Stem cells and surgical innovation: A Forbes 30 Under 30 scientist shares her journey

From Thessaloniki to Cambridge – with stops in Scotland, France, and the US along the way – this Girton PhD researcher and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree is making an impact in regenerative medicine. In this interview, Antonia Vogt shares how her personal experiences have fuelled her passion for research that transforms real-world health outcomes.

Tell us a bit about your academic background. Where did you study before Cambridge? What brought you here for your PhD over other universities?

I grew up in Thessaloniki, Greece, and began my academic journey in Scotland, where I pursued a degree in Cellular Biology. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to engage in cancer research, which not only deepened my interest in the field but also sparked a passion for contributing to medical advancements. Teaching and Research assistant.

In 2018, I moved to France to work at the Curie Institute, continuing my focus on cancer research. The following year, in 2019, I was honoured to receive a full scholarship to represent my university in the US at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign an incredible opportunity to grow my research skill in cancer (glioblastoma). After completing my studies in Scotland in 2020, I began my PhD in Surgery at the University of Cambridge, with a scholarship. This step marked a pivotal moment in my career, allowing me to explore the innovative field of regenerative medicine.

In 2022, I further expanded my expertise by working for a short period at Harvard Medical School in Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery, gaining valuable experience in a prestigious institution.

What drew me to Cambridge for my PhD was its renowned academic environment, the chance to work with world-class mentors, and the University’s leading role in cutting-edge surgical and biomedical research. Cambridge offers an unparalleled environment to explore transformative ideas and contribute to the advancement of science in meaningful ways, which makes it the perfect place for me to pursue my research aspirations.

How did you discover your passion for your research?

My passion for research was born out of deeply personal experiences. Witnessing the pain and helplessness that come when a loved one suffers from an illness profoundly impacted me. It made me realise how crucial it is to push the boundaries of science to develop new therapies and offer hope to patients and their families.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to engage in cancer research, and that was when I truly discovered the transformative power of scientific inquiry. I saw how research could bridge the gap between uncertainty and solutions. Later, I became fascinated by the potential of stem cell therapies, which offer a regenerative approach to healing. This realisation drove me to focus on the innovative field of Regenerative Medicine.

For me, research is not just about advancing knowledge; it’s about creating a positive impact in the real world. Every experiment and every discovery is a step closer to helping people live better, healthier lives, and that’s what keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.

What are you working on in your PhD?

I’m currently pursuing my PhD in Surgery at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Regenerative Medicine. My research is centered on using stem cells for cartilage regeneration. Specifically, I’m leveraging bioinformatics to determine the most suitable type of tissue for cartilage repair based on the patient’s age and gender, which could personalise treatments and improve outcomes.

As part of my work, I’ve developed an extensive data library using innovative technology. This resource has the potential to extend far beyond musculoskeletal diseases, offering valuable insights into conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.

Before this, I was also involved in cancer-related research, which gave me a solid foundation in tackling complex medical problems. My work combines my passion for health sciences with a drive to create meaningful tools that can transform how we approach disease treatment and regeneration.

What are you hoping will be the impact of this work?

I hope that the impact of my work will be transformative for patients' lives. My ultimate goal is to contribute to improving their quality of life and, ideally, to aid in their recovery. I would like for my research to lay the groundwork for personalised regenerative therapies that are effective, accessible, and tailored to individual needs.

You were ranked first in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Greece list across all sectors and categories. What does this mean to you?

Making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is an incredible honour and a source of immense joy for me. It’s not just about personal achievement—it’s an opportunity to inspire young people to pursue their dreams relentlessly until they make them a reality.

What has helped me reach this point is my focus on my goals and my ability to isolate challenges from the bigger picture. The journey hasn’t been easy, and I’ve faced significant competition, but I overcame it through hard work, perseverance, and keeping my vision alive.

I want to remind young people that setting goals and having a vision for the future is crucial, but they must also understand that the road to achieving them won’t always be smooth. Obstacles and unexpected challenges will arise, but these are not reasons to give up—they’re lessons that make you stronger and wiser.

It’s vital to show resilience and strength of character, especially in difficult times. True greatness lies in staying true to your values and to humanity, even in the face of adversity. I’ve been fortunate to have my mother instil in me the ideals of humanism and the belief that knowledge should always be used for the greater good. This belief continues to guide me in everything I do.

What direction would you like your career to take in the future? Do you have any other ambitions or goals you are working towards outside of your PhD?

In the future, I hope to continue advancing my research and translating it into positive clinical outcomes. My primary goal is to use stem cell-based regenerative medicine to benefit patients and improve their quality of life. I aspire to make meaningful contributions to both the scientific community and society, particularly by integrating innovative technologies into healthcare.w

Beyond my PhD, I am passionate about fostering knowledge and creating opportunities for others. This is why I founded the Cambridge Robotic Surgery Society, a pioneering initiative  which aims to integrate cutting-edge technology into surgical education. As the first society of its kind in Cambridge’s Clinical School, our mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of surgeons with the skills needed to excel in the era of robotically assisted surgery. Robotics is a tool that can assist the doctors a lot. Through workshops, simulations, and collaborations with experts in the field, we aim to shape the future of surgery.

I strongly believe in the power of sharing knowledge and collaboration. Organizing conferences, symposiums, and workshops is my way of connecting with others, spreading awareness about innovations like robotic surgery, and providing students with practical training and networking opportunities. I also emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging engineers, computer scientists, and medical professionals to work together to advance surgical technologies.

On a personal level, I want to inspire more people to follow their dreams and work tirelessly toward them. For me, success only gains meaning when it is shared with others and used to contribute to the betterment of society, as Aristotle reminds us: "Man is by nature a social animal." We must never lose sight of our duty to support and uplift our communities.

To achieve all this, I rely on proper planning, passion for my work, and the belief that, with dedication, even seemingly different goals can align harmoniously.

In November 2024, Antonia Vogt was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Greece list, ranking first in the list across all sectors and categories.