My career in science began in Ukraine at Kyiv National University, where I was surrounded by biology and chemistry enthusiasts. We spent our days in the laboratory, solved riddles at night, and hiked in the Crimean Mountains during semester breaks. Trained as a biochemist, I pursued my PhD in the group of biophysicist Ralf Richter at CIC biomaGUNE in Spain. Ralf often challenged me with questions that seemed simple at first glance yet proved difficult to answer. Under his guidance, I learned to think critically and design experiments carefully.

For my postdoctoral research, I joined the group of Martin Loose at ISTA in Austria, where I was introduced to the field of bacterial cell biology and the beauty of out-of-equilibrium assemblies. The countless hours I spent observing biochemical reactions with a microscope significantly shaped my research vision. My second postdoctoral position, in the group of Christoph Rademacher at the University of Vienna, allowed me to recognise and embrace the challenges in glycobiology.

Outside the lab, I am a mother of two, which brings a wide variety of activities into my life. I often strive for mountain hikes and time in nature. Recently, I have a hybrid working arrangement between Austria and Spain, which has made me value precious family time even more.

I hold a Bachelor's in Biology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and a Master's in Molecular Biology from the MSc/PhD program in Göttingen, Germany. I completed my PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen, where I specialized in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. By applying cutting-edge quantitative MS approaches, I revealed the ubiquitination dynamics in response to synaptic stimulation. During a short postdoctoral period at the same institute, I was investigating non-canonical ubiquitination by J2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and on characterizing a novel parasitic virulence factor with dual kinase and ubiquitin ligase activity. Currently, I investigate peptidoglycan recomodelling during bacterial division. My goal is to reconstitute the catalytic core of the bacterial division machinery in a membrane environment and explore its peptidoglycan synthesis activity in vitro.  ​

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing beach volleyball, exploring new cultures through music and food, and cooking with friends. I have a deep love for rebetiko, a Greek music genre. I enjoy being in international, multicultural environments, where diversity can be appreciated.​

I was lucky enough to be born and raised in Ibiza, a small Mediterranean island surrounded by nature and beautiful spots. I did my degree in Biochemistry in Mallorca, and after that I decided to explore my creative side and joined a master’s in Scientific Illustration. This journey brought me to northern Spain. To my surprise, the Basque Country quickly captivated me, and I decided to continue my scientific journey by enrolling in a second master’s in Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. This opened the door to joining the PhD program at CICbiomaGUNE. My research focuses on reverse engineering molecular assemblies to rebuild the process of biofilm matrix formation. 

My work blends curiosity, precision, and creativity; qualities that also define my hobbies. Outside the lab, I love exploring the Basque Country, staying active through sports, and engaging in creative activities.

I am a chemistry graduate from the University of the Basque Country, where my love for the periodic table first took root. Since then, I have focused on biomaterials, starting with my undergraduate thesis on simvastatin-releasing sol-gel coatings for bone regeneration. I continued exploring biomedical applications during my Master’s in Chemistry and Polymers, working with the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group at CICbiomaGUNE on biocompatible inks that combine polymers and proteins. Now, under the supervision of Ivan R. Sasselli, I’m diving into molecular dynamics simulations to study self-assembling peptides for tissue regeneration, while also validating their properties in the lab, where I’ll soon be assessing their antibacterial properties with my co-supervisor Natalia Baranova.

Outside research, I’m into crafts—especially making clay earrings—and I love staying active, whether it's through sports or just spending time outdoors.

I am grateful for my studies in molecular biology and biochemistry, which I pursued in southern France. I was fortunate to gain research experience through internships in Toulouse, London, and Amsterdam, before completing my PhD at the Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna, where I developed a strong interest in genome folding and consequently spent many years in the company of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) protein family.

Working in international, multicultural environments is invaluable to me, fostering respect, diversity, and curiosity – aspects that bring excitement and joy. Beyond research, yoga has become my daily foundation for well-being. Ballet dance, which I practised for over 20 years, will always hold a special place in my heart. More recently, I have embraced flamenco dance, a beautiful revelation. This new chapter in Donostia allows me to reconnect with my childhood attachment to the Basque Country and to live another dream life by the ocean.

I obtained a bachelors degree in Molecular biology from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where I sparked an interest in DNA topology at the Michieletto group. Following this, I completed a Master's degree in Genetics and Molecular biology at the University of Helsinki. During this time, I worked in the Jarno Mäkelä group where I learned the techniques behind live-cell imaging in E. coli and since then my colleagues in this group inspired me to investigate the wider world surrounding microbiology! I am thankful for my experiences in both Helsinki and Edinburgh for exposing me to a range of cultures and scientific thought, and I look forward to contributing my experiences to Pseudomonas in the Baranova group.

Outside of science, I enjoy climbing, both bouldering and on ropes! I also have an interest in languages, particularly Finnish, which I have been studying for nearly 4 years. I hope that my language learning will adapt to Spanish as well while living in San Sebastian.

• Sonia Matas (Summer Student 2025) Master's student at the University of Grenoble
• Lucia Floria Canalis (Degree Student 2025) Master's student at the University of Zaragoza
• Blanca Arnaiz (Lab technician) Technician of a cell culture room at CIC biomaGUNE