Interview Rita Levi-Montalcini, Nobel Prize in Medicine 1986

Transcript

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Summary

In this video, the speaker talks about their experience working in isolation due to being foreign and as a result of the war and rise of fascism. They discuss setting up their own laboratory at home and their collaboration with a colleague. They also mention the benefits of working in isolation and how it allowed them to focus and make discoveries.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why were you prevented from working in universities or practicing medicine?

As a Jew during the war and the rise of fascism, I was not allowed to work in universities or practice medicine. This forced me to set up my own laboratory at home.

Q: Where did you set up your laboratory?

I initially went to Brussels, but due to the distance from my family, I returned to Turin and set up my laboratory in a very small room, which used to be a baby's nursery.

Q: Who became your assistant in the laboratory?

When I returned to Turin, I collaborated with my colleague, Bruce Robertson, who became my assistant. We started working together.

Q: What was the significance of the first discovery you made together?

The first discovery was a significant milestone in our work. It marked the beginning of our research program and set a positive tone of enthusiasm and dedication in the laboratory.

Q: Why was your small room in Turin an excellent choice for the laboratory?

Despite its small size, the room in Turin turned out to be an excellent choice for the laboratory. It was easy to work there, and the limited space allowed for focused and efficient research.

Q: Do you think working in isolation was beneficial for your work?

Yes, I believe working in isolation had its benefits. It provided a certain level of difficulty, which pushed me to utilize my skills and capacities to their fullest. Moreover, I had no fear of persecution, unlike in Germany, although the environment was unpleasant.

Q: How did you feel about the division between you and other foreigners?

The division between myself and other foreigners created a certain sense of isolation. Even though some of my schoolmates would come and visit me, it served as a reminder of the reality of our situation.

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Takeaways

Working in isolation can have both drawbacks and benefits. It can create a focused environment for research and discovery, allowing individuals to utilize their skills to the fullest. However, it can also lead to a sense of isolation, dividing individuals from the larger community. In this particular case, working in isolation was necessary due to external factors, but it ultimately led to significant discoveries and advancements in the field.