EFLM LabX report by Ochocińska Agnieszka, Poland

As part of the EFLMLabX international exchange programme, I had the opportunity to visit two laboratories in Heraklion on Crete: the Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, and the Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Heraklion, both led by Professor Christos Tsatsanis.
The visit provided a comprehensive overview of both clinical laboratory operations within the Greek hospital system and fundamental medical research conducted at an academic laboratory. It was a valuable experience that enabled not only the exchange of professional knowledge and practices but also the establishment of a promising scientific collaboration between our teams.
As a result of this exchange, both sides are planning to initiate joint research activities. For our institution — The Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw — this collaboration offers the opportunity to assess the clinical relevance and translational potential of the basic research findings generated by the Greek group. Conversely, for the Greek team, collaboration with a pediatric center and access to relevant biological material and clinical data will allow them to expand their studies and potentially address key scientific questions that have emerged following their initial publications.
In addition to the scientific and professional aspects, the international exchange was also an excellent opportunity to discover new places and culture, to share insights about our work and daily life in Poland, and to extend a warm invitation for a return visit to our institution.

As part of the EFLMLabX international exchange programme, I had the opportunity to visit two laboratories in Heraklion on Crete: the Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, and the Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Heraklion, both led by Professor Christos Tsatsanis.