A Scientist Exploring Complexity of the World

Professor Jure Dobnikar, a Slovenian researcher at the Institute of Physics (IOP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is not one to shy away from complexity. With a career encompassing soft matter physics, biological systems and multivalent binding, his work is as intricate as the systems he studies. Known for his meticulous approach and curiosity, Dobnikar has spent decades unraveling the mysteries of life at the molecular level.

In a recent interview with Science and Technology Daily, he shared his research journey, the challenges in his field, and the joy of discovery, offering a glimpse into the mind of a scientist who thrives on solving problems that others might find daunting.

From cosmology to soft matter

Dobnikar's scientific journey began with a fascination for the grand questions of the universe. "When I was a student, I was captivated by cosmology, astrophysics and nuclear physics," he recalled. But his path took an unexpected turn when he encountered soft matter physics.

"I discovered that the same techniques used in nuclear or quantum physics could describe complex systems like polymers, colloids and biological systems," he said. What drew him in was the relevance of these systems to everyday life. "It's a beautiful combination of hard physics and soft materials," he said.

This shift in focus led him to explore the intricate dynamics of biological systems, where multiple length and time scales overlap, creating unique challenges. "In atomic physics, you can often separate the nucleus and electrons into isolated problems," he said. "But in soft matter and biological systems, everything is interconnected. Describing these systems requires a holistic approach that combines experiments, theory and simulations." This complexity is the driving force behind his work. "Almost all the problems we work on are like that. Nothing is simple, and that's what makes it fascinating."

The joy of discovery

For Dobnikar, being a scientist is more than a job — it's a way of life. "For me, it's the most interesting job in the world," he said. "My job is to think about problems, find solutions and discover the unknown. It's like 'playing' every day." This sense of curiosity and wonder has driven him through decades of research, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable.

One of the most exciting aspects of his work is its practical applications. His research on multivalent binding, for instance, has profound implications for targeted drug delivery. "Imagine that you want to deliver a drug to a cancer cell without harming healthy cells," he said. "Cancer cells have more of certain proteins on their membranes. The challenge is designing a carrier that only binds to the cancer cells." Traditional approaches, like using strong antibodies, often fail because they bind to both healthy and cancerous cells. Dobnikar's research offers a novel solution: using multiple weak binders. "This approach relies on statistical physics and entropy. It's a completely different way of thinking, and it could transform how we design treatments."

This principle extends beyond drug delivery. It underlies the activation of the immune system and other biological processes. "The robust functioning of our bodies is maintained by various thresholds. Sometimes we don't react at all, and sometimes we react completely. This on-off behavior can only be achieved with multivalent processes," he said. His work shows the power of interdisciplinary research, combining physics, chemistry, and biology to solve problems that span multiple fields.

A global scientific odyssey

Dobnikar's career has taken him across the globe, from Slovenia to Germany, Austria, the UK, and China. Each destination has left its mark on his research and personal growth. "Working in different countries isn't just about science; it's about meeting new people, learning new cultures, and gaining fresh perspectives," he said. His time at the University of Cambridge, where he worked with renowned scientist Professor Daan Frenkel, was particularly transformative. "Frenkel is incredibly inspiring. Working with him was a life-changing experience."

His move to China in 2014 marked another chapter. While his initial experience was challenging due to cultural and institutional differences, his transition to IOP in 2016 was a turning point. "IOP is a world-class institution, comparable to the best in Europe or the U.S.," he said, applauding its academic environment, colleagues and quality of research as exceptional.

In addition to his research, Dobnikar is deeply involved in fostering international scientific collaboration. As the head of the Beijing node of the European Center for Molecular Simulation, he organizes workshops and events that bring together scientists from around the world. "The emphasis is on discussion, not just presentations," he said. "It's through these conversations that new ideas and collaborations emerge."

For young people considering a career in science, Dobnikar offers simple yet profound advice: "Read books, stay curious, and challenge your mind every day. Science is a journey of discovery, and it's one of the most rewarding paths you can take."

IOP also contributed to this article.

Source: Science and Technology Daily