Dr. Ana Casas is Assistant Professor in Neurology at University Hospital Essen in Germany, where she also leads a research group focused on network pharmacology for neurovascular diseases. In this interview she shares insights into her academic journey, challenges as a young researcher, and her involvement in the REPO4EU project as work package leader.
An academic journey fuelled by a passion for science
Ana, your academic background is fascinating—it combines neurology, pharmacology, and biotechnology. What led you to pursue these fields?
Like many scientists, I was driven by curiosity. As a kid, I loved learning how the body works. I was fascinated by forensic science TV shows, which sparked my interest in biology. When the time came to choose a degree, biotechnology was still new in Spain, but I decided to go for it. Later, during my studies, I became particularly interested in pharmacology—understanding how drugs work and how we can improve them. That led me to specialize in neuropharmacology during my master’s.
For those unfamiliar with the term, can you briefly explain what neuropharmacology is?
Of course! Neuropharmacology focuses on the development and understanding of drugs that target neurological, psychiatric, and neurovascular disorders—such as stroke, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s. In my case, I specialized in neurovascular diseases and the mechanisms underlying conditions like brain ischemia.
What made you look for new opportunities outside of Spain?
It was quite unexpected! During my master’s, I worked on a neurovascular disease in a lab that collaborated with Professor Harald Schmidt at Maastricht University, who is now the REPO4EU coordinator. When I was finishing my master’s, he offered me a PhD position. Two days after submitting my thesis, I moved to the Netherlands and started my PhD research.
What was the focus of your PhD?
I continued researching neurovascular diseases, but at a more mechanistic level—trying to identify specific targets and potential drugs to treat brain ischemia. My goal was to validate new therapeutic approaches for stroke patients.
Many young researchers would agree that PhD journeys are full of opportunities but also challenges. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced?
Science comes with constant challenges. You’re fighting the unknown, dealing with technical difficulties, and facing personal struggles. Moving abroad at 22, starting from scratch, handling bureaucracy in a foreign language—it was tough for me. But if there’s one thing a PhD teaches you, it’s resilience. You learn to cope with frustration, adapt, and always have a Plan B, C, or even D!
What kept you going?
Passion. Science isn’t just a job—it’s a vocation. You need to believe in your work, your field, and your team. That passion fuels you even in the toughest moments.
Joining REPO4EU and redefining the future of medicine
Let’s talk about REPO4EU. How did you get involved in this EU-funded initiative?
By the time REPO4EU started, I had moved to Germany, but I maintained my collaboration with Professor Schmidt. Given my expertise in preclinical research and animal studies, I was invited to join the project. It was a natural continuation of our work together.
What’s your role in the project?
REPO4EU is a large consortium covering everything from target identification to business development. My work focuses on preclinical validation—testing potential therapies in vitro and in vivo before they move to clinical trials. Essentially, we lay the foundation for later stages of drug development.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is key in such projects. How has working with experts from different fields influenced your approach?
It’s been a game-changer. Scientists often get stuck in their niche, but projects like REPO4EU push us beyond that. I work with clinicians, bioinformaticians, patenting experts, and business strategists—all with the shared goal of improving medicine. It’s a unique and enriching experience.
Drug repurposing has been gaining a lot of traction in the last few years. How does it feel to be part of this movement?
It’s incredibly exciting! Our work has the potential to redefine medicine—not just by accelerating drug development but by making treatments more accessible and efficient. Being part of something that can impact healthcare at a global level is truly rewarding.
A word of advice for young researchers
To wrap up, drawing from your own experiences, what advice would you give to young scientists considering a research career?
Fight for your passion. Science isn’t easy, and the path won’t be straightforward, but if it’s what you love, it will be worth it. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do—believe in yourself and push forward.
REPO4EU: The Podcast
Our podcast brings listeners closer to the latest innovations, research and developments happening in drug repurposing across the globe. The first season, ‘Drug Repurposing Next-Gen’, spotlights the work of PhD researchers, post-docs and young investigators involved in REPO4EU, exploring their role in the project as well as their career journeys. New episodes will be released monthly. Stay tuned for the next one!