The institute of human physiology in siena : a mix of fantasy and skills

On 13 March 1982 it was snowing in Siena, a quite exceptional event. On that day, I started my experience as a medical student in the lab of Professor Giancarlo Carli. Siena University’s Institute of Human Physiology was located in a wonderful place close to Siena’s old walls, the Laterino. I was there between 1982 and 1996, years that I shared with many colleagues whom I would like to recall here. Indeed, although personal talents are important, the interactions with colleagues and the opportunities and difficulties occurring in a researcher’s life can be even more important. In this paper, I present a number of elements that contributed to my scientific career together, against, in parallel, in discussion, and in silence with Giancarlo Carli.