Dr. Fernando Delgado-Chávez is a bioinformatician and computational biologist with an expertise in generative AI, currently working as Junior Group Leader at University of Hamburg’s Institute for Computational Systems Biology (CoSyBio). In this interview he talks about his journey so far as a young and reputed scientist, how AI can truly become an ally for researchers, and how he’s using network medicine principles to build software systems for the REPO4EU platform.
Building a solid career in Bioinformatics
Hi Fernando! Let’s start at the beginning: what led you to pursue a career in science?
That’s always a tricky question, when you’re 18 no one really knows what they want to be doing for the next 40 years! But in my case, as a teenager, I was fascinated by biology. I was amazed by how cells store so much information in their DNA, this genetic “code” that makes up who we are. I’ve always been curious about how the body works at the microscopic level, and I knew I wanted to do something that could help people. I wasn’t suited to work in a hospital — I’m actually afraid of blood! — but I knew I could contribute through other areas.
You studied biotechnology and then specialised in bioinformatics and health biotechnology. For people unfamiliar with those fields, how would you explain what they involve?
Essentially, biology, medicine and computer science all go hand in hand now. Bioinformatics is about studying how cells work, not just piece by piece, but as a whole system and it involves lots of data processing; that’s where computer science comes in. We can now analyse huge datasets and understand complex diseases in ways that weren’t possible before. It’s definitely an exciting time to be doing this kind of work.
After your postgraduate studies, you decided to do a PhD instead of going into industry. What made you choose that path and what was the focus of your research?
What really drove me was my love of learning. A PhD is very different from previous studies, it requires a lot of self-guided discovery, digging deep into topics that interest you, and that autonomy really suited me.
My research was about understanding what goes wrong in our cells when complex diseases like cancer develop. I focused on analysing gene expression; essentially, which genes are being “switched on” or “off” in diseased versus healthy cells. It’s like working with massive spreadsheets of numbers that represent biological activity, and we used computational algorithms to identify disrupted mechanisms. The goal was to create a system for interpreting this data and finding new therapeutic targets.
You’re now based in Hamburg, working at the Institute for Computational Systems Biology. What does your current role look like?
I started in Hamburg as a postdoctoral researcher, continuing my work on algorithms and disease mechanisms. While working with the CoSyBio team, I’ve also discovered a new passion: generative AI. In my research, I now focus mostly on how tools like ChatGPT can make biomedical research more efficient. And as a Junior Group Leader, I also manage a small team of master’s and bachelor’s students, so I spend a lot of time mentoring, strategizing and collaborating. It’s a real mix of hands-on research and project management.
Generative AI is such a hot topic right now. What would you say to researchers who are skeptical or nervous about using these tools?
AI is transforming the way we work across so many industries, and it’s here to stay, but we need to learn how to make the most of it. In research, for example, there’s just too much information out there, hundreds of new papers are published every week and it would take a lifetime to catch up and read everything.
AI tools like DrugRepoChatter, which I spearheaded the development for, can help us sift through a high volume of scientific literature much faster, which in turn makes the whole research process more streamlined and efficient. Of course, responsible use is key. Just like we once had to learn how to use Google effectively, now we need proper training on how to use AI wisely.
Building the REPO4EU platform with a network medicine approach
Let’s talk about your involvement in REPO4EU. What’s your role in the project?
I’m part of Work Package 2, where we build the bioinformatics software that powers the REPO4EU platform. I work on designing user-friendly tools that help researchers analyse molecular data to identify the root causes of disease, using the principles of network medicine. But I also contribute beyond that. I see myself as a generalist, and I’m also passionate about science communication and user-centred design, which is something I bring to the table within the context of the project. I spend a lot of time talking to future users of the platform to make sure we’re building something truly useful.
One of the aspects I love the most about being part of this project is that I get to work with experts from many different disciplines: computer scientists, clinicians, legal experts, communication teams… It’s an amazing learning opportunity, and it reflects how science really works today — it’s never in isolation.
In a nutshell, what is the REPO4EU platform and who is it for?
The platform is still in development, but its goal is to streamline the entire drug repurposing process. First, it helps researchers analyse biomolecular data to identify what’s going wrong inside a patient’s cells. Then it helps find existing drugs that could potentially target those disruptions. From there, researchers can use the platform to plan and manage preclinical and even early-phase clinical trials, and it also provides guidance on patents and regulatory issues. It’s an all-in-one online hub for anyone working on drug repurposing.
Advice for young scientists and future researchers
You said earlier that you enjoy communicating about science and exploring creative ways of making research more accessible to others. Do you see science and creativity as areas that go hand in hand?
Definitely. Science is one of the most creative activities I can think of. We’re constantly thinking of new ideas, solving problems, and designing experiments. Creativity is essential to innovation, and I think there’s a huge overlap between artistic thinking and scientific thinking.
Actually, before diving into science, I worked as a wedding photographer and did a lot of social media content. I’ve always been passionate about visual storytelling, and I think that background really shaped my approach to science communication. I strongly believe that scientists should be more visible, we need to give science a face so people can see beyond the data and the numbers. Social media can be a great tool to bridge that gap, that’s why I’m very active on LinkedIn, because it’s a great way to share my work with wider audiences.
Let’s finish our conversation with a piece of advice for young people considering a career in science. What would you say to them?
Don’t be afraid of science. I wasn’t the best student in chemistry or maths, but I was passionate about biology and I stayed curious. Science teaches you how to think critically, how to solve problems, and how to collaborate. Even if you don’t end up working in science forever, the skills you gain will shape your thinking for life. If you’re curious and you love learning, then you’re probably already on the right path.
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!