Désirée Baruffaldi was an AIRC Short-Term Fellow at the Ri.MED Foundation from May to July 2026, where she conducted research within the Hepatobiliary Regenerative Medicine research group led by Dr. Maria Giovanna Francipane. Her work focused on the development of bioengineered three-dimensional cholangiocarcinoma models through the integration of innovative biomaterials, organoid cultures, and advanced biological validation approaches, with the aim of generating physiologically relevant platforms for translational research.

Désirée obtained her M.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Turin and her Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences from Politecnico di Torino and the University of Turin. Her doctoral research focused on the development of three-dimensional lung adenocarcinoma models based on biomimetic biomaterials designed o reproduce the physical and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix.

Désirée is currently a Fixed-Term Researcher (RTD-A) at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, in the research group of Professor Fabrizio Pirri. Her research is carried out within the framework of the PNC D34Health – Digital Driven Diagnostics, Prognostics and Therapeutics for Sustainable Healthcare project, a national initiative dedicated to the development of innovative technologies and advanced biological models for precision medicine.

Désirée’s research is focused on the development of engineered extracellular matrices and advanced three-dimensional tumor models, with particular emphasis on the design of defined, reproducible, and tunable biomaterials as alternatives to animal-derived matrices traditionally used in cell culture. Her work aims to improve the physiological relevance, standardization, and translational potential of in vitro models.

She has developed expertise in the synthesis and characterization of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based hydrogels, three-dimensional bioprinting technologies, and microfluidic platforms for applications in bioengineering and regenerative medicine.