September 26-27, 2025 | Milan, Italy
On September 26 and 27, the SAGITTARIUS project took part in the European Researchers’ Night in Milan — a celebration of science, curiosity, and human connection. The event, held annually across Europe, offers citizens a unique opportunity to meet the researchers behind science and discover how their work impacts everyday life.
This year, SAGITTARIUS brought its mission to the heart of the city through two engaging initiatives aimed at making clinical research more accessible and personal.
September 26 – One-to-One Conversations at the Museum
At the National Museum of Science and Technology “Leonardo da Vinci,” visitors were invited to take part in a “scientific speed dating” experience — short, “science speed dating” conversations with researchers. Among them was Ylenia Silvestri from the Precision Oncology Unit of IFOM, the SAGITTARIUS project coordinator and clinical trial sponsor. Dr. Silvestri shared insights into the SAGITTARIUS clinical study and how it aims to personalize cancer care through liquid biopsies.
“These events allow us to show the complexity behind a scientific project and the effort needed to make progress against cancer” commented Dr. Silvestri.
The format allowed people of all ages to ask questions, express curiosity, and engage directly with science in a relaxed and intimate setting. From children to retirees, dozens of participants took part, proving that science truly belongs to everyone.
September 27 – A TED-style Talk at the University of Milan
The following evening, Federica Tosi from Niguarda Hospital, one of the 26 clinical centers where the SAGITTARIUS trial is ongoing, took the stage at the EU Corner of the University of Milan to deliver a powerful talk inspired by the TED format. Her speech focused on the revolutionary approach of SAGITTARIUS: using personalized liquid biopsies to guide post-surgical treatment for colon cancer patients.
She explained how the process begins with a solid biopsy of the tumor, which is analyzed to identify the unique DNA mutations of each patient. This information is then used to design a custom liquid biopsy — a blood test that can detect residual cancer cells with high precision.
Thanks to this personalized approach, doctors can tailor therapies based on real biological data, avoiding unnecessary treatments and improving both outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Tosi emphasized that this is not just a scientific advancement — it’s a human one.
Lights on the Impact of Research
Across both events, SAGITTARIUS researchers spoke with hundreds of people, sharing not only data and methods, but also the human stories behind the research. They explained how clinical trials work, what it means to personalize care, and why listening to the patients — and their biology — is the future of medicine.
The message is clear: research is not just about numbers and protocols. It’s about people. And when science meets storytelling, it becomes an even more powerful tool for change.
More about SAGITTARIUS
For further information or to participate in the trial, please contact clinical.trials@ifom.eu.
To learn more about the SAGITTARIUS project:
- Media contact: info@sagittarius-horizon.eu
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