Dr. Vadim Geurkov

When it comes to research, Vadim Geurkov values quality over quantity, and impact over accolades. “It’s better to create one masterpiece in five years than 50 each year,” he says. “You may publish just one work, but if someone actually can use it, you feel so satisfied.”

There’s perhaps no better field for a researcher like Geurkov than in reconfigurable computer systems, where he focuses on error detection, location and correction. After all, these systems are everywhere and, in many of them – such as hospitals, space travel and nuclear power plants – faults can lead to life-critical situations. Increasing the fault tolerance, robustness and reliability of these systems leads to a safer world for all of us.

Despite his conscientious approach to research, Geurkov is never short of ideas. In his office sits a folder that acts as a sort of research diary, documenting the many projects and theories Geurkov hopes to one day explore. Somewhere in that folder lies Geurkov’s masterpiece. “You get lots of satisfaction when you do something which has not been done by anyone else. You raise the bar, and no one can jump over that bar. You can. It’s not easy, but be persistent.”