Friend, Resilient, Supportive

"I met Gonza in mid-2020, at the height of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. At that time, I saw him take on the challenging task of coordinating over 100 people to carry out COVID-19 diagnostics at the institute where we both work. From the very beginning, his intelligence in task management and his warmth in dealing with people were the qualities that stood out to me the most. During the two years of the pandemic, I witnessed him take on multiple roles to ensure the continuous functioning of diagnostics. He performed all these activities selflessly, with admirable commitment and dedication. His ability to find quick and efficient solutions to technical and logistical problems was crucial for keeping the teams working smoothly, even during the most critical moments. As the demands of diagnostics decreased, Gonza returned to his PhD project with energy and determination. His skill in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and communicating clearly made him a role model for other fellows at the institute. Above all, he always maintains a collaborative spirit, ready to help no matter how busy he is with his own work. My relationship with Gonza quickly went beyond the professional sphere. Over these years, we’ve grown together not only professionally but also personally. We’ve built a very special friendship that has supported us through moments of great difficulty and others of immense joy, and it continues to do so. Gonza’s ability to build community and support the people around him is truly unique. To me, he’s not just a Lab Hero; he’s also my best friend."

Nominated by Denise Giannone, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Leader, Dedicated, Inspiring

"With these words, I express my hope for Gonzalo to receive the Lab Hero 2024 award, recognizing his tireless dedication and contributions to our lab. This award would honor his work and boost his career as a young researcher, a significant achievement in the challenging context of Argentina today. A defining moment for Gonzalo as a hero came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our institute became one of the country's key diagnostic centers, and Gonzalo played a central role. He coordinated a team of researchers, doctoral students, and technicians volunteering for public health efforts. But Gonzalo’s contributions went far beyond his technical expertise; he became the heart of our team. Even in the most uncertain and exhausting moments, he was there to motivate us, keeping the team united and focused. I vividly recall how his leadership, encouragement, and example inspired us daily. His ability to connect with everyone, paired with his unwavering dedication, stood out as much as his technical and analytical skills. During this crisis, Gonzalo proved to be an extraordinary leader and human being, leaving a lasting impact on all of us. Today, Gonzalo continues to be an indispensable mentor. He is always ready to help, especially with experimental design, providing clear and patient guidance. Beyond his research, he also teaches ad honorem at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires. His dedication to training new scientists reflects his generosity and his commitment to building a stronger future for science in Argentina. This award would not only recognize Gonzalo’s invaluable contributions but also encourage him to continue excelling as a researcher and leader. For those of us who know him, he is already a hero, an inspiring, committed, and extraordinary individual who truly deserves this recognition."

Nominated by Nicolas Ducasa, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Collaborative, Adaptable, Respectful

"Gonzalo is a great coworker, both in the office and in the laboratory. He has strong problem-solving and analytical skills. He is able to maintain objectivity in unexpected situations, prioritizing the contribution of ideas for the common good above his own and executing different roles depending on the situation, always demonstrating that he is up to the challenges presented to him. He always actively participates in group tasks, and respect and patience are his defining traits."

Nominated by Milagros Acevedo, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Dedicated, Collaborative, Visionary

"It is my pleasure to nominate CABRERIZO Gonzalo for the 2024 Laboratory Heroes Awards. Gonzalo has proven to be one of the best Ph.D. students I have met throughout my career as a researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Research on Retroviruses and AIDS (INBIRS). During his doctoral studies, he not only acquired great proficiency in handling multiple laboratory techniques but also developed strong critical thinking skills—an essential ability in the scientific field for analyzing, interpreting, and solving problems in a rigorous and well-founded manner. He possesses a deep commitment to science, a quality he has consistently demonstrated over the years, showcasing his potential as a future researcher. It is also important to highlight Gonzalo’s remarkable collaborative and organizational skills. Between 2020 and 2022, during the COVID-19 outbreak, he actively participated as a volunteer in the diagnostic area of the INBIRS Institute, where he played a leading role in organizing diagnostic tasks, coordinating work teams, and processing a large number of samples (nasopharyngeal swabs) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Additionally, despite the severe limitations in funding and resources in Argentina, Gonzalo has shown unwavering dedication to scientific research. His strong belief that technological and scientific autonomy is essential to ensure the country’s independence and sustainable progress, for the benefit of society, further reinforces his commitment and passion for actively contributing to scientific development in challenging contexts. In conclusion, I can confidently state that Gonzalo is an exceptional individual, widely recognized for his integrity, dedication, and outstanding human qualities."

Nominated by Cintia Cevallos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Analytical, Respectful, Collaborative

"Gonzalo is an exceptional colleague with strong analytical skills and a solutions-oriented mindset. He prioritizes teamwork, adapts to challenges with ease, and stands out for his respect, patience, and active collaboration."

Nominated by Virginia Gonzalez Polo, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Inspiring, Dedicated, Wise

"It is a pleasure to write to recommend Gonzalo Cabrerizo as a candidate for the 2024 Hero Award. Although we do not work directly together or belong to the same research group, I consider myself fortunate to know him and admire him for everything he represents, both professionally and personally. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Gonzalo took charge of the team responsible for COVID-19 diagnostics at our institute. Thanks to his leadership, this team became the country’s leading diagnostic center, processing over 1,000 samples daily during the most critical period. While I was not at the institute at that time, I have heard countless accounts from colleagues about his dedication and responsibility, which continue to be a topic of admiration. It is clear that his work made an enormous difference. Today, based on my own experience, I can say that Gonzalo is truly inspiring. If I had to describe him in one word, it would be “wise.” He always listens before speaking, reflects calmly, and responds respectfully, even in the most challenging situations. He is a key figure in our small community of fellows, always ready to defend our interests and offer support when needed. Academically, Gonzalo excels in analysis and problem-solving. As an ad honorem lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, he dedicates time and energy to training the next generation of scientists, reaffirming his commitment to public education—a testament to his vocation and values. In summary, I sincerely believe that Gonzalo embodies everything the Hero Award aims to celebrate: leadership, dedication, and excellence. I am confident that recognizing him would be a wise decision; for him, it would be an invaluable encouragement, especially given the difficult context Argentine science is currently facing."

