Academic Kindness in Action

There are moments in academic life that go beyond data, deadlines, and experiments—moments that remind us why we do what we do, and who we do it with. Today was one of those moments.

One of our Bachelor students had his final presentation, marking the end of his thesis work—an important milestone in any academic journey. What made this day special wasn't just his excellent presentation, but the fact that every single member of our lab team came to support him.

This might not sound extraordinary at first, but when you consider everything that was happening at the same time, it becomes truly meaningful. Experiments needed to be run. We’re in the middle of a very busy phase in the lab. One of our Erasmus students had officially finished her stay on Monday—yet she was still in Umeå and chose to come back just to be there. Another Bachelor student had her final thesis due today—and still made time to show up.

That level of support and presence is something I deeply value. When I heard last week that the whole team had planned to attend, it genuinely made my day.

These small, quiet gestures—showing up, clapping, offering a few words of encouragement—are what I think of when I talk about academic kindness. It’s not always grand or loud, but it matters. It builds trust, connection, and a culture where people feel seen and supported.

Academic environments can be competitive, isolating, or overly focused on performance. But it doesn't have to be that way. We can choose to foster cultures where kindness, encouragement, and celebration are the norm. Where we don’t just work together, but we show up for each other—even, and especially, when it’s not required.

Final presentations are a big deal. They are the culmination of months of effort, growth, and learning. I believe they deserve to be celebrated. And I am more than proud that my team shares this belief.

What Is Academic Kindness—and Why Does It Matter to Me?

Academic kindness means different things to different people. For me, it’s not about being overly permissive or avoiding hard conversations. It’s about being clear, fair, and respectful. It’s about holding high standards while recognizing the humanity of the people we work with. It’s about setting boundaries and being supportive—not either/or. In short, it’s about cultivating an environment where people can thrive, not just survive.

As a principal investigator, I see kindness not as a “nice-to-have” or a personal trait, but as a deliberate practice—a leadership value that shapes how we build teams, mentor others, and conduct our science. I believe that psychological safety is essential for excellence. People do their best work when they feel safe to speak up, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and admit when they don’t know something. That kind of openness doesn’t happen by accident; it takes intention, trust, and consistency.

In our lab, we try to embody these values in practical ways. One example is our lab culture document. It outlines our shared expectations, how we communicate, and what kind of environment we’re trying to create. Every new member reads it, and more importantly, has the opportunity to suggest edits. We revisit it together regularly—not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a living agreement that evolves as we do.

When I make decisions—whether about projects, authorship, or timelines—I try to explain the “why” behind them and invite input. While the final call often rests with me, I want everyone in the lab to feel heard and respected. Leadership, to me, isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening carefully, making thoughtful choices, and creating space for others to contribute meaningfully.

One practice I’ve found especially helpful is stepping back when I feel frustration or anger—particularly in moments that don’t require an immediate response. Instead of reacting on impulse, I take time to reflect: Why did that upset me? What expectations weren’t met? What might the other person be experiencing? This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations—it means approaching them with care. I’ll often follow up with a conversation where I explain my perspective, listen actively, and focus on what we can learn or do differently moving forward. It’s not always easy—especially on busy, high-pressure days—but I’ve found that this approach builds trust and mutual understanding over time.

Of course, things don’t always go smoothly. Mistakes happen. Misunderstandings occur. But I’m proud to work with a team that shares a commitment to honest, respectful dialogue and a culture of continuous growth.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Week (starting May 19), I’ve been reflecting more deeply on what academic kindness really looks like in day-to-day practice. It’s not about being endlessly agreeable or soft-spoken. It’s about creating a climate where people can be themselves, take intellectual risks, and feel supported through both successes and setbacks. It’s about treating each other like whole people, not just producers of data or lines on a CV.

Academic kindness is not just about being “nice”—it’s about building a system where we can all do better science, better mentoring, and better living. That’s how we grow. That’s how we lead. And that’s how we care for one another.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what does academic kindness mean to you?

What makes a good scientific discussion?

After our first session on how to do a scientific presentation, covering the dos and don’ts, we now want to put it into practice. We have our common group meeting with the Kohler MitoLab. Both of us, when starting the lab, were so excited about scientific discussions – we used to discuss science all the time and were looking forward to bringing in complementary expertise from our group members to boost the projects.

