In this #ISSNAFStory, Barbara Rosario interviees Prof. Napoleone Ferrara, renowned pathology professor at UC San Diego. Prof. Ferrara discusses his pioneering work on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its impact on treating eye diseases and cancers. He recounts his journey from studying in Catania, Italy, to UCSF, where his research led to the discovery of VEGF, and to Genentech, where advanced resources enabled him to develop groundbreaking therapies for conditions like macular degeneration. Now focused on creating longer-lasting VEGF inhibitors, Ferrara reflects on the unique freedom industry offers over academia. He advises young scientists to pursue their true interests and shares his vision for collaboration and innovation as a new ISSNAF board member.