Federico Germani

Federico Germani

Extracurricular experiences

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location of Federico GermaniZurich, Switzerland

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Researcher @University of Zurich (Infodemic Management, Disinformation, and Bioethics).

  • Education

    • Liceo Scientifico Bertrand Russell

      2005 - 2010
      Italian Scientific Diploma P.N.I. Mathematics and Physics Liceo Scientifico P.N.I. Mathematics and Physics
    • University of Zurich

      2015 - 2019
      Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Molecular Life Sciences

      ​Konrad Basler Group, Institute of Molecular Life SciencesThesis title: "Innate Immunity's Multiple Affairs in Cell Growth Regulation"supervised by Prof. Konrad Basler, Prof. Christian Lehner, Prof. Eduardo Moreno, Dr. Hugo Stocker.Research areas: morphogens, growth and cell competition. Animal model: Drosophila melanogaster

    • Università degli Studi di Milano

      2010 - 2013
      Bachelor's degree Scienze Biologiche - Biological Sciences 105/110
    • Università degli Studi di Milano

      2013 - 2015
      Master’s Degree Biologia molecolare cellulare - Cellular Molecular Biology 110 cum laude/110

      Master Thesis obtained at ETH Zurich (see "Experiences" paragraph).

    • University of London

      2017 - 2018
      Graduate Diploma International Relations Merit

      Courses: Introduction to International Relations, International Political Theory, International Political Economy, Global Environmental Problems and Politics.The course is developed by academics at LSE.Specific information: https://london.ac.uk/courses/international-relations (University of London)General information: http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/uolip/programmes (LSE)

  • Experience

    • MagicSolution Srl.; M.G.M Sport; Senago Nuoto a.s.d.

      Jan 2011 - Jan 2014
      Extracurricular experiences

      During my early career and alongside my studies, I pursued my passion for swimming by obtaining my FIN (Federazione Italiana Nuoto) instructor license in 2011. From 2011-2013, I worked as an educator and swimming instructor for "M.G.M. Sport Management" in Senago (Milano). Following this, I was a swimming coach for Esordienti B (9-11 yo athletes) for "Senago Nuoto a.s.d." in Senago (Milano) during 2013-2014. These experiences were motivated by my 15-year involvement in competitive swimming for the Senago Nuoto a.s.d. team of my hometown. Additionally, I worked as a commercial agent for "MagicSolution s.r.l." in Milano from 2012-2013. Show less

    • University of Milan

      Feb 2014 - Jun 2014
      Research Intern

      My first research laboratory experience was in the lab of Paola Bellosta at the Department of Biosciences. My research focused on investigating the role of insulin and mTOR signaling misregulation in the onset of Huntington disease (HD) using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Through this work, I gained experience in performing genetic manipulations on flies, as well as behavioral assays, and microscopy.

    • ETH Zurich

      Aug 2014 - Aug 2015

      As a laboratory assistant, I was responsible for the "Drosophila Genetics" module of the "Genetics" practical course, where I provided support to students during laboratory exercises. In addition, I worked as a teaching assistant for the "Human Genetics" module of the same course, helping students with their questions and providing guidance. During my time at the Hugo Stocker Group at the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, I conducted research for my thesis etitled "WNK Kinase: the possible missing link between ion homeostasis and cell growth." Through my work, I explored the potential connection between ion homeostasis and cell growth, specifically examining the role of WNK kinase using the animal model Drosophila melanogaster.

      • Laboratory and Teaching Assistant

        Jan 2015 - Aug 2015
      • Master Thesis Student

        Aug 2014 - Aug 2015
    • Universität Zürich

      Dec 2015 - Oct 2019
      PhD Researcher

      As a PhD student at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences under the guidance of Prof. Konrad Basler, I conducted research on the interplay between innate immunity and cell growth using the Drosophila melanogaster animal model. My work involved identifying the molecular mechanisms and trade-offs between these processes, focusing in particular on the Toll pathway. During this time, I also investigated the role of Xrp1 in determining cell fitness and studied the role of Dpp/BMP signaling in cell growth and organ structure determination. Alongside my research, I taught courses in developmental biology and signal transduction and cancer, and supervised multiple students in their research projects and MSc theses. Show less

