Editor Interview: César de La Fuente

César de la Fuente，Departments of Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Psychiatry, and Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States

Here's the interview we did with him:

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

I work on AI-driven antibiotic discovery. Antimicrobial resistance is a critically underfunded area that significantly impacts global health. My motivation is to find solutions to this pressing issue. Our computational approaches have dramatically accelerated antibiotic discovery.  What takes years with traditional methods, can now be done in a few hours on the computer.

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

Over a decade ago, when I first proposed that AI and computers could revolutionize biology, particularly in microbiology and antibiotic discovery, it was met with skepticism. Many doubted that machines could be useful in a field as chaotic and complex as biology. We overcame these challenges and skepticism by staying committed to our vision and demonstrating through our work that machines could indeed be used to create new antibiotics.

3. As an associate editor, what type of articles or which direction of research are you interested in?

I am particularly interested in articles that explore AI, synthetic biology, infectious diseases, and antibiotic research. These areas hold significant potential for groundbreaking discoveries, and this journal is a fantastic venue for such studies.

4. What are your expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials and its promotion of related fields?

Bioactive materials are everywhere. Drawing inspiration from biology to create new technologies and materials has been a passion of mine for many years. My expectation is that this field will continue to grow, driving innovations that bridge biology and technology.

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

I love learning, reading books, cinema, and soccer.

6. How do you balance scientific research work and personal life?

By taking time with the family and making sure I dedicate time to thinking and reflecting as opposed to just doing.

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

Curiosity. I have always been curious about the world around me. We are all born scientists, but we tend to lose that curiosity as we grow up. I strive to maintain that childlike curiosity to preserve my hunger for learning, knowing, and understanding.

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

Be curious and persistent. And try to think different and take the road less traveled. Embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to learn and innovate. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Science is an amazing adventure that offers the opportunity to learn something new every day.