The Importance of Perseverance in Grant Applications
In an exciting development for 2024, our colleague Dr. Birte Seffert embarks on a nationwide tour to meet with the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellows across Germany. The Keeping Up with the Boost Fellows series aims to shine a spotlight on the journeys, challenges, and achievements of our Fellows.
For this third post in our series featuring Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellows in Göttingen, we’re spotlighting Dr. rer. nat. Ignacio Rodriguez Polo, a KT Boost Fellow at the University of Göttingen and the Francis Crick Institute in the UK.
Ignacio’s project explores the early stages of human development using tiny, peanut-shaped structures called gastruloids. But what exactly are gastruloids? Imagine a cluster of cells that mimic the early development of an embryo, providing invaluable insights without ethical concerns. Ignacio uses these models to understand how and under what conditions primordial germ cells—the precursors to sperm and eggs—develop or fail to develop. This research is not only at the forefront of developmental biology but also holds potential implications for fertility studies and regenerative medicine.
While his research may seem complex, Ignacio can explain it simply: “Stem cells are like queens—they need to be taken care of every day regarding food, temperature at 37 degrees, no cold… They are delicate, they need to be happy.”
Ignacio divides his time between Germany and the UK, benefiting from the diverse perspectives of two research environments. “It’s tiring sometimes, but it’s also great,” he says.
I get the best of both worlds—two different working groups, two different ways of thinking about science. It’s given me a lot of perspective.
When asked about what he loves most about the academic environments in the UK and Germany, Ignacio points out:
In the UK, groups tend to be smaller, so you have closer collaboration with your colleagues. In Germany, I appreciate the high specialization in different research nodes, which encourages collaboration across expertise.
Ignacio’s passion for research is only rivalled by his love for cooking. When asked what he would have pursued if he hadn’t become a researcher, his response was immediate: “I would be a cook, 100%.” He sees striking similarities between lab work and the kitchen: the precision, timing, and creative problem-solving required to handle complex recipes or experiments.
Ignacio’s journey as a KT Boost Fellow is just beginning, with plans to publish two papers from his research soon and then start applying for PI positions. His energy, dedication, and enthusiasm for science—and for life—are truly inspiring!
Ignacio’s advice aspiring PhD students and postdocs
“Don’t be afraid of grant applications. The KT Boost Fund has helped me build a healthy relationship with applying for research funding. It’s crucial to keep trying and improving.”
The KT Boost Fund is a joint program of GSO and the Klaus Tschira Foundation for postdoctoral researchers in the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science. It offers flexible funding for risky and interdisciplinary research on the way to academic independence. Funding can be used to hire staff, buy equipment, or build collaborations – tailored to the research project.
