Meet the Leidos Biomedical Research Team: 5 Minutes with Vladimir Popov, Ph. D.
As part of the Leidos Biomedical Research team, Vladimir Popov, Ph. D., serves as Chief Innovation Officer for the Center for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (CISP), an interdisciplinary team that supports the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research's (FNLCR) fight against cancer. Popov's team helps to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaboration with the wider cancer research community. These strategic partnership opportunities help address important scientific questions and unmet medical needs.
To learn more about Popov and his work, read on.
How would you describe your job to an 8th grader?
I help foster innovation and create partnerships between FNLCR and the external research community. These collaborations help us share the lab’s expertise and resources with the broader research community. In turn, we learn from external investigators by bringing new technologies and research approaches to the lab. Our lab has unique offerings, and we enable scientists to be creative and innovative, improving current research approaches.
What inspires you about FNLCR's work advancing biomedical science and improving human health?
FNLCR is a special place to work because science comes first. When identifying partnerships, we look for opportunities where the science aligns with our mission and where our unique capabilities can be utilized to the fullest.
Why did you pursue a STEM career? How did you get where you are today?
Science has been in my family for generations. So, you could say that it's in my DNA. But for me, it wasn't until the latter part of my educational journey that I fell in love with DNA and science overall. I personally love endless challenges, and there is always something new to learn and solve. I never get bored.
How is your work at FNLCR unique among other cancer research organizations?
I like to say that, at FNLCR, we know what many do not, and we do what most will not. FNLCR is a distinctive place with even more unique scientific expertise.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
My backup career is being a Park Ranger. I'm fascinated by nature, so visiting rural and remote parts of Alaska is definitely on my bucket list.
