Science Friday Even Nobel Prize Winners Deal With Imposter Syndrome
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Nov 11, 2025 Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, a Nobel Prize–winning neurobiologist from Scripps Research, shares his inspiring journey from Lebanon to groundbreaking research on touch. He reveals the challenges of imposter syndrome even at the pinnacle of success. Ardem discusses the thrill of scientific discovery, the significance of touch in our lives, and the need for curiosity-driven research. He emphasizes the importance of owning one’s story to inspire younger generations and addresses the impact of immigration policies on scientific talent in the U.S.
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Falling Into Science By Accident
- Ardem stumbled into science while seeking a letter of recommendation for medical school and fell in love with lab research within weeks.
- That lab experience redirected his career from pre-med to a lifelong scientific path.
Immigrant Struggles Before Academia
- Ardem left Lebanon at 18 after being detained briefly by militia and arrived in California with a green card and little money.
- He worked odd jobs like making sandwiches and editing an Armenian newspaper while establishing residency and returning to school.
Talent Flows Depend On Policy
- U.S. science benefits enormously from international talent and current restrictive immigration policies risk reversing that advantage.
- Trained researchers may choose better-funded careers abroad if mobility and support decline here.