"Despite the research system's instability, Dr Alexandros landed in Portugal. With a vast molecular biology background and a stint as a postdoc in Greece, he is cooking up some groundbreaking stuff in the lab he works. Our paths crossed during a collaboration in Greece, and fate has granted me the pleasure of witnessing his work in Portugal. Right now, he is deep into fish fluids and nanoparticles such as exosomes (it is like gossip, but on a cellular level!). Hours and hours of measurements, days without results, ...anyone dealing with nanoparticles gets his struggle. It is a rollercoaster of fascination and frustration for him, and you can tell his mood by the huge smile on successful days and the grumpy face on those that do not quite pan out. But no matter what, he is always ready with a friendly hello and time to chat about this Lilliputian-world he is exploring. Lab maintenance? Check. Helping out? Double-check. This man is not just a scientist, he is a Lab Hero. He is giving his all, chasing results, and redefining what it means to dive deep into the unknown."

Nominated by Sandra Ramos Júdez, S2AQUAcoLAB, Portugal