Presenting my research in poster format at the Institut d’Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol Research Retreat was a valuable learning experience during my PhD. One of the biggest challenges was synthesizing and summarizing key findings while ensuring the information was presented in a clear, visually engaging, and accessible way. Unlike oral presentations, a poster requires a concise yet impactful approach to communicate complex results effectively. Beyond the presentation itself, participating in this retreat provided a unique opportunity for networking within my institution. I had the chance to meet other researchers, learn about the diverse projects being conducted, and engage in informal discussions about my work. The retreat fostered a collaborative and relaxed environment, allowing for insightful feedback and new perspectives that will help shape the next steps of my research.

Reference: González-Casals H, Espelt A, Bosque-Prous M, Rogés J, Robles-Muñoz M, Colom J, Casabona J, Belza MJ, Folch C. Sex differences in alcohol and drug use in sexual contexts among sexually active adolescents: an observational study. Retreat de Recerca de l’Institut d’Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol; 2024 Dec 4; Badalona, Catalunya, España. Institut d’Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol.

Date: December 4th, 2024

Place: Institut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalunya, Espanya

Date: 26 and 28 september 2024

Place: Barcelona, Spain

Reflection: Participating in Nit de la Recerca was an amazing opportunity to engage with the public through both a lecture and a workshop. I gave a talk titled “Do You Really Know How the Brain Works?”, where I had the chance to explain the complexities of brain function in an accessible and engaging way. Additionally, I led a workshop with my collegue Francesco Ciongoli called “Duelo de Cerebros”, where we taught attendees about functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and its applications. This experience reinforced my passion for science communication and highlighted the importance of making neuroscience understandable for everyone.

Date: 9th-10th May 2024

Place: Salamanca, Spain

Reflection: Attending the Jornadas de Estimulación Cerebral 2024, organized by the Red Española de Estimulación Cerebral in Salamanca, was a rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to present my poster titled “Dissociating the role of VLPFC and DLPFC in cognitive control using HD-tDCS and fNIRS in depressed population: design protocol”. Sharing my research and receiving feedback from experts in the field was incredibly valuable. The conference also allowed me to learn about new approaches and advancements in brain stimulation, which will be helpful for my ongoing work