Let's meet Ferran Esteve, post-doctoral researcher in Jean-Marie Lehn's team

• Can you tell us about your academic career so far and what led you to choose this area of research?

At the beginning, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to study. But once I started taking chemistry courses, it quickly became clear to me that this was the right path. I was fascinated by how chemistry helps us understand so many processes that happen in our everyday lives.

I’ve always been a very curious and imaginative person, and I think those qualities are a real strength in chemical research. I love that chemistry allows you to “play” with molecules and see if they behave the way you imagine. And the most exciting part is that sometimes, it actually works!

• What does the research environment at ISIS bring you (professionally and personally)?

Coming from a relatively small research group at a small university ([Universidad Jaume I ], joining ISIS was a big change for me. Suddenly, I was in an environment with a huge infrastructure and so many resources available. This really makes a difference in terms of productivity and what you can achieve.

What impressed me the most is how supportive everyone is, not just the researchers, but also the administrative and technical staff. People are always willing to help you address the different issues you might have, and they can even come up with great ideas to make things work better. The atmosphere is also incredibly stimulating. People are open, collaborative, and always ready to discuss new ideas. I never imagined I’d find myself working on protein modifications in collaboration with a startup, but that’s exactly the kind of unexpected and exciting opportunity that ISIS makes possible.

• What are your wishes and plans for the future of your career?

My plan is to continue pursuing an academic career. I really enjoy doing research and being in an environment where new ideas are constantly being developed and shared. In the future, I would like to return to Spain and hopefully become an independent junior principal investigator. Thus, I would like to establish my own research line, combining what I’ve learned here with the experience and network I’ve built along the way. I’d like to contribute to the scientific community in Spain and help train young researchers, just as I’ve been inspired by my mentors.

• What do you like about your life in Strasbourg?

I was born in a small village, so I really appreciate that Strasbourg, even though it’s a city, still has that welcoming, small-town feeling. You can walk almost everywhere, and it’s easy to get to know people. It’s a very international city, which I really enjoy. You get to meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds, and that creates a very open and enriching environment.

And of course, Strasbourg is absolutely beautiful. Not only during Christmas, when is truly magical, but throughout the whole year. It’s a city with a lot of charm, and living here has been a really positive experience for me.

• If you were to name the one thing you are most proud of (career-wise or in your personal life), what would it be?

If I had to choose one thing I’m most proud of, it would be the balance I’ve managed to maintain in my life. I’ve always tried to find a healthy balance between my work and my personal life. When you’re in the lab, time really flies and it’s easy to get completely absorbed in what you’re doing. But I’ve learned how important it is to also make time for friends, family, and the things I enjoy outside of research.

I think that’s not always easy, especially in a field as demanding and competitive as academic research. But for me, keeping that balance is essential as it helps me stay motivated, creative, and happy in what I do.