Name and Surname: José Luis Martinez Ruiz
Organization: Technical University of Denmark – DTU
Major Fields of Research/Activity: Yeast Biotechnology and Fermentation
- What is your role in the YAF project? What are you currently working on within the scope of YAF?
I am the main supervisor of two of the doctoral candidates at DTU, Sofia (DC6) and Marilena (DC12). Both projects are dedicated to improve lipid production from waste-streams and alternative carbons, while Sofia’s work focuses on improving one particular yeast (Debaryomyces hansenii), Marilena is developing advanced screening strategies using automated robots and micro-fermentation systems to identify novel yeast strains that can behave as good (or better) than the other microbes that all the YAF partners are using now.
- Why do you think the YAF research is important for your career development and how it will impact the society?
I think the impact on society is a bigger goal for me to work for than my own career, and I see that clock is ticking and sustainable solutions for society (in this particular case cleaner fuels) are needed already a long time ago. Now we (scientists) are in a position were we have the right tools and the right knowledge to move biosolutions forward faster.
- What or who inspired you to go into academia/research?
Well actually since I was a kid I always had a curiosity to know how basically everything worked, and I was asking questions all the time. Then I became a huge fan of a tv-show called “Beakman’s world” in which a crazy scientist was explaning to kids all about why sky was blue, or why there were vulcanoes, how electricity worked… I decided that I wanted to be that weird guy in the white lab-coat that knew all that cool stuff.
- For you, what is most challenging and/or exciting about your work in YAF?
I personally focus more on excitement when working on a project than on the challenges: if a project is not challenging to start with, then is not interesting. I personally find the most exciting to be able to work hand on hand with young researchers that bring a whole new perspective to the project and many more brilliant ideas than you originally thought of. Also the feeling that you work eventually is going to change the world for the better is the most exciting of all.
- Write an inspiring quote for the DC you are going to supervise in YAF.
Small steps taken in the right direction will make a huge change sooner than you expect.
- Where can we find you after work? Doing what?
I live in Denmark so it depends if it is summer or winter time. In summer time you will probably find me at the gym, jogging outside or having some drinks on a sunny spot with my wife close to Copenhagen channels. In winter, mostly reading historical novels with a cup of coffee or listening to some jazz at home with some candles on: hygge, as the danes call it.
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