University of Crete, School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Physiology and Neurophysiology
University of Crete
Panos Sapountzis
- 1 What is your research about?
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Όταν δεν περιπλανιέμαι στα νευρωνικά μονοπάτια, θα με βρείτε να διαβάζω ένα καλό βιβλίο, να ακούω Μπαχ, να περνάω χρόνο με τα παιδιά μου ή να σηκώνω βάρη.
- 2 Why is it important?
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I study the brain, specifically, how the activity of higher-order regions gives rise to cognitive functions, such as attention and short-term memory. In other words, how the activity of many neurons lets us focus on something, or hold it in mind for a while. To explore these questions, I combine experimental and computational methods (yes, this means a lot of mathematics!).
- 3 What inspired you to pursue this path?
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Understanding how the brain works is one of the most challenging goals of our time. On one hand, it can open new paths for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, at a moment when machines are becoming “smarter,” studying the brain helps us understand what it is that makes us human.
- 4 What do you like most about research?
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I studied applied mathematics, but somewhere along the way I realized that what I truly wanted was to use mathematical tools to understand the mechanisms of life. Luck, and a few fortunate encounters, led me to a PhD in neuroscience. That’s where I fell in love with research, and knew that’s what I wanted to do.
- 5 What advice would you give to a child who loves science?
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Read (read a lot!) and never lose your curiosity. Keep asking “why?” and don’t settle for the first answer you find. That’s exactly where science begins: with someone who never stops asking. The rest is hard work.
- 6 Fun fact: Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
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When I am not lost in neural pathways, you will find me diving into a book, listening to Bach, catching up with my kids, or lifting weights.
