Ana Maria Panaite, PhD
Medical Writer | Science & Health Communicator | Project Manager
I am a nanochemist and nanomedicine researcher with a PhD in the design and development of multifunctional nanoparticle platforms for biomedical applications, with a particular focus on cancer.
I completed my PhD at the University of Genoa (Italy) as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) HeatNMof, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 860942). My doctoral research was carried out at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), where I worked in an interdisciplinary and international research environment. As part of the programme, I also completed research secondments at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and the University of Cambridge (UK). My research focused on magnetic nanomaterials and hybrid systems for cancer therapy and diagnosis, including magnetic hyperthermia, triggered drug delivery, and imaging modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI).
Following my PhD, I continued my research as a postdoctoral researcher, supported by the GIULIa-European Research Council (ERC) grant and the nexMPI COST Action. Through the latter, I was awarded a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the University of Aveiro (Portugal), where I investigated magnetic–MOF composites for multimodal MRI and MPI. This work further expanded my expertise in magnetic nanomaterials and imaging technologies, with the broader aim of contributing to the development of clinically relevant theranostic platforms.
Working within collaborative, EU-funded research projects has given me experience across the research lifecycle, from experimental design and data analysis to scientific reporting, project milestones, dissemination, peer-reviewed publications, and international conferences. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, institutions, and cultural environments.
Beyond the laboratory, I have developed a strong interest in scientific communication and translating complex scientific information into clear, accurate, and meaningful content for different audiences. I enjoy connecting scientific research with its wider context, understanding not only how a technology works, but also its potential relevance to patients, healthcare, research, and innovation.
Working across institutions and countries has strengthened my ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt within multidisciplinary and multicultural environments. I am fluent in Spanish, Romanian, Italian, and English, and I value the perspective that comes from working across different scientific and cultural settings.
Today, I am particularly interested in opportunities at the intersection of science, healthcare, innovation, and communication, where I can combine my scientific expertise, analytical thinking, project experience, and communication skills to contribute to meaningful biomedical and healthcare solutions.