Cristian Nogales is a postdoctoral researcher at Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Network Medicine, at University of Vienna. After pursuing studies in biochemistry and biotechnology in Spain, he completed his PhD at Maastricht University, where he eventually converged his research with the fields of systems biology, bioinformatics and drug repurposing. In this interview, he tells us about his academic journey so far and his current involvement in the REPO4EU project, where he’s investigating diagnostic and drug repurposing opportunities in the field of cardiovascular-metabolic diseases and low complexity cancers.
Science as a means to create meaningful impact
Hi Cristian! What first drew you to pursue a career in science?
I’ve always had a passion for science, even from an early age. During high school I wanted to study medicine, but at some point, I realised that it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. I still wanted to stay connected to the human and medical side of biology, though — that’s how I ended up studying biochemistry at University of Seville.
After completing my degree, I decided to continue exploring applied science and moved to Madrid for a master’s in biotechnology. I liked the idea of using science to create something tangible that could eventually help people, which set me on the path I’m still following today.
You later pursued a PhD at Maastricht University. What made you choose the academic path?
It’s actually funny because my first thought was that I didn’t want to go into academia! I wasn’t one of those people who always dreamed of doing a PhD, but an opportunity came up at Maastricht University and I decided to take it to see how I felt about research.
I quickly realised that I really enjoyed the freedom and creativity that come with academia. It allows you to explore ideas, collaborate with people from different fields and build something meaningful. So even though it wasn’t my initial plan, I’m very happy with where it led me.
What was the focus of your research for your doctorate?
I joined Maastricht University just as they were starting REPO-TRIAL, the project that later laid the foundation for REPO4EU. My research focused on cardiovascular diseases (mainly stroke and heart failure) and how to identify the molecular mechanisms that cause them.
By understanding these mechanisms, we can develop new ways to diagnose and treat patients. Over time, I became particularly interested in diagnostics, figuring out how to distinguish between patients who may have the same symptoms but different underlying biological causes. That’s key to delivering more personalised treatments.
The power behind drug repurposing
Did you know much about drug repurposing before joining these projects?
I had heard about drug repurposing during my studies in Madrid, but I didn’t fully appreciate its potential at the time. Back then, I associated it mainly with business strategies — for example, companies extending patents — rather than with its clinical and humanitarian benefits.
But once I started working on REPO-TRIAL, I understood its real value. Drug repurposing allows treatments to reach patients much faster because the drugs have already been approved for safety. If we can match an existing drug to a new disease mechanism, we can skip years of testing and immediately start improving people’s lives. That’s incredibly powerful.
You have a background in both biology and computational work. How does that shape your contribution to REPO4EU’s mission?
I think my hybrid background really helps. I come from a biological and biotechnological foundation, but I’ve always been drawn to the computational side. During both my bachelor’s and master’s theses, I worked in bioinformatics-related projects, learning to use computational tools to interpret biological data.
Now, in REPO4EU, I see myself as a bridge between two worlds — the biologists and clinicians on one side, and the bioinformaticians and data scientists on the other. These groups sometimes speak different “languages,” and I enjoy helping them understand each other’s perspectives and needs. That’s essential in a project as interdisciplinary as this one.
My work now focuses mainly on the computational aspects of the project, particularly helping to develop the REPO4EU Platform together with my colleague Chloe Bucheron. I also support the team when biological questions arise, drawing from my experience to connect the data side with the biological context.
Advice for young scientists and future researchers
They say the life of a researcher often comes with challenges. What keeps you motivated?
For me, it’s about seeing the real-world impact of what we do. Research can be difficult and full of obstacles, but when you know your work could eventually help patients, it becomes worth it.
That sense of purpose, combined with the fact that I genuinely enjoy what I do, keeps me going. It doesn’t feel like a struggle when you love the process and know it’s contributing to something meaningful.
From what you’ve experienced in your journey so far, what advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a PhD or a career in science?
I’d say: take it easy. Academia is fascinating, but it can also be overwhelming at times. It’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Go step by step, learn as you go, and try to enjoy the process.
There will be challenges, of course, but if you stay curious and passionate about your work, it’s an incredibly rewarding path. So, basically, enjoy the ride!
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!