Dr. Giannis Zacharakis [1], a biophotonics and biomedical imaging researcher and CEO of Kymatonics [2], was featured in the “Ask Me Anything” interview series by Physics World, where scientists share insights into their careers and the realities of research.

Dr. Zacharakis [1]  is a Research Director at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (FORTH) in Greece, where he leads the Laboratory for Biophotonics and Molecular Imaging [3]. He has also served as president and vice-president of the European Society for Molecular Imaging, with his work focusing on developing key enabling technologies for imaging biological processes in living systems.

In the aforementioned interview, he highlights the intellectual freedom that comes with pursuing meaningful scientific questions and emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of his work at the interface of physics, biology, and biomedicine. He describes research as a non-linear process, where progress often emerges through exploration, iteration, and openness to unexpected directions.

His perspective underscores the importance of analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and project management, alongside mentoring young scientists and fostering independent thought. It is especially meaningful to work alongside a principal investigator who approaches research with this mindset, valuing curiosity, critical thinking, and the process behind discovery.

At the same time, he acknowledges the challenges of uncertainty, competitive funding, and administrative demands. Reflecting on his journey, he stresses that embracing uncertainty, strengthening communication skills, and cultivating collaboration are essential for long-term growth in research. Ultimately, he values an environment driven by curiosity and critical thinking, where the process of discovery is just as important as the outcome.

Read the full interview: https://physicsworld.com/a/ask-me-anything-giannis-zacharakis-the-ability-to-pursue-questions-that-genuinely-interest-you-is-a-privilege/ [4]