Q: Congratulations on your latest remarkable scientific achievements! What do you believe is the cornerstone of a thriving career in research?
A: It may come as a surprise, but I come from an artistic background, as my father is a sculptor. Perhaps this is why I am drawn not only to theories and underlying mechanisms but also to the tangible manifestations of them – a perspective that profoundly shapes my work. It is also true that, in experimental biology, we frequently analyze histological structures and seek patterns in physiological measurements. I believe my analytical appreciation of artistic forms, combined with the mindset instilled in me from an early age, greatly supports my efforts in these pursuits.
Q: Growing up, what was the essence of this creative mindset in your home environment?
A: My father is a sculptor, and as children, my siblings and I spent countless hours in his studio – and later, in his workshop at home. His creative process was woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. We would come and go freely, eager to take part in any way we could: sketching, molding clay, and exploring our creativity in ways that suited our age. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
Q: Given your artistic background, why did you choose not to pursue an artistic career?
A: As a child, I was actually captivated by two great passions: the world of art and the realm of animals. Living on the outskirts of the city, we relished every moment outdoors, immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature. So, part of me longed to be a sculptor, a real artist, while the other part dreamed of working with animals. These two enduring interests – my deep connection to the natural world and my appreciation for artistic expression – were constantly at odds with one another.
Q: How did your research career begin?
A: After graduating from high school, I pursued my studies in the Biology and English teacher training program at the University of Szeged. In my fourth year, inspired by my exceptional mentor, Dr. Éva Fekete, I had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program in the Netherlands. That six-month experience proved to be a turning point in my life. The education there was centered around immersive research projects, and I had the privilege of taking part in one such project, where I discovered firsthand the exhilarating nature of scientific inquiry. Witnessing the process of a project producing tangible results and then presenting my findings at a scientific conference to receive enthusiastic feedback – that was incredibly motivating. This initial experience opened the door to numerous opportunities, revealing a whole new world.
Q: What new world?
A: Well, the world of researchers. After returning from the Netherlands and completing my university degree in Szeged, I embarked on a two-year adventure in the United States, working in a laboratory in Saint Louis. Following this enriching experience, I went back to the Netherlands to pursue my PhD, conducting research at the very laboratory where I had worked during my exchange.
Q: Is this level of mobility typical in this career path?
A: I believe it’s now almost an expectation in our field, particularly in Western countries. If someone earns a PhD, it’s assumed that they won’t remain in the same place but will seek opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, it’s common for researchers to spend at least two years working in a foreign laboratory.
Q: Can one intentionally prepare for this level of mobility?
A: When someone has a good mentor, that mentor usually advises them to go abroad and gain experience to be taken seriously and secure funding. I’m not sure how one should truly prepare for it, though. However, where one ends up often depends on the mentor. That’s because research groups frequently have international connections and collaborations with other teams, and it’s only natural for researchers and students to move within these networks and exchange knowledge.
Q: Following your international experiences, what inspired you to launch your own research group in Szeged?
A: Establishing a research group is a pivotal achievement as part of a career in science, particularly for those with a clear vision of the research they wish to pursue, building naturally upon their previous work. I consider it an essential step for anyone wishing to remain in academia. In my case, that opportunity arose when the HCEMM research institute, supported by the European Union, was established in Szeged. They issued a call for proposals to form research groups, and I was fortunate to have my proposal accepted in the third round. So, with their support, we established a small research group focused on studying cerebral circulation disorders. That milestone was in 2021, and we have been operating successfully ever since.
Q: What makes such a team effective?
A: In any team, building rapport and fostering shared interests are essential for success. Our team is small, consisting of five PhD holders, often working alongside a group of dedicated doctoral students. Together, we operate like a well-oiled machine.
Q: What’s the dynamic like?
A: Our group cultivates a vibrant, positive atmosphere, and I also highly value spontaneous conversations. With open doors and everyone close at hand, we encourage immediate discussions whenever someone has an idea, request, question, or suggestion. That is because biomedical research is inherently a team effort, where achievements are not the result of any one individual, but rather the outcome of collaborative efforts that lead to collective success. This spontaneous organization, paired with our strong, friendly relationships, creates an environment where everyone can celebrate their contributions and successes. In addition, we hold scheduled meetings every Friday for our research group discussions, where each member shares insights from a paper they’ve read or presents their research findings. We also actively involve students in these discussions, encouraging them to participate and share updates on their work.
Q: What motivates you personally in your work?
A: While professional recognition and feedback from colleagues are certainly important, I believe that a successful researcher is someone who understands that positive feedback may not come immediately; instead, it often arrives unexpectedly, later on. A true researcher remains focused, diligently pursuing their work and trusting that their efforts will eventually bear fruit. Thriving in this field requires both resilience and humility. Fortunately, my involvement in teaching allows me to get regular feedback – whether at the end of a semester or even after each lesson. This helps me gauge my performance. So, during those times in research when feedback and results seem scarce, it’s my teaching role that continues to fuel my motivation.
Q: What are your aspirations for the future?
A: The ultimate goal of all biomedical research is to discover cures for various diseases. Our focus is on stroke – and generating results that could directly aid in patient treatment would be truly rewarding. Whether through developing a new medication, an innovative dosing method not yet incorporated into current treatments, or any approach that enhances rehabilitation and supports patient recovery, our aim is to make a meaningful impact.
Q: What guidance would you offer to students considering a career in research?
A: I strongly encourage all students, especially those interested in research, to seek out a mentor – a professor, a teacher, or any professional who can guide both academic and personal growth during the early stages of a career. That is how my journey began, and having a mentor who helped pave the way has been the cornerstone of my experience. Later on, once the right laboratory is found – or even before that – it’s crucial to nurture an inner curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and the persistence to push forward. These qualities must come from within and cannot be imparted externally. Everything else follows from there.
Original Hungarian text by Györgyi Gerháth
Photos: Bianka Móró, Sándor Kecse-Nagy
