Arnold Ganser, MD, from the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, discusses the research carried out by some of his former mentees that identified the IDH1 mutation as a novel therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As Prof. Ganser explains, the genetic changes that occur in AML are now becoming better understood through enthusiastic young researchers and medical students that are willing to explore exciting new topic areas. This interview was recorded at 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary.