15 September 2022 – George Garinis’s group, based at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (IMBB-FORTH) in Heraklion, studies the causes of aging. “We use mouse lines with inborn defects in DNA repair to understand the underlying mechanisms of age-related diseases,” he explains. Just metres from the IMBB-FORTH is the University of Crete, both important scientific centres. “Crete is a hub for biological research,” says Garinis, who established his lab on the island in 2012. “There are not many places where you can enjoy the sun and do great science!”
Garinis is grateful for the role EMBO plays in facilitating crucial networks to other parts of Europe. “For me EMBO is all about connection,” says Garinis, himself an EMBO Member and previous EMBO Young Investigator. “Crete is in the south-eastern part of Europe. Connectivity to the rest of Europe is, therefore, very important for us.” Garinis has also organized several EMBO Workshops on the island. “Organizing EMBO Workshops gave us the wonderful opportunity to invite inspirational scientists to Crete,” he says. “It was a great time.”
He would also like to see more international students come to the region. “We have an affordable and good quality of living, combined with high quality science. I have not met anyone who has regretted moving here!”
