<![CDATA[Called to Science]]>5b5965e2-cf47-5345-a62f-14efda282f42Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:46:30 +0000Captivate.fmVIBhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/ce345a76-a341-4943-8455-665c48c82317/usTvPrKEs0enVjyh2xS_QFqi.jpgCalled to ScienceVIBVIBWhat drives a scientist to keep going after research setbacks? What is it like to discover a drug that could have saved a family member, to let values guide your career, or to move continents to pursue your passion? Called to Science shares real stories from the world of life sciences research. Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, the podcast goes behind the science to explore the people, passion, and persistence behind breakthroughs in areas like computational biology, neuroscience, microbiology, and cancer research. Each episode features VIB scientists reflecting on the human side of science careers: how they face failure, fight imposter syndrome, and stay curious in the face of uncertainty. Whether you are a student, researcher, or just science-curious, these stories will show how discovery often begins with the unexpected. Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments. Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be. ----------------------------------------------------------- A VIB podcast. Produced by De Praeters. https://www.vib.befalseepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/called-to-science/nopodcastCalled to Science Season 3 TrailerCalled to Science Season 3 TrailerIn five brand-new episodes, you'll meet researchers whose paths into science are anything but straightforward. Think a lifelong promise shaped by personal loss, a journey from first-generation student to grant expert, what it takes to be an expert, and careers that cross continents, disciplines, and even worlds, from the lab bench to European policy.

Along the way, you will hear about doubt, teamwork, rare disease research, open lab doors, career leaps, science outreach, and a few very human reminders that even brilliant people like you are often just figuring it out as they go.

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>In five brand-new episodes, you'll meet researchers whose paths into science are anything but straightforward. Think a lifelong promise shaped by personal loss, a journey from first-generation student to grant expert, what it takes to be an expert, and careers that cross continents, disciplines, and even worlds, from the lab bench to European policy.

Along the way, you will hear about doubt, teamwork, rare disease research, open lab doors, career leaps, science outreach, and a few very human reminders that even brilliant people like you are often just figuring it out as they go.

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>b219e151-1875-46ab-a8ed-3ee016b71405Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +020002:09falsetrailer33Laurent Galibert – A lifelong mission in drug discoveryLaurent Galibert – A lifelong mission in drug discoveryFor Laurent Galibert, drug discovery was never just a career choice. It was a promise.

In this episode, Laurent shares how a personal loss shaped his path in science, why doubt is part of making good decisions, and how teamwork keeps drug discovery moving forward, even when success is far from certain.

At VIB Discovery Sciences, Laurent helps turn early scientific ideas into opportunities that could one day change patients’ lives. He speaks passionately about the mix of expertise, collaboration, and ambition that allows people from different backgrounds to build something meaningful together.

Curious about a place where top science, purpose, and teamwork come together? Discover opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #lifesciences #drugdiscovery

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>For Laurent Galibert, drug discovery was never just a career choice. It was a promise.

In this episode, Laurent shares how a personal loss shaped his path in science, why doubt is part of making good decisions, and how teamwork keeps drug discovery moving forward, even when success is far from certain.

At VIB Discovery Sciences, Laurent helps turn early scientific ideas into opportunities that could one day change patients’ lives. He speaks passionately about the mix of expertise, collaboration, and ambition that allows people from different backgrounds to build something meaningful together.

Curious about a place where top science, purpose, and teamwork come together? Discover opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #lifesciences #drugdiscovery

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>863e5533-bd07-4655-8450-92516b5327c6Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:55:00 +020035:29falsefull3113Ayşe Candayan – Grants, genes, and gritAyşe Candayan – Grants, genes, and gritWhat does it take to go from first-generation everything to grant guru?

In this episode, Ayşe Candayan shares her path from Turkey to Antwerp and reflects on the people and places that helped shape her into the scientist she is today. From strong female role models to the life-changing opportunity of the Darüşşafaka Schools, this is a story about talent, ambition, and what can happen when someone gets the chance to grow.

Ayşe is now a postdoctoral researcher at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, where she studies the genetics of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. She explains why rare disease research matters far more than people often realize, why collaboration is essential, and why clear storytelling might just be one of the most underrated scientific skills out there. Yes, we also get into her grant-writing secrets!

Looking for a place where mentorship, collaboration, and scientific curiosity can take you far? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #postdocjobs #lifesciences #raredisease

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>What does it take to go from first-generation everything to grant guru?

In this episode, Ayşe Candayan shares her path from Turkey to Antwerp and reflects on the people and places that helped shape her into the scientist she is today. From strong female role models to the life-changing opportunity of the Darüşşafaka Schools, this is a story about talent, ambition, and what can happen when someone gets the chance to grow.

Ayşe is now a postdoctoral researcher at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, where she studies the genetics of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. She explains why rare disease research matters far more than people often realize, why collaboration is essential, and why clear storytelling might just be one of the most underrated scientific skills out there. Yes, we also get into her grant-writing secrets!

Looking for a place where mentorship, collaboration, and scientific curiosity can take you far? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #postdocjobs #lifesciences #raredisease

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>15501970-72d0-4c86-acab-242717a323d8Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:45:00 +020032:51falsefull3223Thomas Jacobs – Transplanting, adapting, and flourishing in a new environmentThomas Jacobs – Transplanting, adapting, and flourishing in a new environmentWhat do baseball, plant genome editing, and failure have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode, Thomas Jacobs talks about growing up with a love for plants and baseball, following his curiosity from the US to Belgium, and building a career in plant genome editing at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. His approach to science is refreshingly straightforward: expect things to fail, focus on the question in front of you, and take it one pitch at a time.

Thomas also shares what surprised him about moving to VIB, from the scale of the scientific support to a culture where collaboration is real, lab doors are open, and sharing is just part of the job. He reflects on team culture, sustainable lab practices, fast-moving technologies like nanopore sequencing and AI, and why fundamental discovery still matters, even when you do not yet know where it will lead.

Looking for a place where curiosity, teamwork, and ambitious science can grow side by side? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #plantscience #genomeediting #lifesciences

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>What do baseball, plant genome editing, and failure have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode, Thomas Jacobs talks about growing up with a love for plants and baseball, following his curiosity from the US to Belgium, and building a career in plant genome editing at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. His approach to science is refreshingly straightforward: expect things to fail, focus on the question in front of you, and take it one pitch at a time.

Thomas also shares what surprised him about moving to VIB, from the scale of the scientific support to a culture where collaboration is real, lab doors are open, and sharing is just part of the job. He reflects on team culture, sustainable lab practices, fast-moving technologies like nanopore sequencing and AI, and why fundamental discovery still matters, even when you do not yet know where it will lead.

Looking for a place where curiosity, teamwork, and ambitious science can grow side by side? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #plantscience #genomeediting #lifesciences

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>c868c506-d02d-4071-ae9f-bc76c3c43e37Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:35:00 +020029:33falsefull3333Lia Martina – From pipettes to policyLia Martina – From pipettes to policyFrom mosaics to moyamoya disease, and from the lab bench to the European Commission.

In this episode, Lia Martina shares her journey from a small Italian town to the world of biology and proteomics.

Today, Lia works as a policy officer at the European Commission on the European Health Data Space, helping turn big ideas into something that works for people across Europe. One of her clearest success metrics is that one day, her mom should be able to travel with a suitcase full of food, not medical paperwork.

She explains why scientists are often better prepared for policy than they think, how her PhD helped her grow, and why sometimes the bravest career move is simply trusting your gut.

Looking for a place where science can open more doors than you expected, inside and outside the lab? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #sciencecareers #policy #lifesciences #proteomics

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>From mosaics to moyamoya disease, and from the lab bench to the European Commission.

In this episode, Lia Martina shares her journey from a small Italian town to the world of biology and proteomics.

Today, Lia works as a policy officer at the European Commission on the European Health Data Space, helping turn big ideas into something that works for people across Europe. One of her clearest success metrics is that one day, her mom should be able to travel with a suitcase full of food, not medical paperwork.

She explains why scientists are often better prepared for policy than they think, how her PhD helped her grow, and why sometimes the bravest career move is simply trusting your gut.

Looking for a place where science can open more doors than you expected, inside and outside the lab? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #sciencecareers #policy #lifesciences #proteomics

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>b3160498-72a3-4b91-93d1-5399a72fdf7bWed, 22 Apr 2026 07:25:00 +020034:54falsefull3443Inge Van Molle – What it takes to be a jack of all tradesInge Van Molle – What it takes to be a jack of all tradesHow do you become the person everyone goes to when things get tricky in the lab?

In this episode, Inge Van Molle shares how she became a structural biologist, a lab expert, and, by the sound of it, a bit of a responsibility magnet. From building up experience in Belgium and Cambridge to becoming the person colleagues turn to for structural and biophysical questions, her story is about saying yes, learning by doing, and finding your place by helping others move their science forward.

Inge also takes us into the world of structural biology, where solving one piece of the puzzle can unlock answers for an entire project. Outside the lab, she talks about creative ways to make complex science understandable and why that matters, especially for children who might not otherwise see science as something for them.

Looking for a place where expertise is shared, collaboration is real, and curiosity can take you in unexpected directions? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #structuralbiology #postdocjobs #lifesciences

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>How do you become the person everyone goes to when things get tricky in the lab?

In this episode, Inge Van Molle shares how she became a structural biologist, a lab expert, and, by the sound of it, a bit of a responsibility magnet. From building up experience in Belgium and Cambridge to becoming the person colleagues turn to for structural and biophysical questions, her story is about saying yes, learning by doing, and finding your place by helping others move their science forward.

Inge also takes us into the world of structural biology, where solving one piece of the puzzle can unlock answers for an entire project. Outside the lab, she talks about creative ways to make complex science understandable and why that matters, especially for children who might not otherwise see science as something for them.

Looking for a place where expertise is shared, collaboration is real, and curiosity can take you in unexpected directions? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #structuralbiology #postdocjobs #lifesciences

Let us know your Dare to Ask questions in the comments or via this form.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.

]]>7ab61377-57af-4e31-b685-25bf639cf49fWed, 22 Apr 2026 07:15:00 +020031:27falsefull3553Called to Science Season 2 TrailerCalled to Science Season 2 TrailerBehind every discovery lies a story, of curiosity, values, and perseverance. In the second season of Called to Science, we go deeper into the lives of scientists at VIB. From the clinic to the lab bench, from Mexico City to Belgium, from business development to social media, these researchers share how science shapes their lives and how their lives shape science.

Hosted by science journalist Bradley Van Paridon, this season uncovers personal journeys of risk-taking, resilience, and inspiration. Expect stories of moving across continents, redefining what a career in science can look like, learning from failure, and discovering the values that drive research forward.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>Behind every discovery lies a story, of curiosity, values, and perseverance. In the second season of Called to Science, we go deeper into the lives of scientists at VIB. From the clinic to the lab bench, from Mexico City to Belgium, from business development to social media, these researchers share how science shapes their lives and how their lives shape science.

Hosted by science journalist Bradley Van Paridon, this season uncovers personal journeys of risk-taking, resilience, and inspiration. Expect stories of moving across continents, redefining what a career in science can look like, learning from failure, and discovering the values that drive research forward.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>add6c227-bd42-4555-8b58-e941521da4dbWed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +020001:59falsetrailer22Ruben Vazquez-Uribe - Science with values at its coreRuben Vazquez-Uribe - Science with values at its coreFor Ruben Vazquez-Uribe, science is not about titles or publications, but about meaning. From Mexico City to the Netherlands, Denmark, and now Belgium, Ruben has carried his passion for microbes around the world, looking for ways they can benefit society, from food to sustainability.

As a staff scientist at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Ruben brings not only his research but also his values to the table. He talks about what it means to embed community, culture, and sustainability into science, why positive impact matters more than prestige, and how microbes may hold the key to shaping a better future.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>For Ruben Vazquez-Uribe, science is not about titles or publications, but about meaning. From Mexico City to the Netherlands, Denmark, and now Belgium, Ruben has carried his passion for microbes around the world, looking for ways they can benefit society, from food to sustainability.

As a staff scientist at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Ruben brings not only his research but also his values to the table. He talks about what it means to embed community, culture, and sustainability into science, why positive impact matters more than prestige, and how microbes may hold the key to shaping a better future.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>d1e25bf3-b781-4661-87f7-fcb2246e743eWed, 15 Oct 2025 07:50:00 +020032:09falsefull2112Bart Lambrecht - Casting lines between clinic and labBart Lambrecht - Casting lines between clinic and labFor Bart Lambrecht, the most exciting discoveries happen where science and medicine meet. As director of the VIB Center for Inflammation Research and a leading expert on asthma and allergies, Bart thrives on the constant back-and-forth between patient care and the lab bench.

