Boaz Barak is an Assistant Professor at Tel Aviv University in Israel. He obtained a PhD in Neuroscience from Tel Aviv University, and was a postdoc at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. Since 2017, he has been leading an independent research group, delving into the mechanisms underlying myelination and its impact on neurological conditions. He was honored with a FEBS Excellence Award (funds for equipment/consumables for early-career group leaders) in 2022. 

What is your current research focus?

The research in my lab at Tel Aviv University focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders and myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers, enabling efficient transmission of electrical signals in the brain. Disruptions in myelin development or maintenance can have significant implications for brain function. The lab employs various experimental techniques and animal models to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying myelin formation, maintenance and repair.

Furthermore, my lab aims to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to myelin-related disorders. By identifying key genes and signalling pathways involved in myelin development, we strive to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Lab webpage: https://people.socsci.tau.ac.il/mu/boazbarak/

What would be your advice to PhD students and postdocs who would like to eventually start their own lab?

Follow your passion and pursue what you truly love! Have faith in yourself, and don't dwell on the limited odds of establishing a laboratory or the complexities that may arise. Instead, concentrate on giving your best effort in the present and strive to maintain a balanced life. Embrace the opportunity to explore new avenues and carefully consider emerging research fields that show promise in the near future.

What do you see as the most important roles of a group leader?

The role of a group leader is multifaceted and crucial for the success of the group. I believe some key aspects are considered as the most important roles of a group leader:

1. Vision and Direction: A group leader should provide a clear vision and direction for the research group. They set the overall goals, objectives and strategies, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards a common purpose.
2. Mentoring and Guidance: Effective group leaders mentor and guide their team members. They provide support, advice and constructive feedback to help individuals develop their skills, overcome challenges and reach their full potential. They encourage open and transparent communication channels, ensuring that ideas, knowledge and information flow freely. They promote teamwork, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and create opportunities for knowledge exchange.
3. Resource Management: Leaders are responsible for managing the resources available to the group, including funding, equipment and personnel. They allocate resources efficiently, prioritize projects and ensure that the necessary infrastructure and support are in place for the team to carry out their work effectively.
4. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Group leaders make informed decisions based on their expertise and input from the team. They analyze data, consider various perspectives and take calculated risks when necessary.
5. Setting an Example: Leaders serve as role models for their team members. They embody professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct, setting high standards for themselves and the group. They demonstrate a strong work ethic, dedication and a commitment to excellence, inspiring others to do the same.
6. Building Networks and Collaboration: A leader plays a crucial role in networking, building relationships and establishing collaborations within the scientific community.

What makes an effective research group?

I believe that an effective research group can be characterized by several key factors that contribute to its success. The group should have well-defined goals, and it should be based on strong leadership that provides guidance, direction and support to the team members. This fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, encourages open communication and motivates the team towards achieving excellence. A successful research group consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds, expertise and skills relevant to the research area. These members should be encouraged to share ideas, provide feedback and collaborate on projects. Moreover, adequate resources, including funding, equipment, facilities and data, are crucial for a research group to thrive. Last, effective research groups understand the importance of disseminating their findings through publications, conferences and other platforms.

What are your current/next goals?

The ultimate goal of the research conducted in my lab is to improve our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and their association with myelin abnormalities. The findings may have implications for developing new therapeutic approaches and interventions to mitigate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

What would be your wishes to improve the bioscience research landscape?

If I were to make wishes to improve the bioscience research landscape, it would be to ensure widespread access to high-quality education, resources and funding for scientific research. This wish encompasses several key aspects that could have a transformative impact on bioscience research:

1. Education: Accessible and inclusive education is vital for fostering a robust scientific community. Investing in science education from primary to higher levels would empower aspiring researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the field.
2. Resources: Providing researchers with state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and technologies is crucial. Access to advanced tools and resources enables scientists to conduct innovative and impactful research, accelerating progress across various disciplines.
3. Funding: Sustained and adequate funding is essential for scientific advancements. Sufficient financial support from governments, private institutions and philanthropic organizations would allow researchers to pursue ambitious projects, hire skilled personnel and address critical research questions without significant financial constraints.
4. Collaboration and Open Science: Encouraging collaboration and fostering an environment of open science can accelerate scientific progress. Promoting data sharing, transparency and interdisciplinary collaboration would enable researchers to build upon each other's work, leading to faster discoveries and breakthroughs.

By fulfilling these aspects of the wish, we would create an environment that nurtures scientific talent, fosters innovation and facilitates collaboration, ultimately driving significant advancements in bioscience research and benefiting society as a whole.

Top image of post: by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay