I’m excited to share that I was recently a guest on the Called to Science podcast (hosted by VIB and the very kind Bradley), where we dove deep into the journey of a scientist from the lab bench to real-world impact. You can listen to the episode here.
Born and raised in Mexico City, my scientific path has carried me across borders and into diverse research environments — from the Netherlands to Denmark, and now, Belgium. Today, I work as a scientist at the VIB‑KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, where I lead the fermentations section in the Molecular Bacteriology group, and also contribute as a scientific project manager.
In this episode, we explore:
- My motivations for studying microbes and how that passion has evolved over time
- Challenges and turning points encountered when moving between countries and research fields
- How microbiology intersects with sustainability, food science, and community impact
- Insights into balancing scientific curiosity with purpose and values
You can find the podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcast. Also listen to some other interviews of great colleagues in VIB.
Ruben Vazquez-Uribe 