Editorial Article: ‘Lab product reviews help you get the job done efficiently’

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Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, Director at the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department, IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital in Athens, Greece 

Lab product reviews can change the world by helping other scientists find the best equipment to accelerate their vital work. Here at SelectScience^®, we are dedicated to promoting peer-to-peer communication that will make the difference - but we couldn't do it without our esteemed reviewers. In this regular new feature, we put the spotlight on some of our most dedicated and impactful reviewers and find out what inspires them to keep sharing their knowledge with the global scientific community. 

Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, Director at the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department of IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital in Athens, is this week’s ‘Reviewer in the Spotlight’. Driven by her passion for science and firm belief that we never stop learning, Vasiliki describes how collaboration and sharing knowledge will drive progress within her own field of regenerative medicine, and beyond. She explains why reviews are an invaluable resource for scientists who want to make the best purchasing decisions to get a job done efficiently. 

What is your role and your current research?

As well as leading the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department of IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital, I am on the Committee on Research Ethics at the National Hellenic Research Foundation (ΕΙΕ) in Athens, as well as an AABB assessor and cellular therapy mentor for the US AABB. 

My current research is focused on regenerative medicine applications for better, more efficient therapies. 

What does an average day look like for you?  

My usual day starts with a lab meeting where we will discuss our results and our expectations for each protocol. Then I review all the data and clinical trials progress made throughout the lab.  

Next, I will start any experiments I need to conduct, and I will review some publications. Finally, I find some time to mentor my mentees and introduce regenerative medicine applications to them. 

What inspired you to get into the world of science? 

Science is my passion, especially after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early ‘90s. For me, science will make a better and safer world.  

Why is communication vital in science?

It is critical for scientists to inform the public, as well as the scientific community, about important health issues, complex problems, and new discoveries. Imagine what would happen if we did not have communication between scientists who are facing COVID-19? 

Using targeted communication, scientists can influence government decisions and regulations which can, in turn, have an important impact on scientific progress. 

Why do you think lab equipment reviews are important?

You should always know your lab equipment well before you do any type of experiment. Without the proper knowledge of your equipment, you will not know how to use your materials effectively or how to correct a mistake. Lab equipment reviews, therefore, are important because choosing the correct tool will decrease the amount of effort required to get a job done efficiently. 

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Dr. Vasiliki is an AABB assessor and cellular therapy mentor 

What is your favorite piece of lab equipment? 

The piece of equipment that I love and know I can rely on the results of, is the Cytomics FC500 Flow Cytometer by Beckman Coulter. It is easy to use and quickly produces reliable results. 

How do SelectScience reviews help you with your research? 

A review provides context, informs methodology, maximizes innovation, and ensures that professional standards are met. Reviews can also help to identify possible gaps in knowledge and associated methodologies. They also allow you to compare and contrast these methodologies against findings resulting from other current studies. 

The purpose of a review is to gain an understanding of the existing research and debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that knowledge in the form of a written report. Conducting a SelectScience review helps you, and the rest of the scientific community, build your knowledge in your field. 

What would you like to achieve in your work? 

Being an individual who believes that learning never stops, I want to continue enhancing my research skills and professional development and find new ways to help patients. 

Would you like to feature in our Reviewer Spotlight? Write your review here to be in with a chance >>