Alessandro Barenghi on his learning journey at GSK
While in England, ARISE Fellow Alessandro Barenghi gained practical experience in CRISPR-based technologies, applied to target discovery and drug development, gaining key skills to advance his research
ARISE fellow Alessandro Barenghi and his collaborators from the Discovery Genomics Group, led by Dr. Carl Fishwick at GSK. Credit: Alessandro Barenghi/EMBL
Tell us a little about your scientific background.
I have always been fascinated by science, which first led me to study Biology. After specializing in Neurobiology, I realized that what excited me most was not basic research, but the development of technologies with real-world applications. During my PhD at SISSA in Trieste, in the lab of Prof. P. Heppenstall, I worked on the design of viral vectors for gene therapy applications, and even witnessed the launch of a startup based on the technology developed in the lab. In 2022, I joined the ARISE programme at EMBL-Rome, where I’m currently working on the development of miniature CRISPR systems at the Gene Editing and Virus facility headed by Neil Humphreys.
What drew you to the ARISE Programme, and why did you decide to do your secondment at GSK?
I first heard about ARISE from my supervisor at EMBL-Rome, Jim Sawitzke. The program’s goal is to train scientists who are interested in working within research infrastructures, developing technologies, and providing services. I immediately felt that this aligned perfectly with my own career goals and that my project was a great match for the program. Another significant advantage was the number of courses offered—covering skills that are rarely taught in traditional academic paths, such as research infrastructure management, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship.
Another appealing opportunity ARISE offered was the secondment. Making the transition from academia to industry can be tricky if you’ve never experienced company life beforehand. I was particularly attracted to GSK because of its strong focus on CRISPR-based technologies, applied to target discovery and drug development. Since my ARISE project is centered around miniature CRISPR systems, this felt like a great chance to learn about new clinical applications of the technology, and, importantly, to gain an industry perspective on it.
What are you bringing back to EMBL from this experience?
I really learned a lot during my secondment. I gained a close-up look at how a large multinational operates, including how departments coordinate with each other and how decisions are made, which is very different from the academic environment. On the scientific side, I designed and implemented several CRISPR screening platforms that could be used for target discovery and validation in drug development. I also learned how to analyze the data and evaluate which directions are worth pursuing. On top of that, I gained hands-on experience with robotics and high-throughput workflows. These skills are not only directly useful for my own project, but also crucial for my professional growth and next career steps.
What are your thoughts on GSK as a secondment option for ARISE?
What impressed me the most about GSK was the high level of collaboration. People genuinely work together toward a shared goal, and everyone I reached out to was willing to help, both scientifically and personally. I would strongly recommend GSK as a secondment option for ARISE fellows who want to experience industry life, work with cutting-edge technologies, and expand their network. Thanks to the company’s wide range of departments, it’s also very easy to connect with people outside your specific project and learn about technologies or topics of personal interest.
I would also like to point out that, while a secondment in a large company can be an enriching experience, it’s important to be prepared for the differences from an academic collaboration. In a company, the primary interest is not in a joint publication but in outputs. Therefore, finding a balance where your personal goals and the company’s needs align is key. For example, through your project collaboration, you might contribute to an internal project that not only aligns with your interests but also provides you with new skills you can apply to your own research, as I found to be the case.
Alessandro Barenghi fishing at the Itchen River, England. Credit: Alessandro Barenghi/EMBL
During your time in England, what have you experienced outside of GSK?
GSK’s site in Stevenage is also in a great location: a small town not far from London, but far enough to escape the urban chaos. I really enjoyed exploring the beautiful English countryside, going on hikes, and visiting historic towns and castles. However, I spent much of my free time enjoying one of my main hobbies, fishing. I was amazed by the beauty of the famous English chalk streams and by the abundance of my favorite fish, the wild brown trout. (Don’t worry, I always release them afterwards!) And of course, if you enjoy beer, I don’t think there is a better place than England—I can personally vouch for that.
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company dedicated to the development of innovative medicines and vaccines. GSK offers access to cutting-edge life science infrastructure and provides expertise in therapeutic areas such as: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV and infectious diseases. In 2017, GSK and EMBL signed a collaboration agreement. As a partner in the ARISE Programme, GSK cooperates with EMBL towards training of the Fellows. GSK is also a partner organisation in ARISE2. EMBL is grateful to GSK for its continued support in the ARISE mission.
