A doctoral researcher with Portuguese roots, raised in France and now based in Prague, Alyssa Sophie Rodrigues Álvaro combines bioinformatics, immunology and clinical research in her work on acute leukaemias. As part of the MIRACLE programme, she uses single-cell approaches to study minimal residual disease at unprecedented resolution. On the occasion of her participation in the European Hematology Association Annual Congress (EHA) in Stockholm, held from 11 to 14 June 2026, she reflects on her international journey, her first major scientific conference, and why data-driven biology is shaping the future of medicine.
Alyssa Sophie Rodrigues Álvaro is a PhD student at the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology – CLIP, under the supervision of Prof. Jan Trka and Dr Jan Stuchlý. Her research focuses on the project In-depth Analysis of Phenotypic Acute Leukaemia MRD Dynamics Using Single-Cell Data and Advanced Computational Techniques. The project is part of the MIRACLE programme (Integrated Multi-angle Research and Training Network to Eradicate Leukemia Minimal Residual Disease), an international doctoral training network dedicated to advancing research on minimal residual disease in leukaemia.
You come from France, have Portuguese roots, and are now based in Prague. What has your journey into science been like?
I was born and raised in Brittany, France. My grandparents emigrated from Portugal to escape the dictatorship and my parents settled in France, where I completed all my studies. I always wanted to live abroad, so during my master’s I did an internship in Lisbon and later applied for PhDs across Europe. I chose Prague mainly because of the scientific topic.
You moved from biology into bioinformatics. Why is informatics so important today?
Bioinformatics is becoming central to biology because we can now generate huge datasets. Computational tools allow us to integrate and interpret them, revealing patterns we would otherwise miss. It gives a completely new level of understanding.
MIRACLE or Integrated multi-angle research and training network to eradicate leukemia minimal residual disease is an international Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the European Union. Bringing together 23 academic and non-academic partners across Europe, the programme trains a new generation of researchers to investigate minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute leukaemia using cutting-edge approaches, including single-cell and multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced disease models and immunotherapies. Its ultimate goal is to improve treatment outcomes by identifying and eliminating the leukaemic cells that persist after therapy and can lead to relapse.
Your project focuses on minimal residual disease in acute leukaemias. What is your main research question?
I study a subtype of leukaemia capable of lineage switching, meaning it can change from one cell type to another. Using single‑cell analysis, I aim to understand how this transformation happens and how the disease evolves.
Bioinformatics is becoming central to biology because we can now generate huge datasets. Computational tools allow us to integrate and interpret them, revealing patterns we would otherwise miss.
What drew you to single‑cell approaches?
Instead of averaging signals across many cells, single‑cell analysis lets you study each one individually. It reveals diversity within the tumour. I often visualise the data as colourful clusters and trajectories, which makes the work both also visually engaging.
You are among the first MIRACLE PhD candidates. What is that like?
It feels like being part of something new. We are ten students who form a close network, regularly exchange feedback and meet supervisors across institutions.
What opportunities does MIRACLE offer?
Mobility is key. I will spend time in Belgium and in industry in Amsterdam. This mix of academic and industry experience is valuable for future career decisions.
You presented at the EHA Congress, which took place in Stockholm in June and attracted more than 17,000 participants. How did you prepare?
It was my first major conference. Preparing the poster required selecting and clearly presenting our results. I also had to adapt my explanations for clinicians, which was challenging.
What was the most difficult part?
At first, questions were general, but later discussions became highly specialised. Those deeper exchanges were challenging but also the most rewarding.
The deeper conversations with fellow researchers were the most rewarding.
What did you gain most from EHA?
Networking. My research area is quite specific, so meeting others working on similar topics was extremely valuable. We discussed potential collaborations and data sharing.
What advice would you give others attending such conferences?
Attend as many sessions as possible and actively network. Different perspectives can broaden your understanding, and collaborations are often essential.
What are your next plans?
I will continue analysing data, attend further conferences, and begin writing my first paper. We already have promising results, but it's only the beginning of the story.
