In the latest edition of our researcher profile series, we meet Dr Jean Giacomotto, an NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow. Jean is a passionate medical researcher and group leader at the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, dedicated to understanding human disease and improving patient outcomes. With a background spanning the medical and pharmaceutical industries and a current focus on zebrafish disease modelling, Jean’s work is already making real-world impacts—from aiding diagnoses to contributing to life-changing treatments. We explore the personal experiences that sparked his scientific journey, the innovative projects he’s leading and his insights for the next generation of researchers.
1. What path led you to becoming a researcher?
I have been deeply passionate about medicine since childhood. Fascinated by human and animal anatomy, I always had countless questions about how the body works. Losing my father at a young age to a devastating disease solidified my determination to understand the human body better and find ways to fix it when things go wrong. Initially, I began my career in the medical and pharmaceutical industry before transitioning to academic research, focusing my efforts on better understanding human diseases and developing effective treatments.
2. What sparked your passion for your research area?
‘Research is incredibly rewarding but can also be challenging, particularly in today’s environment. My best advice is to cultivate resilience, remain persistent and trust that your efforts will pay off.’
My passion was ignited by a blend of personal experience and intellectual curiosity. Witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of disease on loved ones profoundly motivated me. I became captivated by the potential of understanding biological mechanisms to develop practical treatments and bring meaningful improvements to patients’ lives. This combination of personal drive and scientific curiosity continually fuels my research. To this day, I maintain a deep curiosity about the human body, how it is built, how it functions and how we can repair or even enhance it.
3. Can you tell us a bit about the projects you are currently working on?
Currently, we are using zebrafish, a remarkably small animal model that is surprisingly very similar to humans in both genetics and physiology. This tiny fish allows us to replicate human diseases, investigate them using cutting-edge technologies, and rapidly screen potential drugs and therapies. The zebrafish’s versatility, rapid reproduction and cost-effectiveness enable us to generate hundreds of ‘mini humans’ daily, significantly accelerating research outcomes and offering exceptional experimental opportunities. Our work has already had considerable impacts on patients affected by neuromuscular diseases; indeed, findings from our zebrafish research have led directly to treatments now available on the market, improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, our research routinely supports clinicians in better diagnosing and understanding their patients’ conditions, assistance that would otherwise not be possible.
4. Do you have any advice for researchers just starting out?
Research is incredibly rewarding but can also be challenging, particularly in today’s environment. My best advice is to cultivate resilience, remain persistent, and trust that your efforts will pay off. Exceptional research is inherently difficult; if it were easy, groundbreaking innovations would be commonplace. An essential factor today is being open to interdisciplinary collaboration; integrating new technologies and diverse perspectives can yield fresh insights and solutions to longstanding medical and scientific problems. We urgently need more researchers and engineers comfortable working across multiple fields.
Effective communication is equally critical. Researchers must become adept at clearly communicating their findings to the general public. Clear communication not only advances our fields but also sustains public appreciation and support for scientific progress. With public perceptions of science sometimes fluctuating and facing scrutiny, it is vital for new researchers to passionately advocate for the essential role of science in improving human health. Those who master communication will significantly enhance their ability to attract funding and advance their careers.
View a quick video of Dr Jean Giacomotto’s laboratory and research work at the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics.
Griffith is proud to produce world-class research contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Are you thinking of pursuing a research degree?
If you would like to find out more, check out the research study web page.