In this episode, Bart shares what it means to be a physician-scientist, why fly fishing and research require the same patience and precision, and how curiosity in the clinic can spark breakthroughs in the lab, and vice versa. His story highlights the unique perspective that comes from living in both worlds at once.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>For Bart Lambrecht, the most exciting discoveries happen where science and medicine meet. As director of the VIB Center for Inflammation Research and a leading expert on asthma and allergies, Bart thrives on the constant back-and-forth between patient care and the lab bench.

In this episode, Bart shares what it means to be a physician-scientist, why fly fishing and research require the same patience and precision, and how curiosity in the clinic can spark breakthroughs in the lab, and vice versa. His story highlights the unique perspective that comes from living in both worlds at once.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>984897ca-f84b-424b-99b3-93f0d7c52412Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:40:00 +020033:26falsefull2222Elina Kuznecova - Redefining what a science career looks likeElina Kuznecova - Redefining what a science career looks likeNot every inspiring career in science requires a PhD. Elina Kuznecova has built a path that challenges expectations, from leaving her home country at a young age to working in high-tech labs at leading institutes across Europe. Now a lab technician at the VIB Spatial Catalyst, Elina reflects on the choices that shaped her career and the lessons she learned along the way.

She also shares how failure can be a powerful teacher, why she chose to make her journey public to more than 90,000 followers on Instagram, and what it means to inspire the next generation of scientists to find their own path.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>Not every inspiring career in science requires a PhD. Elina Kuznecova has built a path that challenges expectations, from leaving her home country at a young age to working in high-tech labs at leading institutes across Europe. Now a lab technician at the VIB Spatial Catalyst, Elina reflects on the choices that shaped her career and the lessons she learned along the way.

She also shares how failure can be a powerful teacher, why she chose to make her journey public to more than 90,000 followers on Instagram, and what it means to inspire the next generation of scientists to find their own path.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>77303177-0635-4d5b-82bf-183b462062c3Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:30:00 +020032:02falsefull2332Jiska van der Reest - Building bridges from science to societyJiska van der Reest - Building bridges from science to societyFrom the lab bench to the boardroom, Jiska van der Reest has learned to navigate both the scientific and the business side of research. After studies in the Netherlands, Glasgow, and Harvard Medical School, she focused on cancer metabolism before making the leap into business development at VIB.

In this episode, Jiska talks about what it means to bridge science and society, why business innovation is crucial for bringing discoveries to patients, and how working with an inspiring team makes translation possible. Her story is one of moving across countries, careers, and mindsets, always with impact at the center.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>From the lab bench to the boardroom, Jiska van der Reest has learned to navigate both the scientific and the business side of research. After studies in the Netherlands, Glasgow, and Harvard Medical School, she focused on cancer metabolism before making the leap into business development at VIB.

In this episode, Jiska talks about what it means to bridge science and society, why business innovation is crucial for bringing discoveries to patients, and how working with an inspiring team makes translation possible. Her story is one of moving across countries, careers, and mindsets, always with impact at the center.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>bba657b6-8652-4ecf-9de4-7813603632c5Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:20:00 +020034:05falsefull2442Milton Antwi - Taking chances, making music out of scienceMilton Antwi - Taking chances, making music out of scienceFor Milton Antwi, moving abroad is never without challenges, but every change brings growth. Fresh from completing his PhD at the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Milton reflects on his journey researching treatments for fatty liver disease while navigating life across borders.

In this episode, Milton shares how music and science overlap, why collaboration fuels discovery, and why taking the leap into the unknown is often the best career move you can make.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>For Milton Antwi, moving abroad is never without challenges, but every change brings growth. Fresh from completing his PhD at the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Milton reflects on his journey researching treatments for fatty liver disease while navigating life across borders.

In this episode, Milton shares how music and science overlap, why collaboration fuels discovery, and why taking the leap into the unknown is often the best career move you can make.

Do you have a question you always wanted to ask? Submit them here anonymously.

________________________________________

Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>d5de8cc8-0a35-40dc-bff2-4e7c707d864bWed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +020035:26falsefull2552Called to Science Season 1 TrailerCalled to Science Season 1 TrailerStay tuned for the release of the first season on 29 April!

Called to Science uncovers the untold stories of the people pushing the boundaries of life sciences. Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, the podcast goes beyond the research to explore the passion, setbacks, and big questions that drive scientists forward. 

