Embracing Independence and Responsibility in Research
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.
We’re delighted to introduce Zahra Razaghi-Moghadam, a researcher from the University of Potsdam Bioinformatics Group & Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology. Zahra’s story was the first of these inspiring encounters. During an insightful conversation, Zahra delved into the improvements and personal experiences that have shaped her career.
How has your field of research been developing?
Quite a lot. Metabolic engineering and modelling started with simpler organisms – now it is also possible to work on more complex models such as plants and even humans. Computational methods are becoming more developed and accurate, making them more applicable and more interesting for biotechnological purposes.
How was it for you to move from Iran to Potsdam?
Here at the Potsdam Science Park in Golm, I felt I could adapt easily since this is a community of scientists, living and researching closely together. It helped me stay focused.
What’s one thing you learned since becoming a Boost Fellow?
Receiving the grant has changed some of my daily tasks. I felt I could work more independently by supervising a PhD student. I became the corresponding author for our published papers, which brought new responsibilities for me. Before I was mostly taken care of – now I have to take care of someone and have more responsibility towards the project.
The Boost Fund is a nice grant – but it also provides a network of moral support. I realized this at the GSO event for all Boost Fellows when I saw that we’re all in the same boat.
Zahra’s insights as a Boost fellow:
Increased Independence: The grant allowed her to work more independently, including supervising a PhD student.
New Responsibilities: She took on the role of corresponding author for published papers, gaining additional project and leadership responsibilities.
Supportive Network: The Boost Fund not only provided financial support but also fostered a network of moral support.
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.