It's much easier to notice mistakes in others' presentations than in our own—our blind spots make self-evaluation harder. That's why, during our scientific talk group meetings, we developed a checklist to help presenters critically assess their own work. The checklist includes key points such as clearly stating your hypothesis before presenting results, explaining all figures thoroughly, tying conclusions back to your hypothesis, and delivering a clear take-home message. It's designed as a tool for self-reflection and improvement.I would be

We are also working on the other side – I want to have my team become great scientists who are critical and eager to think deeply into a project. First of all, we made sure that we have a safe space. We also encourage our bachelor students to ask if they did not completely understand something – our more senior members are already and will do practical supervision, so clear explanations are an important skill. That’s a win-win situation!

We also need to emphasize that a critique on the project is not a critique on the person – we rather help if we see limitations and tell them early on. Otherwise, some years later, reviewers might ask the same. More critical people help us avoid blind spots. However, it is sometimes difficult to know what you could ask. Especially for our younger team members, we are trying something new. We developed a sheet with guiding questions – suggestions that they can think about and try to find in the presentation. Examples are: which method did I find especially interesting or clever? Is there a graph or table I’d ask for more detail on? What question would I ask to link it to my own interests or other topics?

I am convinced that critical scientific thinking is a skill that can be learned, and we are here for that. With this, we hope to get all our team members more into the scientific thinking world.

Would be interested to hear – how do you get scientific discussions going in the group meeting? And how do you help your team members to think more critically?

Academic Kindness and the Journey to Group Leadership

I’m still in Graz for a little longer, heading back to Umeå tomorrow — but I’m already feeling so grateful and full of energy after these past two days.

These were the first events I was invited to as a speaker/panel member, and that honestly means a lot to me. Huge thanks to Johanna Stadlbauer from the PostDoc Office for the trust, the warm welcome, and for creating such a thoughtful and supportive space. We connected instantly, and it really made these days special.

Yesterday, I joined the PostDoc Office Annual Event as a panel member, and today I gave a workshop on the path from postdoc to group leader. I shared my thoughts on academic kindness, and also told my very real story — with rejections, failed applications, uncertainty, and all the messy parts that are often left out.

Everything was so well organized: I got a lovely goodie bag, a reserved seat, the food was amazing, and the whole team was incredibly kind and helpful.

The discussions were open, inspiring, and full of honesty — time just flew. I'm heading home tomorrow with new connections, fresh ideas, and a lot of motivation.

And it was just really lovely to be back in Graz again.

🔗 Prepare and be courageous – Tipps und Tricks für den Weg zur Gruppenleitung

🔗 Exploring Collegiality – Good Leadership and Kindness in Academia

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

This week has been an "outreach" week for me, filled with opportunities to engage with young minds and share my passion for science.

On Monday and Tuesday, I had the privilege of being part of the jury for "UngaForskare," a fantastic event where high school students presented their scientific projects. It was truly exciting to see these innovative projects and discuss them with such passionate young minds. Their enthusiasm and creativity were inspiring, and it was a joy to be part of their journey.

From Wednesday to Friday, I am virtually visiting school classes as part of LånaEnForskare to talk about our science and what it's like to be a researcher. Two out of three sessions are done – tomorrow is the finale! These sessions have been a wonderful opportunity to connect with students, share insights about the scientific process, and hopefully ignite a spark of curiosity and interest in the field of science.

So, why do I do this?

On one hand, I believe it's incredibly important to engage in outreach activities and encourage young people to love science. It brings me immense joy to see their eyes light up with interest and excitement. Inspiring the next generation of scientists is a responsibility I take seriously, and it's rewarding to know that I might be making a difference in their lives.

On the other hand, I conduct these talks in Swedish. While I aim to become fluent as Sweden is my new home, being a full-time group leader makes studying Swedish quite challenging. So, forcing myself to speak Swedish and give lectures helps me improve. It's a win-win situation – I get to practice my language skills while doing something I love.

Outreach is not only vital for inspiring the next generation but also a fantastic opportunity for me to practice my Swedish. It's a reminder that learning and growth are continuous processes, and every interaction is a chance to improve.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Let's continue to inspire and be inspired!

Our Lab Receives Generous Funding!

