The Lonely Pipette : helping scientists do better science

TLP #6 : Just go for it! Following your curiosity and excitement - Maria Elena Torres-Padilla

Jonathan Weitzman & Renaud Pourpre Season 1 Episode 6

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In this episode we talk to Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla about how she followed her dreams from Mexico to the Pasteur Institute and then to direct a new institute in Munich.

  • She tells us about how she followed her dream to come to work in Paris 
  • She discusses how she chooses scientific questions and which model to work on
  • Maria Elena was always driven by her passion and curiosity which helped her to overcome risks and doubts
  • She stresses the importance of attracting and recruiting people who are better than you
  • We discuss the benefits of moving to different countries and living in different cultures. Maria Elena also comments on diversity awareness and inclusiveness in science
  • She shares her thoughts about ethics, responsible research and leaving an imprint
  • She admits that she has two paces; one high speed at work and a slower one at home at breakfast time. And she tells us how she deals with stress, tiredness and striking the right personal life balance


Maria Elena mentioned these institutions and resources


Maria Elena at the World Economic Forum 


To find out more about Maria Elena visit her website or follow her on Twitter



To find out more about

Renaud :


Jonathan :


To learn more about the soundtrack :
Music by Amaria - Lovely Swindler

To find out more about Renaud and Jonathan :

More about the soundtrack :
Music by Amaria - Lovely Swindler https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique/