Dr Ibolya Kepiro studies the smallest building blocks of life at a magnification of a million times using electron microscopy. “But it’s not only about seeing them,” she explains, “it’s about measuring them. This helps us understand how healthy cells function and how they malfunction in disease.”

Ibolya is a leading expert in biometrology, or biological measurement. Highly respected in her field, her work has wide-ranging impact, including the development of reference materials and methods, from initial concepts through to inter-laboratory comparisons and formalised international standards.

“When I was a child, I wanted to be a medical doctor,” she explains. “Over time, I realised that through research, I could shape medicine more broadly by developing the tools, technologies and measurement approaches that make earlier diagnosis and better treatment possible. That possibility for wider impact is what drew me fully into science.”

Shaping scientific innovation

Initially from Hungary, Ibolya knew she wanted to travel. She studied medicine with a focus on experimental research and diagnostics in ophthalmology at the University of Szeged, including a master's in Biomedical Physics, before heading to London for her PhD at Imperial. “It was such an incredible opportunity,” she says.

“My interest at that time was in developing an instrument for high resolution imaging of human retinas in vivo. It was not really possible to visualise photoreceptors, and only world-leading academic institutions like Imperial offered the opportunity to explore this field.”

And how did Imperial help develop her ambitions? “My time at Imperial was truly formative. I completed my PhD in 2013, developing a novel imaging instrument and validating it for early diagnosis of retinal diseases at the cellular level. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding project that required deep domain knowledge and close collaboration with clinicians. That experience really shaped the way I approach scientific and technological innovation today.”

But it wasn’t just the opportunity to innovate and push boundaries that Ibolya enjoyed. People and culture were just as important.

“I also built lifelong friendships and professional relationships that continue to be both personally meaningful and professionally valuable,” she says. And she thrived in London. “Living on the South Kensington campus added another dimension. Being steps away from the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Royal Albert Hall, and taking in lunchtime concerts in the Imperial Chapel, made the whole experience culturally rich as well as academically transformative.”

Imperial helped to prepare her for a career in science in many different ways. “Firstly, the technical training has been directly applicable,” she says. “The physics, imaging science, and problem-solving skills I gained are still central to my work in diagnostics innovation. Secondly, the PhD taught me how to manage complex projects under pressure and how to collaborate across disciplines, especially with engineers, clinicians, and industry partners. Those capabilities have been essential in driving forward technologies that have real impact.”

“These foundations have been indispensable in my career in diagnostics innovation, where clarity of measurement and methodological integrity are essential. Imperial provided not only technical mastery but a mindset that continues to shape my scientific judgement.”

She describes the Alumni Award as “a profound honour,” crediting her parents with her success. “I owe so much to my family, especially my parents, who encouraged my curiosity, trusted my ambitions and supported my early fascination with science. Their belief in me made this path possible. And, of course, this recognition reflects the many mentors, colleagues and collaborators who have walked alongside me. I am truly grateful.”