Dr. Giacomo Masi | VitroScreen | Italy
Giacomo Masi is a Biomedical Engineer with a specialized background in cellular models and tissue engineering. Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering from the University of Genoa, he has conducted research in the development and validation of 3D in vitro models to study complex biological processes. His academic and professional trajectory has led him to work on high-impact research themes such as neurodegeneration, tissue perfusion, and cellular senescence. Masi’s dynamic and proactive approach is reflected in his cross-disciplinary skillset, ranging from 3D bioprinting to immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. He is currently engaged at VitroScreen, Milan, contributing to GLP-compliant preclinical testing using advanced 3D platforms. His ultimate goal is to support precision medicine through biomimetic model development, focusing on aging-related cellular dysfunctions. With two peer-reviewed publications and ongoing collaborations, Masi is steadily building a career dedicated to biomedical innovation and translational research.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Giacomo Masi holds a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering from the University of Genoa, where he graduated with a score and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Università Politecnica delle Marche . During his academic training, he specialized in tissue engineering, cellular biology, and biomaterials, complementing theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in cell culture, imaging, and lab instrumentation. His thesis and research projects often intersected with real-world biomedical challenges, such as replicating complex tissue environments for drug testing or studying neurodevelopment in vitro. He also developed a working knowledge of MATLAB, C, and Adobe tools for scientific visualization and data analysis. Masi’s education laid a strong foundation in both engineering principles and life sciences, equipping him with the interdisciplinary mindset necessary for modern biomedical research, particularly in aging, cellular dysfunction, and regenerative technologies.
Experience:
Masi’s professional journey includes a research fellowship at the University of Genoa, where he contributed to the “Smart BioInks” project focusing on 3D bioprinting and hydrogel development. He designed and validated 3D scaffolds and conducted advanced 2D/3D cell culture with iPSCs and neuronal lines. He has been working at VitroScreen (Milan) as a GLP laboratory technician, specializing in 3D in vitro models for studying tissue barriers and cellular responses. His tasks include immunohistological and metabolic characterization, test standardization (SOPs), and cytotoxicity assays like MTT and TEER. His work contributes to regulatory studies aligned with OECD and ISO guidelines, and he also participates in scientific writing and publishing. These experiences reflect Masi’s competence in translational research, where rigorous lab techniques meet biomedical innovation, making him a valuable contributor in the fields of senescence, drug screening, and disease modeling.
Awards & Honors:
While Giacomo Masi has yet to receive formal academic awards, his most significant honors lie in his peer-reviewed publications and institutional recognition through research funding. His selection as a research fellow at the University of Genoa and subsequent employment at VitroScreen, a leader in advanced in vitro models, indicate trust and acknowledgment from the academic and industrial sectors. Moreover, co-authorship in international journals like APL Bioengineering and Organoids demonstrates the scientific value of his contributions. These publications, particularly the one on senescence-related hair loss mechanisms, showcase his direct impact in aging and cellular dysfunction research. His continued involvement in GLP-certified studies and international dissemination of findings (via conference posters and manuscript drafting) is a testament to his growing influence. Masi’s focus on research quality, reproducibility, and clinical relevance positions him for future awards as his career progresses.
Research Focus:
Giacomo Masi’s research is centered around the development of advanced 3D in vitro models to better replicate human tissue physiology and pathophysiology. A key focus is cellular senescence and aging, as seen in his publication on mimicking senescence signals to understand hair follicle regression and hair loss. He leverages bioprinting, hydrogels, and scaffold engineering to create environments where cells exhibit in vivo-like behavior. His models aim to bridge the gap between preclinical testing and clinical outcomes, offering personalized medicine platforms for drug screening and toxicity testing. At VitroScreen, he’s also engaged in barrier models using TEER and metabolic readouts, useful in aging and degenerative studies. His long-term goal is to enable early disease modeling, particularly in neurodegeneration and dermatology, using non-animal, human-relevant systems. Masi’s work is particularly aligned with modern needs for precision medicine, reduction of animal use, and aging research.
Publications Top Notes:
-
“Impact of perfusion on neuronal development in human derived neuronal networks” – APL Bioengineering,
-
“Mimicking Senescence Factors to Characterize the Mechanisms Responsible for Hair Regression and Hair Loss: An In Vitro Study” – Organoids,
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Giacomo Masi is a strong and promising candidate for the Research for Cellular Senescence Award. His combined academic training, technical expertise, and direct contributions to in vitro models mimicking senescence mechanisms position him well within the scope and objectives of the award. With a proactive attitude, a clear research focus on tissue engineering and personalized medicine, and relevant scientific output, he represents the new generation of biomedical researchers pushing the boundaries in aging and disease modeling. Strengthening his international collaborations and deepening the theoretical narrative around senescence in his research would elevate his profile even further. Nonetheless, based on current credentials and output, he is well-suited and deserving of recognition through this award.