Nominated by Magdalena Meijomil, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Dedicated, Collaborative, Resilient

"I am thrilled to nominate Gonzalo Cabrerizo for the Hello Bio Lab Heroes Award. Gonzalo exemplifies dedication to science and an unwavering commitment to excellence, traits that make him an invaluable member of our lab and a role model for his peers. His meticulous approach ensures high-quality data, and his collaborative spirit shines in his predisposition to mentor junior colleagues and assist his fellow PhD candidates in their times of need, fostering an environment of mutual growth and intellectual exchange. What makes Gonzalo’s achievements even more remarkable is his ability to thrive in the face of the unique challenges faced by scientists in Argentina. The limited funding and infrastructure for scientific research in the country can be discouraging, yet he consistently rises above these constraints. Through ingenuity and resourcefulness, he has managed to achieve outcomes that rival those of well-funded international labs. Professional accomplishments aside, his positivity and genuine care for others create a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a unique sense of community. Gonzalo Cabrerizo embodies what it means to be a Lab Hero. His dedication to advancing science, his commitment to excellence, and his perseverance in the face of systemic challenges make him truly deserving of this recognition. It is an honour to work alongside him and to witness the profound impact he has on our lab and the broader scientific community."

Nominated by Paula Benencio, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Dedicated, Impactful, Unifying

"Gonzalo started his PhD at INBIRS in 2019, just like any other student, learning the essential techniques and knowledge needed by every researcher. Throughout his doctoral work, he quickly mastered a wide range of experimental techniques, from cell purification and culture to flow cytometry, qPCR, confocal microscopy, and ELISA. He also developed strong bioinformatics skills, which allowed him to handle and analyze large datasets, significantly advancing our research and enabling us to propose new hypotheses. Over time, his ability to plan and carry out complex experiments, as well as generate innovative ideas, made him an indispensable member of our team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gonzalo was one of the first to volunteer and offer his help. He quickly emerged as a leader by managing and coordinating more than 40 volunteers from various labs across Buenos Aires, including fellow PhD candidates, but also researchers and technicians. Gonzalo’s ability to motivate and bring people together was crucial in forming a heterogeneous yet highly efficient team. He ensured that tasks were distributed and executed effectively while fostering a collaborative environment where every member, regardless of their rank or experience, felt valued and motivated to contribute to the common goal. In addition to his leadership role, Gonzalo actively participated in COVID-19-related research, both in his own projects and as a collaborator. He contributed to the collection of epidemiological data from healthcare workers and to the development of a reagent for the rapid inactivation of hazardous samples and RNA extraction. This kit significantly improved the speed of sample processing across the country, playing a crucial role in advancing diagnostic efforts during the pandemic. What stands out most about Gonzalo is not just his technical skills but his collaborative spirit, resilience in the face of challenges, and his ability to inspire others. He played a crucial role in ensuring our lab adapted to the demands of the pandemic while maintaining focus on our research goals. Today, Gonzalo is not only an exceptional scientist but also a leader whose work extends beyond the lab. In the advanced stages of his PhD, he has left a lasting impact through his dedication to science that serves society. His ability to unite research and real-world impact makes him an ideal candidate for the Lab Heroes Award, a recognition he truly deserves."

Nominated by Federico Remes Lenicov, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Supportive, Approachable, Reliable

"I met Gonzalo two years ago when I started an internship as a Biology undergraduate at INBIRS. He was the one who taught me all the theoretical, practical, and experimental knowledge I have today. He is an expert in his field, with a deep understanding of Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Cellular Biology. I was always impressed by his positive and kind-hearted attitude, his efficiency, problem-solving skills, and eagerness to help and teach others. He has a remarkable ability to convey abstract concepts with great clarity, reflecting his extensive knowledge and proficiency in his area of expertise. Gonzalo is someone who, day after day, is willing to learn, help, and teach—actions he performs with analytical, practical, and empathetic intelligence. "My Lab Hero" is, in my case, the perfect way to describe Gonza."

Nominated by Valentin Ramirez, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina

 

Intelligent, Empathetic, Perfectionist

"Gonzalo is an excellent person. He is always willing to help when needed and has a lot of knowledge in the scientific field which is recognized by other members of the institute. Whenever I needed advice in the laboratory, he was a great help. He is a guide for me and an example."

Nominated by Camila Szczepanik, INBIRS, Argentina

 

Dedicated, Empathetic, Supportive

"I am honored to recommend Gonzalo Cabrerizo, a highly dedicated and inspiring doctoral candidate, for this prestigious recognition. Throughout his academic journey, Gonzalo has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His innovative contributions to research and his ability to work collaboratively have left a profound impact on his peers and mentors alike. Gonzalo’s exceptional work ethic and empathetic nature make him a true role model, exemplifying the qualities of leadership, resilience, and teamwork. He is truly deserving of this award, and I have no doubt he will continue to inspire those around him in the years to come."

Nominated by Nicole Freiberger, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - CONICET, Argentina