Nigar Abbasova is a PhD fellow at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, at the department of Biocomplexity – and a member of the board of KIF.
What motivated you to pursue a career in physics, and how did you choose your area of specialization?
As a child, my interests didn’t necessarily lie in math or physics, but rather in biology and medicine. My mother is a doctor, and I grew up surrounded by her explanations about the human body, which sparked my fascination with how living systems work. In high school, however, I had an amazing teacher who introduced me to physics in a way that completely changed my perspective. I realized that physics and biology are not as far apart as I once thought – in fact, they overlap in many fascinating and meaningful ways. That realization set me on a path to explore the intersection between the two: first through internships in medical and biological physics, and now with a career as an experimental biophysicist in the cell lab, where I design my own experiments and investigate the fundamental physics behind epithelial cells.
Where have you studied, and what did your career path look like until now?
I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics at the University of Oslo, Norway, and then moved to Copenhagen to begin my PhD.
What is the focus of your current research, and why is it significant?
My research explores the physics of multicellular motion, such as the mechanical forces involved in cell division and tissue organisation. I hope this will deepen our understanding of how cells communicate mechanically across tissue.
Looking ahead, which area of work are you most excited to explore (in or outside of academia)?
I’d like to continue in a research-oriented career, whether in academia or beyond. I could imagine working as a scientific advisor outside academia, or staying in research and deepening my specialisation. My field is still full of unanswered questions, which makes me feel privileged – there’s so much left to discover!
What keeps you motivated in your research and work, and how do you maintain that drive?
The interdisciplinary nature of my work keeps me inspired. I’m constantly learning things beyond my main field, and I enjoy the feeling of “not knowing” because it means there’s always something new to explore. That ongoing curiosity is what really drives me.
Do you engage in public outreach or science communication related to your research? If so, what does that involve?
During my master’s, I had the chance to give popular science talks on biological physics and my research, encourage fellow STEM students to take part in extracurricular science activities, and inspire young female high school students to pursue STEM degrees by sharing my journey as a woman in physics. I would love to continue this during my PhD, particularly through local initiatives such as Kvant Magazine in Denmark. For me, research is not only about making discoveries that matter within my own group, but also about making science accessible – sharing ideas and findings in a way that can inspire and help a broader audience discover parts of science they may never have encountered before.
Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of work that you are passionate about, and what makes them meaningful to you?
Yes! I’ve been dancing Cuban salsa for several years, and it brings me so much joy. It also gives me a sense of community outside academia and my usual social circles, and I really value being part of the local Latin dance community. I’ve also recently taken up watercolor painting, which I find incredibly therapeutic, especially when I’m traveling to new places or spending time by the Danish shores.
What are your thoughts on the importance of being a mentor and advisor to students and younger scientists, and what is your own approach?
I deeply believe in the importance of mentors. A single piece of advice can change someone’s path – just as my high school teacher’s encouragement changed mine. I would love to play that role for others, inspiring them to pursue their interests and dream big.
Have any mentors played a significant role in your career, and how have they supported you?
Beyond my high school teacher, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my academic journey. My master’s supervisor played a key role in shaping me as a scientist – not only through research, but also by involving me in projects beyond my coursework, where I gained valuable hands-on experience as an experimental physicist alongside my otherwise theory-heavy degree. My PhD supervisor has also been instrumental, encouraging me to pursue my own ideas and giving me the freedom to explore research in my own way. I truly wouldn’t be the scientist I am today without their guidance and support.
What advice would you give to young people, in particular women and minorities, who would like to pursue a career in science?
I often return to my favorite quote: “The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid at all.” That’s the advice I would share!
What motivated you to join the KIF board, and what does the organization mean to you personally?
At some point, the reality of how challenging it can be to navigate a career within physics as a woman becomes clear. In those moments, having a community that understands and offers support makes all the difference. That’s what motivated me to join KIF – to help create and take care of that space together with others who share this vision. For me, KIF is a safe haven where women in physics can connect, feel understood, and find strength in one another. I’m truly grateful and excited to contribute to it in any way I can.
As an early-career researcher, what perspectives or experiences do you hope to bring to KIF’s work?
I want to serve as a bridge between PhD students at the Niels Bohr Institute and KIF, and I hope to continue even after my PhD. My wish is for our network to keep growing and to remain a welcoming space for all who need it.
What is your vision for KIF’s future – either in the physics community or in the broader landscape of STEM?
I hope that anyone who needs KIF will be able to find it, feel part of the community, and also feel empowered to contribute in their own way.
Are there particular issues or initiatives within KIF that you are especially passionate about working on?
I’m especially excited about raising KIF’s visibility at the Niels Bohr Institute by organizing casual gatherings – like coffee breaks or lunches – so that everyone who could benefit from the network knows it’s there, feels welcome, and sees how easy it is to join and be part of it.
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