Science Dates go global – Emmanuel meets Paula

We’ve taken our scientific dates series global by pairing up Crick scientists to share their experiences as international researchers. In this science blind date, Emmanuel and Paula talk about the importance of mentorship, the similarities between their work, and implementing what they’ve learnt in their native countries.

What is a science date?

Making connections is at the heart of the Crick and with over 70 nationalities represented, there are lots of different people to meet. But in a building of 1500 people it's impossible to meet everyone.

In our global scientific 'blind dates' series, we bring together two international researchers who otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths. After learning about each other's work over a coffee in the Crick cafe, they speak to us afterwards to share how it went.

Emmanuel Amlabu is a Crick African Network fellow in the Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory and an academic staff member at the Kogi State University, Nigeria. He was trained in New Delhi before moving on to the University of Ghana, where he developed an interest in targeting lipid-binding proteins for malaria therapeutics.

Paula Ordonez Suarez is a project research scientist in the Retrovirus-Host Interactions Laboratory and honorary research fellow at UCL Faculty of Life Sciences. Paula works in the field of virology with a focus on antivirals, anticancer therapy, and drug discovery. She started her research in her native Colombia, before moving to Japan, and then the UK.

Science dates go global

Emmanuel Amlabu

Emmanuel Amlabu at the Crick

What did you expect from the science date?

I thought the science date would be an interactive session and I was looking forward to meeting someone new who’s in a different field of research and hear about the exciting strides being made in that area.

What did you talk about?

Generally, we spoke about my career path and how I became interested in my current field of research. The discussion also highlighted the impact of good mentorship, which I got from my late mentor (Professor A.J Nok) to study biochemistry. This formed a strong foundation for my research on African trypanosomes and malaria.

Then we spoke about some new things I’ve learnt at the Crick, which I hope to take back to my home institution. I also shared some of my exciting moments, such as a milestone research discovery and successful fellowship awards… like the Crick African Network!

Did you learn anything?

I learnt about some ongoing and innovative research work focused on understanding the biology of HIV.

Any surprises?

I suppose our science has surprisingly a lot in common. Nothing was lost in translation either.

Did you pick up any tips?

Yes! We discussed making the step up to an independent researcher position, which the Crick African Network, African Career Accelerator award places helps to prepare me for.

Can you imagine collaborating in the future?

Yes, I’m really looking forward to collaborating at the Crick at some point. At the moment, I’m gradually expanding my research network and having productive interactions with group leaders and STPs at the Crick, so working with Paula ties in really well.

Paula Ordonez Suarez

Paula Ordonez Suarez at the Crick

What did you expect from the science date?

To connect and share experiences with a researcher from a different group through an informal chat about science and beyond.

What did you talk about?

We shared experiences about our career paths, since we have both done most of our research in countries far from home. We also talked about our research in infectious diseases, malaria and HIV. Emmanuel has obtained a variety of international fellowships, so this was very interesting and motivating. We also shared our experiences of doing research at the Crick, and hoped one day we can have similar institutes in our native countries.

Did you learn anything?

Emmanuel researches malaria and I research HIV, so we found common ground in our work on these two infectious diseases of great importance in the countries we come from. We also shared our particular interest in finding novel therapeutic targets and vaccination strategies.

In addition, it was really interesting to find similarities from our past experiences doing research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We both found the Crick procurement system very efficient, as well as having the Crick’s STPs, so we agreed that implementing efficient procurement and support platforms would be beneficial to speed up research in these countries.

Any surprises?

It was a great surprise to know Emmanuel plays the piano! He found the piano on the ground floor of the Crick and adventured to play it. He has also played the pianos at St Pancras station. I hope to have the opportunity to listen to him one day.

Did you pick up any tips?

Emmanuel shared his experience as a PhD student in Delhi, which sounded very enjoyable and different from the hectic impression I have as a tourist. From Emmanuel’s experience, and my own, I highly recommend becoming an international researcher if the opportunity arises. It is not only a great way to learn about other research environments, but also an amazing opportunity to explore and experience places in a way we wouldn’t during a short visit.

Can you imagine collaborating in the future?

I hope so! Emmanuel is an excellent researcher, we both work in infectious diseases and are interested in novel therapeutic targets. Also, I have always wanted to visit Ghana!

Sign up for our newsletters

Join our mailing lists to receive updates about our latest research and to hear about our free public events and exhibitions.  If you would like to find out more about how we manage your personal information please see our privacy policy.