EBM Interview: Lisbeth Grøndahl

Professor Lisbeth Grøndahl works at School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland. She has published more than 100 research papers and book chapters. Many of her publications are interdisciplinary in nature and achieved through collaborative efforts. The majority of her published work has involved research students and/or ECR staff who on science research articles gain 1st author status. She has 10 papers with more than 100 citations and one additional paper with more than 1000.

Since 2002, she has given 55 invited talks at various conferences and as part of seminar programs at institutions around the world.

Here is the interview we did with her:

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

I am chemist of training and work in the field of bio-interface science where I explore how the surface properties of materials including scaffolds and nanoparticles affect how they interact with components of body fluids and cells. To this end, my group works on surface modification of scaffolds and on chemical modification to components of nanoparticles to optimize their interactions for specific biomedical applications.

2. What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?

A major obstacle to working in the interdisciplinary field of biomaterials science is the vast amount of poor-quality research published. Specifically, material characterization if often lacking and this makes it difficult to know if a published method is sound and if indeed the proposed mechanism is valid. It slows down research progress and wastes resources.

This is one of the reasons that I have a passion for providing detailed guidance on material characterisation. This allows reproducible and impactful work to be generated, not just by my research team, but more broadly.

3. What attracted you to join the BAM editorial Board team?

Right from the start of launching the journal many researchers prominent in their respective biomaterials fields joined as editors and this gave great confidence in the journal. Indeed, this strong editorial board has shaped the journal which is now at the forefront of publishing in biomaterials science.

4. What is your greatest hobby outside of scientific work?

I run a small farmstead with my husband – that is my retreat where I can fully decouple from the busy life as an academic. Indeed, when on the farmstead, I focus on my gardens and animals and spend as little as possible on my academic work. This is balanced by a busy week-day schedule when I am away from the farmstead, and it works a treat for me.

5. What do you think is the most important quality for researchers?

Researchers need to have multiple qualities to succeed. They must be engaged, curious and determined to drive their work. They must also have strong scientific foundations and an analytical approach to research. Finally, it is important they are excellent communicators and able to collaborate with people both within and outside their immediate field of expertise.

6. What advice do you have for young scholars who are determined to engage in scientific research?

It is through detailed evaluation of material properties and the effect they have on function that you will make ground-breaking discoveries that will have a long-lasting legacy.