In January 2025, the article “Oncolytic alphavirus-induced extracellular vesicles counteract the immunosuppressive effect of melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles” was published in Scientific Reports. This paper was produced by researchers from the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and the University of Groningen (RUG), including Dr. Darshak Bhatt, who completed a dual Ph.D. program between USP and Groningen.
In addition to publishing a news piece explaining the content of the article, C2PO spoke with Dr. Bhatt to learn more about his experience.
C2PO: You pursued a double PhD at the Universidade de São Paulo and the University of Groningen. How did this unique academic and cultural experience shape your approach to science?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: Pursuing a double PhD across two prestigious institutions — the University of São Paulo in Brazil and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands — represents a unique academic and cultural experience. My stay at both institutes has left an enduring influence on my approach to science and on my perspective on the role of a researcher in a global society.
The research cultures at RUG and USP were distinct yet complementary, and in my honest opinion incomparable. Nevertheless, both institutions emphasized the importance of ethical research and the broader responsibility of scientists, not just to push the boundaries of knowledge but also to make meaningful contributions to society.
C2PO: You mentioned that the research cultures at RUG and USP were distinct yet complementary. How would you compare your experiences at both institutions, and also in two different countries?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: In Groningen, the environment was characterized by professionalism, efficiency, and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research. As a PhD student, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities, from driving my research project to supervising students. This “driver’s seat” approach taught me how to conduct, manage, and improve my work effectively. Furthermore, guiding students through their projects sharpened my mentoring and communication skills while gaining fresh perspectives that challenged my own thinking. The horizontal workplace structure, accessible technical resources, and emphasis on task-oriented work ensured that projects progressed smoothly, with a clear focus on reproducibility and goal-oriented science. In Groningen, the vibrant international community, efficient academic systems, and culture of innovation inspired me to aim higher in my research endeavors. The city’s cozy atmosphere and a high quality of work-life balance complemented this professional environment, making it an ideal place for intellectual growth.
USP, on the other hand, offered an experience steeped in resilience and resourcefulness. During my time there, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed the collaborative spirit of Brazilian researchers firsthand. Despite limited resources compared to more developed nations, the focus was on maximizing the impact of every experiment. This instilled a sense of frugal pragmatism, teaching me to prioritize meaningful research questions and adopt a learning-oriented approach. Working in São Paulo also brought home the social responsibility of science — creating knowledge that is accessible and impactful, particularly in regions where resources are scarce. São Paulo, thus, was a lesson in adaptability. Conducting research during the pandemic brought unique challenges — limited lab access, remote interactions, and the need to optimize strategies. However, the supportive environment at USP, marked by a strong collaborative spirit among colleagues, turned these challenges into opportunities.
C2PO: Can you highlight an outcome from your time at USP?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: A particularly rewarding outcome of this collaboration was the opportunity to co-author a chapter in a textbook on oncology in Portuguese, a project that exemplified the spirit of resourcefulness and teamwork. Translating my English text into Portuguese with the help of colleagues, the textbook became a valuable contribution to educational resources in the region by fostering accessibility. This project not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the academic community in Brazil but also deepened my appreciation for the role of science communication in empowering local researchers and students.
C2PO: What role did mentorship play in your research journey, and how did the guidance you received from your mentors shape your approach to scientific challenges and your development?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: My mentors at both institutions played pivotal roles in shaping my academic and personal growth. Prof. Toos Daemen, my supervisor in Groningen, encouraged me to embrace interdisciplinary research and approach science with rationality and clarity. Her wisdom — “do one thing but do it well” — remains a guiding principle. She also instilled in me the importance of considering my audience and continuously improving my work through constructive critique. Similarly, Prof. Roger Chammas at USP taught me perseverance, resourcefulness, and how to view challenges as opportunities for growth. His pragmatic advice — “go for it, it’s a good exercise” — often inspired me to take on new endeavors with confidence, even in uncertain situations. Dr. Luciana Andrade, my daily supervisor at USP, was instrumental in shaping my research experience. Her expertise in extracellular vesicles and her tireless efforts in guiding the lab’s experiments and organization made our collaboration highly productive, and resulting in the publication in Scientific Reports. Beyond science, I’m grateful to Prof. Roger and Dr. Luciana for their support in organizing my stay in São Paulo during the pandemic. Without their help, continuing my PhD so far from home in such uncertain times would have been impossible.
C2PO: Beyond the academic aspects, how has this dual experience influenced your broader perspective on science, collaboration, and problem-solving?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: The impact of this dual experience extends far beyond my academic journey. It has fundamentally shaped the way I approach scientific challenges — combining the ambitious, resource-rich perspective of RUG with the pragmatic, resource-conscious approach of USP. Together, these experiences have taught me to navigate complex problems with a balance of precision, innovation, and social responsibility. A PhD is often described as a transformative period, and this was especially true for me. Whether it was the vibrant student life in Groningen or the welcoming community at USP, each experience added a unique dimension to my growth.
The lessons learned from this journey — collaboration, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful science — will remain with me. Above all, this experience has reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing science and addressing global challenges.
C2PO: Lastly, you shared advice you received from your mentors and also mentioned having the opportunity to mentor students at Groningen. What advice would you give to young researchers based on your own experiences?
Dr. Darshak Bhatt: It’s great to work in different labs whenever possible, as it exposes you to diverse techniques and perspectives, while also encouraging reflection towards your own biases. Having two supervisors, with different viewpoints, can also help broaden your horizons — though be mindful not to have too many. On the other hand, working with students is an excellent opportunity to improve communication skills and sharpen your own understanding. Finally, it’s exciting to try new things and explore the unknown. Unexpected findings often lead to the most interesting research, and things working exactly as predicted can be a bit dull. If everything goes according to plan, we might not be pushing into new horizons.
