Q1. Who inspired you to become a scientist?

I have always been fascinated by understanding how life works. Along the way, my school social sciences teacher and high school physics teacher encouraged my curiosity.

Q2. What drives your research interest?

Curiosity drives me, wanting to uncover how things work and why. Passion for discovery keeps me motivated.

Q3. What is your current research focus?

I work on understanding mechanisms of translation control and how their dysregulation contributes to disease, particularly liver cancer. I also investigate translation control in yeast, with applications toward improving heterologous protein production.

Q4. Who are your current scientific influences?

I am inspired by colleagues and mentors who challenge my ideas, offer guidance, and encourage me to see problems from new perspectives. I’m also influenced by my son. Watching him explore the world with such curiosity and wonder reminds me daily of the joy of discovery.

Q5. If you hadn’t become a scientist, what would your dream job be?

If I weren’t a scientist, I would probably be a historian or a museum or tour guide. I like uncovering stories from the past and sharing them with others. It is a way of revealing hidden truths about the world.

Q6. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking, which helps me connect with nature and clear my mind. I also like listening to history podcasts as they satisfy my interest in human stories and cultural evolution. Traveling gives me the chance to experience those stories firsthand.

Q7. What books influenced you the most?

I would like to highlight two books originally written in Basque, one of my mother tongues. Obabakoak by Bernardo Atxaga influenced me through its imaginative storytelling, revealing how language can construct entire worlds. The poetic reflection on everyday life from Bitartean heldu eskutik by Kirmen Uribe reminds me of the beauty found in simplicity.

Q8. What are your favourite movies?

The Name of the Rose, for its intriguing mysteries and The Lord of the Rings, for its epic storytelling.

Q9. What advice would you give your 18-year old self?

Explore the world with curiosity, view every challenge as an opportunity to grow, treat others with respect… And start investing now!

Q10. What, in your opinion, is the “next big thing” in the field of scientific research?

Science often surprises us, so the “next big thing” may be something we cannot imagine yet. I believe breakthroughs may come from unexpected directions, reminding us to stay open-minded and adaptable.