University of Crete, School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Physiology and Neurophysiology
University of Crete
Panos Sapountzis
- 1 Με τι ασχολείται η έρευνά σας;
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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 Γιατί είναι σημαντική;
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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 Tι σας ενέπνευσε να ακολουθήσετε αυτό το δρόμο;
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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 Τι σας αρέσει περισσότερο στην έρευνα;
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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 Τι συμβουλή θα δίνατε σε ένα παιδί που αγαπά την επιστήμη;
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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: Πείτε μας κάτι που δεν γνωρίζουν πολλοί για εσάς
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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.
