From attending lectures on extracellular vesicle (EV) research in dust to consuming smoked fish for breakfast; attending my first congress across the world in Japan was a surprising but amazing experience.  

When I received an email with the confirmation of my abstract being accepted for a poster presentation for a congress I wanted to attend since I started working within the field of EV research, I was over the moon. I couldn’t believe I was going to attend a conference in Japan until the moment I stepped out of the plane. It was surreal. So, tons of coffee later to deal with the 9-hour time difference and the worst travel companion (my poster which was at my side the whole 24-hour travel time), let me tell you about me surviving my first congress. ​

The University of Turin hosted the first iPLACENTA Network Meeting on June 13th-14th 2019. Early-stage researchers (ESRs), supervisors and coordinators gathered in the Italian sun for fruitful exchanges, giving opportunities for ESRs to receive expert feedback on their projects and discuss new collaborations within the consortium. Their first scientific posters and oral presentations, judged by external advisors, gave a great overview of all the work already accomplished within the first months. Summary: highly motivated members, and plenty of exciting perspectives for the coming years !