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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.

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.

What attracted me to bioinformatics was how it brings together so many scientific disciplines. I enjoyed science in school — especially problem-solving — but wasn’t sure which field to focus on. Bioinformatics offered a mix of biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and even physics. That interdisciplinary nature really appealed to me.

I’ve always liked programming, so the computer science side was a big plus. But what really stood out was that bioinformatics is still a relatively young field. It emerged because biology started producing so much data that people needed new tools to make sense of it all. Since it’s still evolving, there’s a lot of room to contribute and shape the direction of the field, and that’s very exciting to me.

Mainly the chance for personal growth. In academia, you're constantly learning new things and being challenged with new problems. In the last two years alone, I’ve grown so much, not just in terms of knowledge, but in how I think and approach problems. That continuous learning is a big motivator for me.

I’m studying gene regulation in the context of complex diseases. These diseases are often influenced by changes in how genes are regulated, so understanding those mechanisms can help us better understand disease progression — and ultimately improve treatments, including drug repurposing strategies.

I believe having an interdisciplinary approach in a project like REPO4EU is absolutely essential. Drug repurposing spans so many areas of expertise that no one person could master them all. You need people from pharmacology, biology, bioinformatics, software engineering, law, and more. Collaborating with people from other disciplines not only helps me solve problems more effectively, it also helps me see things from a different perspective. There are many examples I can think about that reflect this!

Yes, a small but funny one! A student in our group built a web tool that visualises gene interactions. We used technical gene identifiers that are easier for computers to handle. But then we got feedback from biologists in the project who said, “These numbers don’t mean anything to us!” So we changed it to use more readable gene names. It’s a great reminder that even if biotechnologists have a biology background, we’re not the end users, and working with peers from different disciplines help us achieve the best route that works for all of us.

Not really! I had a general idea, but I learned most of what I know now through my PhD and being involved in REPO4EU. What keeps me interested is how relevant this field is becoming. Drug repurposing won’t just be a “nice to have”, it will be a necessity. And like bioinformatics, it’s a young and evolving space, there are still many open questions, which means there’s room for creativity and innovation.

Honestly, I just really enjoy solving problems, that’s what drives me. It could be any research area — if there’s a challenge, I’m in. But I also draw a lot of inspiration from my team. Discussions with my supervisor, my colleagues at DaiSyBio, and collaborators in REPO4EU really help me develop and refine ideas. Those conversations are often where abstract concepts start to feel real, and it also helps me feel supported in my journey.

I’m still early in my career myself, so I don’t think I’ve been doing this long enough to give wise advice! But, if I have to say something that could’ve helped me at the beginning of my research career, I’d say: don’t get intimidated by how much you don’t know. That feeling is completely normal. When I started my PhD, I realised I knew way less than I thought I did — but that’s part of the journey. It gets better with time, and you really do learn something new every day. You’ll never know everything, and that’s okay.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.