creating an in-house Histopathology Facility. In 2017, I became project leader of TIGEM’s translational unit, and two years later I began assessing and selecting the equipment to introduce into the institute. After years of study and hard work, the Facility took shape, becoming one of TIGEM’s first structures dedicated to translational research and enabling automated analyses of proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Rossella, bioinformatics has long been a male-dominated field: are you seeing any changes today?
In highly technical areas, such as computational fields, women are still underrepresented. This can make them feel under pressure, especially at the beginning of their careers. In my own experience, though, I can already see a shift: more and more women researchers who work at the bench ask me to learn how to analyze data themselves. There is growing awareness that these skills are essential for being independent and for being able to engage on equal terms with bioinformaticians and data scientists.
That’s why every year I organize the BAD Days, aimed at TIGEM researchers who want to get closer to bioinformatics applied to biological research. In addition, since 2020 I have been involved in training activities for PhD students at the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM) and the Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM). When the fear threshold around computational tools comes down, many more people—often women—become curious and motivated to enter this field. Training is an extremely powerful tool for bridging gaps and making this sector more inclusive.
Cristina, what were the main challenges in setting up the Facility?
The biggest challenge was starting from scratch: every protocol had to be designed, tested, and validated from the ground up. Turning manual procedures into automated, repeatable processes requires consistency, patience, and a strong belief in the value of innovation. Another obstacle was conveying the value of these new approaches to histological evaluation to fellow researchers, who often tend to remain attached to traditional procedures.
However, the results soon became tangible: the introduction of advanced histology technologies for automated protein analysis and the RNAscope platform made it possible to take a major step forward in translational research, opening up the possibility of working not only on tissues but also on complex 3D cellular models. Today the Facility provides services not only to researchers at the Fondazione Telethon, but also to public institutions and external companies. The next goal is to enhance data analysis with advanced software, increasing precision and resolution.
Rossella, can AI and bioinformatics make scientific research more accessible and equitable, including in terms of career opportunities?
It’s important that these technologies exist, but it’s essential to know how to use them: AI can be an extremely powerful tool, but you always need to verify what it produces. The major advantage is the speed with which it allows you to retrieve information and analyze data—something that can make a real difference, especially for women researchers. Even when we have the same skills as our male colleagues, we often don’t have the same amount of time available, given family responsibilities. Digital and computational tools make work more flexible and, often, doable remotely.
As the mother of two children, I can say that advances in technology are concretely improving family life: being able to work from home when personal needs arise, with the same level of efficiency, helps you balance everything better—without having to give up your career or make disproportionate sacrifices.
Cristina, have you ever felt obstacles related to being a woman in a scientific leadership role?
Personally, no. From the very beginning I was trusted, and I always had the opportunity to demonstrate my skills. I believe this also depends on the fact that in research infrastructures what is valued above all is competence and innovation, rather than gender: if a project has scientific value, it is recognized.
Of course, being a woman in a position of responsibility also requires determination and confidence, because it’s important to make your voice heard and to ensure your ideas are respected. I have always tried to build relationships of trust with my colleagues and to support the people who work with me, because I believe leadership is first and foremost about responsibility and collaboration.
Rossella, what would you say to a girl who would like to work in technology but is afraid of the challenge in a male-dominated environment?
To women I say: don’t be afraid. With solid skills, curiosity, and the willingness to study and keep learning, this path is absolutely possible. Thanks to technology and much more democratic access to training—there are many tutorials and online courses, including free ones—this area of research is truly within reach for anyone who wants to challenge themselves.
Of course, consistency is needed: you have to keep up with extremely rapid, day-to-day change. But precisely for this reason, medicine and biology—among the fields most impacted by these developments—need different perspectives and skills. And I’m certain that women’s contribution to this will become increasingly central.
Cristina, what message would you like to share with young women scientists who aspire to coordination roles and technological leadership?
The key message is: if you have an innovative idea that can make a difference, invest time, passion, and energy in it. Think big but remember that every goal is built step by step. Don’t let the initial difficulties discourage you: a certain amount of sacrifice and the courage to take risks are inevitable when you want to carry forward a meaningful project. Innovation comes from those who have the courage to try new things, to experiment, and to put themselves on the line. And above all, remember that your passion and determination can pave the way for others.
