As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our team over the past year. In this Yearly Review series, we invite some MGIers to share reflections on their personal growth in 2024 and their outlook for 2025. Their stories not only reflect personal growth but also highlight the collaborative spirit that drives us forward.

In 2024, Manuel Delpero from MGI Europe and Africa team get promoted from a Field Bioinformatics Scientist (FBS) to the role of Associate Manager of Field Application Scientists (FAS), marking a significant milestone in his career. In this candid interview, he reflects on the challenges and rewards of bridging the two roles, offering valuable insights into adapting to new responsibilities while nurturing a team. From celebrating his rewarding moments of 2024 to envisioning ambitious goals for 2025, his journey is a testament to growth, leadership, and the thriving corporate culture that fuels success at MGI.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and your work at MGI?

A: My role focuses on leading a multidisciplinary team of application scientists and bioinformaticians across Europe and Africa. Together, we deliver advanced solutions tailored to the diverse needs of our customers, ranging from cutting-edge genomics innovation to the development and implementation of robust pipelines for clinical and research applications.

Q: Can you describe what a typical day or daily routine would be like when you are at work?

A: A significant part of my day includes liaising with clients to understand their requirements and ensuring seamless communication between the technical and sales teams. Additionally, I dedicate time to strategizing future initiatives, whether it’s scaling bioinformatics workflows or fostering industry collaborations.

Q: You joined the company as a Field Bioinfomatics Scientist (FBS)and got promoted to Associate Manager of Field Application Scientist (FAS) in 2024. Can you share what this promotion means to you personally and professionally?

A: This promotion represents a pivotal milestone in my career, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it validates the effort and dedication I’ve invested in my work, while also reinforcing my belief in continuous growth. Professionally, it’s a testament to the trust and confidence the company places in my leadership and capabilities. It’s also an exciting opportunity to take on greater responsibilities, such as mentoring others, driving team success, and shaping the strategic direction of our department.

Q: What were some key milestones or challenges in your career leading to this promotion?

A: A significant milestone in 2024 was leading the development of bioinformatics infrastructure at MGI’s newly opened European headquarters in Berlin. This initiative marked a turning point for our presence in the region, as we began collaborations with prominent European companies in the genomics field. One of the main objectives was to create an operational, fully functional lab capable of hosting customers and collaborators from across our regions.

The project involved designing a state-of-the-art bioinformatics setup tailored to the needs of both research and clinical customers. From hardware installations to optimizing workflows for diverse applications, the task required extensive coordination between internal teams and external partners. The successful completion of this lab has since enhanced our customer engagement and served as a showcase of MGI’s technological capabilities, further solidifying our reputation in the European genomics community.

(Manuel and team at the showcase)

Q: How did your previous role as an Field Bioinfomatics Scientist prepare you for your current responsibilities? What’s the difference between the two roles anyway?

A: As an FBS, I was deeply involved in hands-on bioinformatics, troubleshooting workflows, and directly interfacing with clients to resolve technical challenges. This role honed my problem-solving skills and provided an intimate understanding of our products and customer needs. Transitioning to Associate Manager of FAS required a shift in perspective—moving from individual contributions to empowering and guiding a team. My current role focuses more on strategic planning, mentoring, and ensuring overall operational excellence.

Q: Were there specific mentors, teams, or resources within the company that supported your growth?

A: Absolutely. My growth wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a collaborative and innovative team. The leadership at MGI provided mentorship and guidance, encouraging me to take on challenging projects and trusting me to lead initiatives. My peers were instrumental as well, fostering a culture of learning and teamwork. This team spirit is what sets MGI apart, and it’s been a cornerstone of my journey. 

Q: Can you share a highlight or a proud moment from your new role?

A: One of the most rewarding moments in 2024 was receiving heartfelt feedback from a major customer who praised how our tailored solutions transformed their workflow efficiency. This customer, a leading lab, faced challenges with the scalability of their sequencing operations. Their feedback came through a formal email and a follow-up meeting where they expressed gratitude for the seamless integration of our workflows into their pipeline.

Their need was to automate data processing to handle a higher volume of samples while maintaining accuracy and turnaround time. After understanding their specific bottlenecks, our team collaborated closely with their technical staff to develop a customized solution integrating MGI's sequencing platforms with optimized bioinformatics workflows. This resulted in smoother operations and increased reliability in their sequencing outputs. It was a proud moment because

it demonstrated the value of teamwork and the tangible impact of our innovations on advancing research and clinical outcomes.

Q: What were some of the most challenging aspects of your role this year, and how did you overcome them?

A: Managing a geographically dispersed team across Europe and Africa posed unique challenges, from coordinating across time zones to addressing region-specific customer needs. I overcame this by fostering a culture of clear communication and leveraging digital collaboration tools to ensure alignment. Regular check-ins and team-building initiatives can also help to bridge gaps, ensuring everyone feels connected and motivated.

(Manuel likes surfing in his spare time)

Q:  Do you have any advice for others in this field who are looking to grow in their careers?

A: Stay curious and adaptable. This field evolves rapidly, and continuous learning is crucial. Building strong communication skills and cultivating a collaborative mindset are equally important. Lastly, don’t hesitate to take on challenges outside your comfort zone—they are often the greatest opportunities for growth.

Q: As we move into 2025, what are your key goals for the upcoming year?

A: My key goals for 2025 include further scaling our technologies by integrating more AI-driven tools into our workflows, strengthening industry collaborations, and expanding our customer support in every region. Additionally, I aim to focus on team development, ensuring that every member feels empowered and equipped to contribute to our collective success.

Q: What are your personal growth aspirations for the next year, both professionally and in terms of your career path?

A: Professionally, I aspire to deepen my expertise in strategic management and explore more opportunities to contribute to MGI’s long-term vision. On a personal level, I plan to enhance my leadership skills by pursuing advanced training in organizational behaviour and project management, which will further prepare me for higher-level roles in the future.