Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of Crete
Maria Chatzinikolaidou
- 1 What is your research about?
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Our laboratory research focuses on the use of biomimetic biomaterials and cells to develop functional tissues for regenerative medicine applications, as well as 3D models for drug evaluation and new therapeutic strategies. We work in a highly multidisciplinary field of materials science, biology, engineering and medicine.
- 2 Why is it important?
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The development of 3D tissue-engineered products and tissue-mimicking models—utilizing dynamic conditions similar to those in the human body—opens up new prospects for modern therapeutic approaches and reduces the use of animal experiments; consequently, it represents a significant perspective in health care with profound social and economic impact.
- 3 What inspired you to pursue this path?
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Teachers, professors and mentors at every level of my education—and throughout my academic journey until now—were the people who inspired me. I was drawn to the life sciences, and early on, I realized that conducting research that would help improve human health is fascinating.
- 4 What do you like most about research?
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Exploring the new, conducting research through experimentation and answering critical questions, acquiring new knowledge by studying emerging fields and scientific disciplines, and developing innovative health products that are valuable to the market and consequently to society.
- 5 What advice would you give to a child who loves science?
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One should pursue the field that brings the greatest joy and satisfaction, while being prepared for the fact that there will be setbacks and failures in certain endeavors—obstacles that must not, however, deter the drive to continue toward one’s goal. Furthermore, one should recognize that great achievements are the result of intensive and persistent effort and, finally, that there are many different paths to reaching a goal, and thus many options available.
- 6 Fun fact: Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
