1. Starting out

My journey into research began with my bachelor’s dissertation, “Is there a relationship between health care models and their performance assessment? The results of an extensive review” (June 2008).

This early study explored how different health care systems — the Beveridge, Bismarck, and voluntary insurance models — are assessed for effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.

It was my first real experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting academic evidence. It also showed me how a strong thesis depends on a clear question, a structured method, and careful writing — lessons that still guide my work today.

2. Supporting students during my PhD

During my PhD at the Department of Public Health, Catholic University “Sacro Cuore”, I began helping medical and health economics students with their dissertations.

I noticed that many students struggled not with ideas, but with connecting the different parts of their thesis — linking literature, methods, and results in a logical way. Supporting them helped me understand the importance of structure, clarity, and steady progress in academic writing.

3. Building expertise

My PhD research, “The Use of Econometric Models (Data Envelopment Analysis) in Primary Health Care to Inform Policy”, deepened my skills in data analysis and policy evaluation.

Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), I compared the efficiency of primary health care providers and explored how quantitative models can inform better decision-making.

This experience helped me guide students who use econometric or statistical methods in health economics, teaching them how to make data analysis meaningful and relevant to real-world policy.

4. Mentoring out of Italy

After completing my PhD, I worked at St George’s, University of London and Kingston University, helping academics and postgraduate students design, manage, and write their research projects.

Working with students from many countries and disciplines — from public health to social care — strengthened my understanding of how cultural and institutional differences shape the research process. I learned that effective mentoring requires both technical support and practical guidance — helping students stay organised and motivated while producing rigorous academic work.

5. Mentoring at University College London

At University College London (UCL), where I held an honorary research contract for two years, I mentored international students through every stage of their theses.

Many of them faced challenges balancing study, work, and language barriers. My approach focused on structured independence — helping them make confident research choices while developing their own academic voice.

This experience confirmed my belief that successful theses come from clear planning, consistent support, and patient revision.

6. What makes a strong thesis

Across all my experiences, I have seen common elements that lead to success in thesis writing:

• A clear and focused research question.

• A coherent structure linking theory, method, and results.

• A sound and transparent methodology.

• Consistent writing and regular feedback.

• A strong sense of the student’s own voice and contribution.

These lessons have shaped how I now help others develop and complete their research.

7. Lessons learnt on thesis support

I now work with students and researchers in health economics, evidence synthesis, and social care research through eight main areas of support:

1. Topic Selection – Choosing a clear, relevant, and achievable research question.

2. Outline Development – Creating a logical plan and timeline.

3. Literature Review Assistance – Structuring and writing a critical, focused review.

4. Methodology Guidance – Selecting appropriate study designs and analysis tools.

5. Draft Writing – Turning ideas into clear, connected chapters.

6. Formatting – Applying university or journal standards consistently.

7. Citation Management – Using tools like EndNote or Zotero to handle references.

8. Editing, Feedback & Defense Preparation – Refining content, improving style, and building confidence for the viva.

8. Final Thoughts

Writing a thesis can be one of the most challenging parts of an academic journey — but it is also one of the most rewarding. Over the years, I have seen how the right guidance can turn uncertainty into confidence and transform complex projects into clear, publishable research.

My goal is to help students and academics in health economics and social care produce work that is rigorous, coherent, and impactful — while developing the skills and confidence to continue contributing to research long after the thesis is complete.