INSPIRE News
Dr Valentine Turpin on secondment at Atlantia
Valentine Turpin joined APC Microbiome Ireland, a Research Ireland Centre based at University College Cork as an INSPIRE Postdoctoral Fellow to explore the role of gut microbiota in modulating brain barriers in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Valentine reflects on her secondment at Atlantia Clinical Trials and tells us how the secondment has supported her professional development.
My 3-month secondment was under the supervision of Emily Goodbody at Atlantia Clinical Trials in Cork, Ireland, from March 1st, 2025, to May 30th, 2025. This experience was an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in an industry environment and become familiar with clinical trial standards and regulations. As my research project from the MSCA COFUND INSPIRE postdoctoral fellowship has high translation value, this experience allowed me to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, by giving me advanced knowledge to inform my future work beyond this fellowship. I further developed my skills by contributing to science communication, authoring a marketing blog on the microbiota–gut–brain axis and mental health, and importantly, by leading the publication of a research paper on a clinical trial supported by an external sponsor. This secondment also strengthened my professional network and challenged me to adapt to a new setting outside my academic comfort zone. Ultimately, it was a mutually beneficial collaboration: I acquired valuable insights into clinical trial practice, while Atlantia Clinical Trials gained from my scientific expertise in neuroscience and microbiology to complement their work in clinical trial design, data analysis, and delivery. 