Chiara Minotti: «Clinical research needs methodology - and humanity»

I became a researcher because ...
Clinical work made me want to ask deeper questions: why we treat babies the way we do, how we can effectively prevent infections and how we can improve outcomes. Research gave me the opportunity to combine curiosity, perseverance and clinical focus.

What fascinates me about research is ...
That rigorous methodology goes hand in hand with deeply human qualities. Research requires in-depth knowledge, but also resilience, perseverance, intuition, creativity and sometimes a little luck.

«My desire for research arose from my clinical work: to ask in-depth questions and improve the care of infants in the long term.»

I gained my first research experience...
as a medical student during my MD internship at the University of Bologna in 2015-2016.
There I was involved in a multicentre prospective cohort study on the management of paediatric nephrotic syndrome (NefroKid). This project gave me my first insights into laboratory work, methodology, statistics and scientific writing. I knew from the start that I wanted to stay in research.

One research question I would like to solve is ...
I would like to better understand the mechanisms by which neonatal sepsis affects long-term neurological development, as this could help to move from treatment to real prevention of long-term consequences.

What I particularly appreciate about research is ...
The strength of consortia and the importance of international collaboration. No one is an island - especially not in research. Even the best ideas need the right environment to become reality.

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning one?
Yes, NeoIPC with the ongoing cluster-randomised effectiveness implementation study NeoDeco. This is investigating whether optimised kangaroo care can reduce severe neonatal infections and resistant bacterial colonisation in high-risk newborns.

My current projects are ...
I am involved in NeoIPC / NeoDeco and NeoSep ADAPT at City St George's, University of London, where an adaptive platform for trials of optimal antibiotic therapy in neonatal sepsis is being planned.

«The resilience of women in science and people who support others are my greatest inspiration»

What I particularly like about my current work is ...
Working in international co-operations, in dynamic teams and on innovative projects. I also appreciate the time I am given to think, read and write, which requires both flexibility and self-organisation. I also enjoy travelling for projects and conferences and making contacts there.

What I like less about my current work is ...
The uncertainty surrounding future funding and the ongoing challenges around equal opportunities and career development in the academic world.

Who or what inspires me - and why ...
The resilience of women in science inspires me deeply, as it does in art and literature. I am also inspired by scientists who create a lasting legacy through their ideas and by supporting people.

The advice I would give my 18-year-old self ...
Make sure you always make time for the people you love and for yourself - for sport, reading and relaxation. Keep working hard, but don't feel guilty if you slow down. And keep practising your German - you'll need it again one day.

If I could spend a day working with a famous scientist, it would be ... and why?
The Italian scientist and Nobel Prize winner for physiology and medicine Rita Levi-Montalcini. She was a great inspiration to me as a child and I still admire her brilliance, determination and independence of mind.

My favourite music to listen to when I want to concentrate on my research is ...
It varies - I am very polarised between music and silence. Sometimes I need complete silence, sometimes I reach for classical music, especially Vivaldi, Bach or Liszt.

What is important to me is ...
Integrity in medicine and research, mutual respect in the workplace and a good work-life balance for me and my family.

On Sunday mornings I enjoy ...
Putting on a record, drinking my coffee slowly and sitting curled up with a book in an armchair by my favourite window.

Something surprising about me is ...
That I am a certified rescue diver and am passionate about underwater macro photography. I find both equally exciting and deeply meditative.

The best thing that happened to me in 2025 was ...
The fact that our meta-analysis on mortality and infection-related outcomes of hospital-initiated kangaroo care in The Lancet was published and I received recognition for my work as an early career researcher.

What I would like to see at the moment is ...
To complete my PhD thesis smoothly, defend it successfully and take this momentum into the next phase of my career.

The last book I read was ...
Mrs Dalloway - again - by Virginia Woolf, one of my favourite authors.

The three things I would take with me to a desert island are ...
My diving equipment, books and lots of drinking water!