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 My name is Matija Kovic, and I am from Čačak, Serbia. My educational journey and the path that led me to pursue doctoral studies in Frankfurt began in the vibrant and dynamic city of Belgrade. There, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology, acquiring a strong foundation in both experimental techniques and theoretical understanding. The city’s energetic academic environment, combined with the opportunity to engage with passionate professors and fellow students, inspired me to pursue research at the highest level and cultivated my curiosity for exploring complex biological questions. It was during this time that I realized my enduring
fascination with understanding disease mechanisms and my commitment to contributing to meaningful scientific advancements.

Eager to deepen my expertise, I pursued a master’s degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Padova, where I refined my research skills and explored advanced topics in molecular biology. I was immensely proud and thrilled when I was selected for the Double Degree program between the University of Padova and Université Paris-Cité, where I completed the second year of my
master’s with a specialization in Genetics. Studying in two different countries exposed me to cutting-edge methodologies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and diverse scientific perspectives, broadening my technical abilities and strengthening my passion for research. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to conduct my master’s thesis at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where I gained hands-on experience in a high-level research environment, reinforcing my commitment to translational biomedical science.

Throughout this time, cancer research and immunotherapy have always been central to my scientific ambitions. Therefore, I am thrilled to begin my PhD project, which focuses on understanding transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) and myeloid leukemia in patients with
Down syndrome. I aim to uncover the key factors that drive disease progression and relapse, and to identify potential targets for immunotherapy. Developed CAR T cell strategies will be explored in preclinical models, including organ-on-a-chip systems, to evaluate their specificity, cytotoxicity, and therapeutic potential. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to the development of more effective and precise treatments that can enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

I am excited to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, to challenge myself intellectually, and to contribute my skills, creativity, and enthusiasm. I eagerly look forward to discovering new insights that can advance the understanding of leukemia in Down syndrome and ultimately support the development of therapies that improve patient well-being.