1.    Tell me in 5 words who is Ioannis Legouras?
Passionate, curious, adaptive, persistent, international.

2.    What made you join CeMM?
After finishing my PhD at EMBL in Heidelberg, I wanted an exciting job at an international and innovative institute to gain first experience in science management. CeMM had it all: new, dynamic, excellent, at the heart of Vienna, and working close to Giulio. It was perfect.

3.    What is it about science that interests you the most?
What I find fascinating about science, is the fine balance that you find yourself in, learning about and understanding how the world functions, but at the same time challenging everything you know because new knowledge will surely come very soon. Furthermore, the fact that the same processes that are found in science, govern other aspects of human nature as well, like order, randomness, evolution, adaptation, stochasticity and so much more.

4.    What is the best career advise you ever received, or you can give to the CeMM community?
Do what makes you happy, not just what you are good at.

5.    Tell us what happened to you after you left CeMM?
After I left CeMM, I moved to the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) in Berlin, Germany. I started as EU-Liaison officer (this was the reason I moved to Berlin, I wanted to specialize in EU grants) and with time I created a research funding department managing 30 million euros annually and became responsible for international programs and international affairs. I also finished a Leadership training from the Helmholtz Leadership Academy in Berlin and I recently completed an executive MBA with a focus on Leadership and Innovation.

6.    What book do you have on your night table at the moment?
Right now, I am reading “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” by Kim Scott. Ever since I started my leadership MBA, I wanted to be more aware about what I can improve in my leadership style, and this book gives many practical tips.

7.    What is the last song you heard?
Recently I became fluent in Brazilian Portuguese, and I discovered bossa nova which captivated it me instantly with its uniqueness and universality. Every time I listen to it, I feel a different palette of emotions.​​​​​​​

8.    Any message you would like to give to the CeMMies or a former colleague?
To CeMMies, make the most of your experience at CeMM! CeMM is a special place, and it will leave a mark on you both personally and professionally. To former colleagues, I hope to see you soon.

Ioannis joined CeMM in 2011 as scientific assistant to the director and scientific writer. After a bachelor in biology and a master in bioinformatics in Greece, followed by a PhD at EMBL Heidelberg, this was his first non-research position. He moved to the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) in Berlin in 2012, and became an expert in grants and led a team of up to 15 people. Currently he is focused on using innovative leadership methods with his team and is responsible for international programs at the MDC.