Georgios Giamas, Professor of Cancer Cell Signalling at Zhejiang University of Chinese Medical, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“I am truly delighted and deeply honored to have been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive China’s Overseas High-Level (National) Talent Award!
Since my arrival in China (August 2024), I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from countless colleagues at ZCMU Official and the First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou. I extend my sincere gratitude for all they have done to welcome and assist me.
I also want to express how incredibly proud I am of my research group. Success is always a team effort, and I am grateful to share this moment with every member of my team and all my colleagues.
At the same time, I feel it’s important to acknowledge the countless grants, awards, and fellowship applications I was Not awarded over the past ~25 years! The reality of scientific research is that it is intensely competitive and, in many ways, growing more fierce and demanding.
This brings me to a message I’d like to share, especially with younger scientists:
‘Do not be discouraged by the rejections and setbacks you will encounter’.
For most of us, these will far outnumber our successes – I speak from personal experience! Yet, if you remain passionate and persistent, I can equally guarantee that you will find success in the long run.
And remember: success is not solely defined by awards, publications, or grants. Frankly, I had even forgotten I’d applied for this award! I promise!
For me, the real motivation comes from the thrill of a working hypothesis, the satisfaction a successful result – even if it’s just a black band on a film! – and the respect of my peers, irrespective of academic titles.
Of course, I recognize that productivity – through grants and publications – is important and necessary. Yet, for me, it has never been the primary driving force over my ~30 years in research.
So, if there’s one takeaway message, it’s this:
‘Be a scientist for the joy of discovery, not for the distinctions or recognition it may bring…(although a Nobel prize won’t hurt!)’.
This is simply my personal perspective, but I hope it resonates with some of you.”
More posts featuring Georgios Giamas.