University of Crete, Department of Chemistry, Associate Professor
University of Crete
Constantinos Neochoritis
- 1 What is your research about?
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My research focuses on the design and synthesis of new molecules, with the aim that some of them may serve as starting points for the development of new medicines. In simple terms, we try to create molecules that did not exist before and discover what they can do. It is a bit like LEGO, except that the building blocks are atoms and there is… no instruction manual!
- 2 Why is it important?
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Because, at the end of the day, chemistry should have a good reason to exist! Our research may contribute, in the long term, to the development of new medicines and to improving human health. Of course, there is a long way from a molecule to an actual medicine… and quite a few experiments along the way!
- 3 What inspired you to pursue this path?
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My curiosity! From a young age, I wanted to understand “why” things happen around me, from natural phenomena to the environment, plants and animals. Eventually, I became a chemist, and I am still doing exactly the same thing: asking “why?” and trying to find the answer.
- 4 What do you like most about research?
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The fact that I can create a molecule that no one else has ever created before anywhere on the planet. A completely new, real chemical entity, with properties that may one day prove useful to humanity. It is a wonderful combination of creativity, science and… controlled madness!
- 5 What advice would you give to a child who loves science?
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Never stop asking “why?”. Curiosity is perhaps the most important tool a scientist has. And do not be afraid of making mistakes: in research, a “failed” experiment is sometimes simply a very good question you had not thought to ask before!
- 6 Fun fact: Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
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I play chess! Probably because it is quite similar to the way I approach research: you need inspiration, strategy, flexibility and… a plan for when your first plan fails! In a way, a beautiful game of chess is much like a beautiful chemical synthesis: you start with a few pieces, make your moves, adapt to the unexpected, and in the end hope you haven’t… checkmated the wrong molecule!