    • Self employed

      Oct 2019 - now
      Freelance Science / Medical Writer and Editor

      As a freelance science and medical writer and editor, I work with a diverse range of clients including health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, medical writing agencies, magazines, and scientists to improve communication. My experience includes writing papers, guidelines documents, and science communication articles, as well as providing advice and guidance on successful communication strategies to various stakeholders. I am committed to delivering high-quality content and helping my clients effectively communicate their message to their target audience. Show less

    • University of Zurich

      Jan 2020 - Jun 2020
      Postdoctoral Researcher

      I have conducted research in the field of cancer immunology and cell growth. Specifically, I focused on investigating the role of the Toll pathway in tumor biology using Drosophila melanogaster as an animal model.The laboratory of Konrad Basler at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences is dedicated to researching diverse aspects of cell-cell communication and its role in development and disease etiology. Specific focus areas include deciphering how growth is controlled and coordinated with patterning, utilizing a range of model systems, including Drosophila, mice, and in vitro systems such as organoids. Show less

    • Osmosia

      Feb 2022 - now
      Collaborating Partner
    • University of Zurich – Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine (IBME)

      Oct 2022 - now

      The 2025 EACME Annual Conference will focus on the transformative potential of ethical inquiry in shaping the trajectory of scientific and technological developments towards promoting health and well-being.About the conference: https://www.ibme.uzh.ch/en/Biomedical-Ethics/Agenda/eacme2025/about.htmlAbstract submission: https://www.ibme.uzh.ch/en/Biomedical-Ethics/Agenda/eacme2025/Abstract-Submission.htmlRegistration: https://www.ibme.uzh.ch/en/Biomedical-Ethics/Agenda/eacme2025/Registration.html Show less My primary areas of interest and expertise include disinformation, infodemic management, pandemic preparedness, and bioethics. Through my work, I develop evidence-based strategies to effectively manage information during times of crisis. With a focus on these critical areas, I am committed to contributing to the ongoing effort to better prepare for and manage future global health challenges.The Institute of Biomedical Ethics (IBME) at the University of Zurich is dedicated to research, education, and consultancy in the areas of medical ethics and bioethics. The IBME's focus includes research ethics, clinical ethics, public health ethics, health policy, health law, and ethical aspects of bio- and infotechnological developments, as well as theoretical foundations of biomedical ethics and history of medicine. Show less In my research with ITINERARE, I focused on the trade-off between financial allocation and treatment for rare diseases, conducting research to better understand how to allocate resources in a way that maximizes access to cutting-edge therapies for patients in need.ITINERARE integrates three major axes on gene therapy, molecular therapies, and ethics, legal and social innovations (ELSI). ITINERARE engages in multi-disciplinary collaboration and training on all aspects associated with basic research into rare diseases and the translation of cutting-edge therapies into clinical practice. Show less

      • Scientific Coordinator EACME Annual Conference 2025

        Mar 2025 - now
      • Postdoctoral Researcher

        Jul 2020 - now
      • Postdoctoral Researcher

        Oct 2022 - Dec 2024
    • World Health Organization

      Jan 2023 - now
      Rapporteur - Expert Group on Ethics of Infodemic Management and Social Listening

      This role is associated with my role at the Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, a World Health Organization Collaborating Center.More resources:https://www.who.int/news/item/10-02-2023-who-kicks-off-deliberations-on-ethical-framework-and-tools-for-social-listening-and-infodemic-managementhttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7029931544697839617/

    • Università di Pisa

      Oct 2023 - Nov 2023
      Guest Lecturer

      Lecturer for the "CRESP", "Corso di Perfezionamento" course, in Italian: "Comunicare il rischio durante le emergenze sanitarie: dall'analisi delle sfide alla gestione dell'infodemia" (transl. in English: "Communicating risk during health emergencies: from the analysis of the challenges to the management of the infodemic"). Lesson: "Valutazione dei rischi e delle incertezze e approccio etico" (transl. in English: "Assessment of risks and uncertainties and ethical approach").The goals of the course: https://academy.consorzioquinn.it/corsi/comunicare-il-rischio-durante-le-emergenze-sanitarie/https://www.unipi.it/index.php/corsi-di-perfezionamento/item/26920-comunicare-il-rischio-durante-le-emergenze-sanitarie-dall-analisi-delle-sfide-alla-gestione-dell-infodemia Show less

