Our interviewee is Marina Tapias Martín, a Predoctoral Researcher at Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale (CSIC-UAM), Spain. Marina is a founding member and a coordinator of the Junior Section of the Spanish Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SEBBM), FEBS Constituent Society.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science? Why did you choose this field?
I fell in love with the world inside our cells early on. In high school, I was fascinated by metabolism, and later, at university, I discovered the beauty and complexity of cell signaling. As I wasn’t initially sure about pursuing a PhD, after my Master’s degree, I worked for several years as a Clinical Research Associate in clinical trials at a CRO focused on medical devices.
Over time, however, I realized I had drifted away from what truly inspired me. That’s when I decided to return to research and begin my PhD, exploring hearing loss and its relationship to the microbiome.
Briefly introduce your research topic. What is the purpose of your research?
My research focuses on understanding how the microbiome influences hearing function and contributes to hearing loss. Using mouse models that develop early-onset hearing impairment, I study how alterations in immune signaling, redox balance, and inflammation interact with microbial factors.
The purpose of my research is to uncover whether specific microbiome changes can modulate cochlear inflammation, cellular homeostasis, and tissue degeneration, ultimately identifying biological mechanisms that may open new avenues for preventing or treating hearing loss.
What excites you most about your work or research?
What excites me most about my research is the feeling that I’m exploring an area where many questions remain unanswered. Hearing loss is a complex and multifactorial condition, and studying how the microbiome might influence cochlear health offers a fresh perspective that remains largely unexplored. Ultimately, what inspires me most is the idea that my work could contribute to understanding new mechanisms behind hearing loss and potentially guide more preventive or personalized strategies in the future.
Among all the scientific discoveries of all time, which is your favorite? Why?
What fascinates me most is that cells — which seem so simple at first glance— constantly communicate through exquisitely coordinated biochemical messages. This discovery changed the way we understand physiology, disease, and even how we design therapies. But, I cannot select just one discovery, although both Margarita Salas with phi29 as a female model, and Santiago Cajal with his drawings of neurons, as I'm passionate about neuroscience.
What do you do as a scientist to make your work interesting and accessible to the public?
As a scientist, I make my work interesting and accessible by focusing on two things: clear communication and meaningful connections with people.
I enjoy explaining complex concepts — like how the microbiome or cellular signaling influences hearing — in simple, relatable ways. I often use everyday analogies, visuals, or stories that help others understand why these mechanisms matter and how they connect to real health challenges.
I also try to engage beyond the lab. I participate in outreach events, share scientific ideas through presentations or informal talks, and enjoy discussing research with people who are not familiar with the field. I believe that when science is explained transparently and with enthusiasm, it invites curiosity rather than intimidation.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have hobbies?
Outside the lab, I enjoy activities that help me disconnect, stay active, and express myself creatively. I regularly do sports — from gym workouts to outdoor activities — because they help me clear my mind and keep my energy balanced.
I also practice theatre, which has become one of my favorite ways to disconnect while also developing creativity, communication, and teamwork. Being on stage challenges me, makes me more confident, and lets me explore ideas and emotions in a completely different context from science.
How was the idea of your National Junior Section born? Tell us the story of the initiative.
The idea for our National Junior Section grew naturally from my experience founding Bioquímica en Movimiento during my degree. Through that project, I connected with members of the SEBBM board, who were already aware that several European societies were starting to create junior sections.
We realized that the SEBBM also needed a dedicated space for early‑career members —and that’s how the idea of the SEBBM Junior Section was born.
How did you learn about the FEBS Junior Section? What motivated you to become a member?
I first learned about the FEBS Junior Section through my involvement in the SEBBM Junior Section, and even before our national junior section became official, I was already participating in FEBS JS activities.
What motivated me to become a member was the opportunity to be part of a broader, international network of young scientists. I wanted to exchange experiences, collaborate across countries, and contribute to initiatives that support early‑career researchers at a European level.
What is the importance of getting involved in FEBS JS activities for students and young scientists?
Getting involved in FEBS JS activities is important because it connects students and young scientists with a wider international community. It offers opportunities to learn from peers across Europe, exchange ideas, and gain exposure to different scientific cultures and career paths.
What advice would you give to aspiring students/scientists?
My advice to aspiring students and young scientists is to stay curious, be patient with your own learning, and not be afraid of taking unexpected paths. Science is rarely linear, and some of the most meaningful discoveries — both personal and scientific — come from exploring new areas, asking bold questions, and embracing uncertainty.
I also encourage you to get involved whenever you can: join student representation, participate in associations, or help organize activities. These experiences teach you valuable soft skills, connect you with new people, and bring you closer to opportunities you may not find otherwise.
Where do you see your career going next?
I am still at the beginning of my PhD, so I don’t yet know where my career will ultimately lead, and I want to stay open to different possibilities. However, I know that I truly enjoy university teaching, and in the future I would love to combine scientific research with teaching and science communication.
I am also very motivated by organizing activities, creating opportunities for others, and mentoring younger students. Ideally, my career would allow me to integrate all these aspects: doing meaningful research while contributing to education, outreach, and community building within science.