From the Lab to the Reef: Teja Pelko Completes ASEF Research Visit in Australia

Teja Pelko, a 2025 generation ASEF Fellow, has completed her 10-week visit at the University of Queensland, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (Brisbane, Australia) under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Boštjan Kobe, where she worked in the field of structural biology. In the laboratory, she participated in research on innate immunity, studying TIR domain interactions and the potential role of the BCAP protein in TLR receptor signaling. The work involved the preparation and analysis of recombinant proteins using established biochemical and structural methods, with results indicating that, under certain conditions, BCAP can influence the filament formation of one of the signaling proteins, raising interesting questions for further research.

During weekly research group meetings and numerous lectures, she gained valuable new knowledge and insight into working in an international environment. Although the host laboratory’s field was not initially her primary research focus, the experience encouraged her to be even more open to learning and expanding her research horizons. A significant part of the visit also included two conferences, where she presented her doctoral dissertation research in the form of poster presentations.

In her free time, she explored many corners of Australia: walking along endless beaches, learning to surf, and getting to know “a hundred and one” animal species that she had previously only known from photographs. A particularly special experience was spending time with Aboriginal people in the heart of Australia, as well as watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney. Among the highlights of her stay were swimming with sharks on the coral reef and skydiving, which rounded off her Australian experience into a true adventure.

In conclusion, she sincerely thanks ASEF for the opportunity and support that enabled her research growth, international connections, and an invaluable personal experience, as well as Prof. Dr. Boštjan Kobe and his research group for their mentorship, warm welcome, professional support, and a pleasant and encouraging work environment.