    • Brown University School of Public Health

      Feb 2024 - Jun 2024
      Visiting Fellow

      Brown Information Futures Lab (https://sites.brown.edu/informationfutures/)In my current research at IFL, I am working on developing a classroom intervention aimed at utilizing AI-generated disinformation as a resource to improve information literacy. Specifically, this intervention seeks to enhance students' capacity to discern disinformation from accurate information while also promoting a deep understanding of the complex landscape surrounding AI and disinformation. This study will be a collaborative effort involving Brown University, Cornell University, and the University of Zurich. Show less

    • Università Ca'​ Foscari Venezia

      Apr 2024 - May 2024
      Guest Lecturer

      Guest Lecturer for the Graduate Diploma Course (Master di I livello) in "Philosophy and history of science and technology" (italian: Filosofia e storia della scienza e della tecnologia). Module: Bioethics and law - Empirical Bioethics.https://www.cafoscarichallengeschool.it/master/filosofia-e-storia-della-scienza-e-della-tecnologia/

    • Research for Purpose

      Jul 2024 - now
      Lead Expert

      I coordinate the efforts of developers and analysts to create AI-social listening tools that help non-profit organizations identify emerging disinformation.https://www.researchforpurpose.com/team/federico-germani/

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Deutsch A1.1 (Beginners German)

      The University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Language Center
      May 2015
    • Swimming Instructor

      Federazione Italiana Nuoto
      Jun 2011
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Federico Germani
      Grant NRP80 "Covid-19 in Society" Swiss National Science Foundation Nov 2022 Title: Boosting Public Discourse: Towards a Targeted, Evidence-Based Strategy toImprove Moral ReasoningDescription: Our study aims to enhance our understanding of how unreflected use of moral key terms in public discourse during pandemics can lead to failure. To achieve this, we will conduct a philosophical analysis of public discourses related to pandemics to identify common conceptual and argumentative pitfalls in the use of moral key terms. Using these findings, we plan to create… Show more Title: Boosting Public Discourse: Towards a Targeted, Evidence-Based Strategy toImprove Moral ReasoningDescription: Our study aims to enhance our understanding of how unreflected use of moral key terms in public discourse during pandemics can lead to failure. To achieve this, we will conduct a philosophical analysis of public discourses related to pandemics to identify common conceptual and argumentative pitfalls in the use of moral key terms. Using these findings, we plan to create and test a novel, gamified intervention that enables young people to reflect on their comprehension of moral key terms and trains them to use these terms consistently and clearly. This study's importance lies in empowering individuals, particularly youth, to participate actively in high-quality public discourse, thus boosting the legitimacy of public health measures and strengthening society's resilience and cohesion. The results of our study can shape how we improve moral reasoning skills and shape public discourse during pandemics in democratic societies.Other applicants: Nikola Biller-Andorno, Sonja Merten, Giovanni Spitale, Kristen Jaffin, Bettina Schwind, Christoph Pimmer, Tobias Zürcher Show less
    • Awarded to Federico Germani
      Krebsliga Cancer Research Grant Krebsliga Schweiz - Swiss Cancer League Jan 2020 Research Grant KFS 4835-08-2019Project title: "Elucidating the Toll pathway’s role in cancer progression and metastases formation"https://www.ricercacancro.ch/fileadmin/downloads/bewilligte-forschungsprojekte/2019-projekte-krebsforschung-bewilligt.pdf
    • Awarded to Federico Germani
      Forschungskredit Candoc University of Zurich 2016 Research Grant for the best PhD projects of the University of Zurich. Title of the project: "The role of Dpp in growth regulation".
    • Awarded to Federico Germani
      UNIMI Abroad Scholarship (Master Thesis) University of Milan 2015
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Founder and Director

      Issued by Culturico on Sept 2018
      CulturicoAssociated with Federico Germani