Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

“Research for Impact” – I am not sure that this should be our measuring tape. There is no agreement on how to measure true impact, and, more importantly, over what time frame. For non-scientists, “impact” may suggest numerically measurable, tangible outputs - how many jobs have been created, has it lead to direct changes in the way things are done, has it resulted in economic benefits etc. Such a perspective favours short-term thinking. The question is: Is it “Good Science”? If it is, there is a high probability (no certainty!) of a significant impact that may reveal itself over time.

Where does this leave my research? Well, I claim that we (my research group and close colleagues) are doing “Good Science”.

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

Stagnation is not an option, and continuous innovation is a core feature of successful societies. But beware of researchers claiming that their research will lead to a “Betterment of society”. In a generic way, research is simply about finding things out and, by doing so, opening new options and widening our horizons. At their best, such outcomes allow us to dream, and sometimes to realise these dreams. And these dreams are the fuel that might drive - it is a double-edged sword - a better society.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

Any action that keeps our backs free – in a reasonable way: Free from interference by special interests, from administrative overload, from unreasonable demands from funding bodies etc. Don’t create – mostly well-intended - hurdles. And always be positively critical.

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

Most enjoyable: The excitement of new ideas and of unexpected findings.

Most challenging: Seeing many of these new ideas ripped into pieces because they were not so great after all.

But the ideas that survive, they just might become really “Good Science”.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

This may sound like a school teacher’s advice: Be open, share your ideas and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And to ask these questions to the most recognised experts in your field. Don’t be intimidated. You will be surprised how often it is much easier to get constructive input and positive feedback from globally leading, far-away colleagues you may never have met rather than from the colleague sitting in the office next door (which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t discuss your questions with him/her too, best over a coffee).

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

The pandemic has revealed, or rather been an accelerant of, changes that were already underway. I do not think that it has changed anything fundamentally.

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)

I always curious about everything – society, politics, the natural world, whatever, there are so many things to discover...