The first season features in-depth conversations with researchers at VIB, covering topics from computational biology and microbiology to cancer research and imaging technologies. Each episode brings out the human side of how the scientific life can take unexpected turns, like moving from a cattle ranch to NASA or stumbling upon a new antibiotic in a student restaurant. Other guests open up about imposter syndrome, high-risk research, and learning to navigate failure as part of the process. 

For those who are Called to Science, this podcast is for you! 

]]>Stay tuned for the release of the first season on 29 April!

Called to Science uncovers the untold stories of the people pushing the boundaries of life sciences. Hosted by science journalist Brad van Paridon, the podcast goes beyond the research to explore the passion, setbacks, and big questions that drive scientists forward. 

The first season features in-depth conversations with researchers at VIB, covering topics from computational biology and microbiology to cancer research and imaging technologies. Each episode brings out the human side of how the scientific life can take unexpected turns, like moving from a cattle ranch to NASA or stumbling upon a new antibiotic in a student restaurant. Other guests open up about imposter syndrome, high-risk research, and learning to navigate failure as part of the process. 

For those who are Called to Science, this podcast is for you! 

]]>d9df8c08-db1f-4ca7-8b30-00a2fff00051Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:57:00 +020001:44falsefull11Erin Tranfield - A life through the lens of scienceErin Tranfield - A life through the lens of scienceSome careers follow a plan; Erin Tranfield’s did not. Now Head of the VIB BioImaging Core Ghent, she grew up on a cattle ranch in Canada, where a love for photography eventually transformed into a passion for microscopy and science. Her relentless curiosity took her to NASA and cutting-edge research labs across Europe. 

A self-proclaimed microscopy nerd, Erin talks about the similarities between imaging and art, the importance of innovation in microscopy, but also makes a plea for the humble light microscope. We dive into her experiences moving across countries, confronting imposter syndrome, handling the pressure to succeed, and why following what excites you is the best career strategy. 

Do you have an original career path in science or tips on dealing with imposter syndrome? Share them in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>Some careers follow a plan; Erin Tranfield’s did not. Now Head of the VIB BioImaging Core Ghent, she grew up on a cattle ranch in Canada, where a love for photography eventually transformed into a passion for microscopy and science. Her relentless curiosity took her to NASA and cutting-edge research labs across Europe. 

A self-proclaimed microscopy nerd, Erin talks about the similarities between imaging and art, the importance of innovation in microscopy, but also makes a plea for the humble light microscope. We dive into her experiences moving across countries, confronting imposter syndrome, handling the pressure to succeed, and why following what excites you is the best career strategy. 

Do you have an original career path in science or tips on dealing with imposter syndrome? Share them in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>4faf69ae-fba3-4654-976c-c711d9b5d577Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +020035:12falsefull1111Bart de Strooper - From comic book inspiration to trailblazing Alzheimer's researcherBart de Strooper - From comic book inspiration to trailblazing Alzheimer's researcherBart De Strooper is now a trailblazing Alzheimer's researcher, but his path wasn’t always clear. His journey started early. From a young age, he was mesmerized by science, conducting experiments at home and drawing inspiration from comic books. Although he initially embarked on a medical degree, his heart soon led him to fundamental research. A blend of serendipity and mentorship steered him toward genetics and ultimately to groundbreaking Alzheimer's research at VIB-KU Leuven. 

Bart shares his experiences navigating the highs and lows of research, his unyielding passion for science, and why he’s more optimistic than ever about the future of Alzheimer's research. 

Tell us in the comments what drives you to do research!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>Bart De Strooper is now a trailblazing Alzheimer's researcher, but his path wasn’t always clear. His journey started early. From a young age, he was mesmerized by science, conducting experiments at home and drawing inspiration from comic books. Although he initially embarked on a medical degree, his heart soon led him to fundamental research. A blend of serendipity and mentorship steered him toward genetics and ultimately to groundbreaking Alzheimer's research at VIB-KU Leuven. 

Bart shares his experiences navigating the highs and lows of research, his unyielding passion for science, and why he’s more optimistic than ever about the future of Alzheimer's research. 

Tell us in the comments what drives you to do research!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>d85f7245-ec2f-42e0-b861-ca82acf174b0Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:50:00 +020034:17falsefull1221Colinda Scheele - An unconventional path to successColinda Scheele - An unconventional path to successIn this episode, we sit down with Colinda Scheele, a researcher who focuses on the earliest stages of cancer, revealing the fundamental biology of how healthy cells transform into tumors at VIB-KU Leuven. She believes that to truly conquer cancer, we must first understand how cancer begins and ultimately, how to stop it before it even starts. 

Colinda’s curiosity and a deep drive to understand biological mechanisms have not only shaped her research, but also her unconventional career path. Securing a group leader position straight after her PhD, she proves that success in science isn’t about following a set path, but about taking risks and asking big questions.  

She shares how a fiery passion for discovery has guided her journey, how she disconnects from work, and why embracing risk is at the heart of scientific progress.  

We would love to know how you disconnect from work or how you approach balancing risks in research. Tell us in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>In this episode, we sit down with Colinda Scheele, a researcher who focuses on the earliest stages of cancer, revealing the fundamental biology of how healthy cells transform into tumors at VIB-KU Leuven. She believes that to truly conquer cancer, we must first understand how cancer begins and ultimately, how to stop it before it even starts. 

Colinda’s curiosity and a deep drive to understand biological mechanisms have not only shaped her research, but also her unconventional career path. Securing a group leader position straight after her PhD, she proves that success in science isn’t about following a set path, but about taking risks and asking big questions.  

She shares how a fiery passion for discovery has guided her journey, how she disconnects from work, and why embracing risk is at the heart of scientific progress.  

We would love to know how you disconnect from work or how you approach balancing risks in research. Tell us in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>d333f153-b4e3-4299-b31a-8cea93250b44Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:40:00 +020032:44falsefull1331Stein Aerts – Decoding life and the art of asking questionsStein Aerts – Decoding life and the art of asking questionsFueled by curiosity and a passion to decode life, Stein Aerts became a pioneer in AI and computational biology at VIB-KU Leuven. There, he combines genetics, data analysis, and artificial intelligence to try and get to the root of understanding biological systems. Among many other things, his research led to the development of the Cell Atlas of the fruit fly, a powerful tool mapping which genes are active in which cells. But for Stein, research isn’t just about finding answers, but about asking the right questions.  

Our conversation leads us through the jungles of Ecuador and Columbia, perspectives on embracing failures, and what it means to leave a legacy in science.  

Tell us in the comments what leaving a legacy in science means to you!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>Fueled by curiosity and a passion to decode life, Stein Aerts became a pioneer in AI and computational biology at VIB-KU Leuven. There, he combines genetics, data analysis, and artificial intelligence to try and get to the root of understanding biological systems. Among many other things, his research led to the development of the Cell Atlas of the fruit fly, a powerful tool mapping which genes are active in which cells. But for Stein, research isn’t just about finding answers, but about asking the right questions.  

Our conversation leads us through the jungles of Ecuador and Columbia, perspectives on embracing failures, and what it means to leave a legacy in science.  

Tell us in the comments what leaving a legacy in science means to you!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>38ac3e64-8c47-461c-901e-ba0ed7d93d97Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:20:00 +020041:25falsefull1441Joleen Masschelein – Hunting microbes and the thrill of discoveryJoleen Masschelein – Hunting microbes and the thrill of discoveryIn this episode, we talk to Joleen Masschelein, who is exploring the biosynthetic ingenuity of microbes at VIB-KU Leuven, trying to uncover new antibiotics and bioactive compounds.  

Joleen’s fascination with bacteria took off during her master’s research, when she contributed to the discovery of an antibiotic in bacteria collected from a student restaurant. This set her on a lifelong mission to understand and harness the power of microbes. 

We talk about the thrill of discovery, the challenges of working with stubborn microbes, and why she believes that being proactive and chasing opportunities is the key to success in science. 

Share your favorite discovery in science in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>In this episode, we talk to Joleen Masschelein, who is exploring the biosynthetic ingenuity of microbes at VIB-KU Leuven, trying to uncover new antibiotics and bioactive compounds.  

Joleen’s fascination with bacteria took off during her master’s research, when she contributed to the discovery of an antibiotic in bacteria collected from a student restaurant. This set her on a lifelong mission to understand and harness the power of microbes. 

We talk about the thrill of discovery, the challenges of working with stubborn microbes, and why she believes that being proactive and chasing opportunities is the key to success in science. 

Share your favorite discovery in science in the comments!

Ready to take your research further? Join VIB – Where top science meets global talent. Check out our open positions at jobs.vib.be.

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters. 

]]>a7e88dbe-d939-4407-9b73-0ef0d2e19eccThu, 10 Apr 2025 07:05:00 +020027:48falsefull1551