November 27, 2025

Elena Testoni: Exploring the language of DNA and sustainability in science

Elena Testoni, a PhD student in the Giorgetti lab, studies how enhancers and promoters — DNA elements that control when and how genes are activated — regulate gene expression. Alongside her research, she helps lead projects aimed at reducing the institute’s energy use, minimizing waste, and promoting environmentally responsible lab practices. In this Q&A, Elena shares her passion for understanding how the genome is regulated and her efforts to make scientific research more sustainable.

What drew you to the field of genome regulation?
In high school, I studied languages because I wanted to become a translator. But then I had a science teacher who showed me how fascinating biology can be. I’ve been passionate about how DNA is regulated ever since.

Do you see parallels between genome regulation and languages?
Yes. DNA has its own language. In my project, I study how enhancers and promoters communicate. Using techniques developed in [Luca Giorgetti's] lab, I’m creating a library of enhancers and promoters to see how the distance between them affects gene expression. Understanding these relationships could help link mutations in regulatory regions to specific genes, which is key for understanding genetic diseases.

You’re part of a grassroots group of FMIers who are working toward a more sustainable research environment. How did you get involved?
I’ve always cared about sustainability in my personal life — flying less, eating less meat, so when I found out there was a sustainability group at the FMI, I immediately wanted to join. The initiative started with a few PhD students who wanted to make research more sustainable, and it’s grown a lot since then. Also, some grants in the UK and Europe are beginning to ask about sustainability certifications, so it’s clearly becoming part of how research is done.

What are some ways to make research more sustainable?
Labs consume a lot of energy and produce a lot of waste. Turning off unused equipment and raising freezer temperatures from –80°C to –70°C can cut energy consumption. At the FMI, we’re doing a good job at sharing equipment, which reduces unnecessary resource overlap. But even small things help: printing double-sided and black-and-white, or switching off lights or projectors after meetings. Another big focus is reducing plastic waste. Research labs generate about 2% of global plastic waste — that’s shocking.

The FMI has recently joined LEAF, an international certification program for greener labs. Tell us more about this.
LEAF was developed by University College London and is now used by more than 90 institutions worldwide. Each lab can apply for certification at bronze, silver, or gold levels, depending on their sustainability practices. The FMI joined LEAF this year, and we’re currently running a pilot phase with four labs and one facility. Our one-year goal is to run the pilot, expand LEAF access to the whole institute, and achieve bronze certification for most participating labs. LEAF provides clear guidelines and helps labs track progress, but having a dedicated sustainability officer in the future would make a big difference.

The FMI Sustainability group is supported by the University of Basel’s SHAPE program. How has this funding helped?
SHAPE funds student-led sustainability initiatives. We applied for a grant to organize a seminar with Jeroen Dobbelaere, ISTA’s sustainability officer, and to launch LEAF at the FMI. The SHAPE grant covered the seminar, a follow-up workshop, and our first year of LEAF.

What sustainability projects is the group working on now?
We’re working on implementing LEAF across the institute, setting up resources, and addressing challenges labs may face. At the same time, we’re developing a transferable skills course to equip researchers with practical tools for more sustainable lab practices.

What’s your vision for a more sustainable FMI?
I hope sustainability becomes part of our daily culture. Ideally, everyone would consider sustainability when planning experiments, traveling, or buying equipment. If the FMI can become a model for other institutes, that would be amazing.