I woke up today to an email with incredibly positive news: our lab has received very generous funding for a postdoctoral researcher from Kempestiftelserna! This funding will significantly elevate our robotic screening unit and help us advance our unbiased analyses.

This news comes at a particularly meaningful time for me. Recently, we've faced a series of challenges and setbacks, making this achievement feel even more rewarding. I feel humbled and grateful for this opportunity to push our research forward and make impactful contributions to the scientific community.

Our lab has always been dedicated to innovation and excellence, and this funding will allow us to continue striving towards these goals. The support from Kempestiftelserna is not just a financial boost; it's a vote of confidence in our work and our vision. It reinforces the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

With this new funding, we are excited to expand our team and bring in a talented postdoctoral researcher who will help us drive our projects to new heights. If you are on the market, happy to connect and stay tuned for more information about this opportunity.

Scientific Presentations: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Today, my husband's group and my group kicked off a mini-series focused on scientific presentation styles with our group members. We explored how presentation slides should be designed, what they should contain, and what to avoid. I firmly believe that no matter how thrilling your project is, if you don't connect with your audience and convey your excitement, you've lost them—this is the classic "death by PowerPoint."

Instead of delivering a traditional lecture, we encouraged reflection and guided our members to discover their own presentation styles. We sparked discussions by showcasing example slides from our own presentations, ranging from our master's studies to PhDs and current work. There were definitely some "gems" on how not to do it, but it also highlighted how presentation style can make or break a project. There's no one right way to present—it has to fit your personal style.

A big part of supervision is helping our team members develop their skills and confidence to navigate the academic world. Our experienced lab members did a great job analyzing, but I am also extremely proud of our newest team members, our current bachelor's students. They joined the discussion and voiced their own opinions. It was a real discussion between our team members, and that was delightful to see! It was a fun and engaging session, especially seeing some of my own examples that were really, really questionable (though I was really proud of them in 2017 😄).

Reflecting on the session, I realized how crucial it is to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Supervision isn't just about guiding research; it's about nurturing growth and confidence. By encouraging open discussions and allowing team members to express their opinions, we help them develop critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate the complexities of the academic world.

Seeing our bachelor's students actively participate and contribute to the discussion was particularly rewarding. It reminded me that effective supervision involves recognizing and valuing the input of all team members, regardless of their experience level. Their fresh perspectives often bring new insights and ideas that can enrich the entire group's understanding.

In the end, the session was a great reminder that scientific presentations are not just about conveying information—they're about connecting with your audience and making them feel your excitement. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and finding your own style is key to delivering impactful presentations.

Embracing academic kindness for scientific excellence

I recently completed a fantastic and thought-provoking course: Resolving Conflicts in Research - Leadership Skills for a Harmonious Team by Leadership Sculptor. This experience has been transformative, providing me with valuable tools to handle conflicts constructively.

Conflicts are challenging and often drain the energy of the parties involved. Depending on their size, they can also affect those around them. Ignoring conflicts is not an effective approach, as they can grow bigger and bigger until the all-destruction-I-do-not-care mode is switched on. This course has taught me the importance of catching conflicts in their early phases and addressing them constructively.

In some aspects, my inner voice was right, and for other situations, I now have valuable tools to navigate them effectively. The course also covered essential negotiation skills and strategies to build high-performing teams. I firmly believe that the best performance is achieved when a positive atmosphere and support are provided.

When humans interact, there are misunderstandings, miscommunication, and conflicts. I am convinced that it is the responsibility of a group leader to not only lead by example but also have strategies on hand that make the life of our groups easier. Clear communication and respect are keys for me, personally.

For me, scientific excellence is not just about achieving great results but also about how we achieve them. I believe in leading with academic kindness, fostering a supportive and harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. A positive team dynamic is crucial for innovation and productivity. By promoting clear communication, mutual respect, and understanding, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

In conclusion, this course has reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about guiding a team towards scientific excellence but also about ensuring that the journey is marked by kindness, respect, and support. I am committed to applying these principles in my leadership approach and fostering a culture of academic kindness in my team.

Grant success to end the academic year

As the year comes to a close, I am very happy to share some wonderful news: we have received continuing support from the Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Stiftelse! This generous contribution will be used to perform some great high-throughput screens next year, propelling our project forward.

Securing funding in the academic world is no easy feat. The process of applying for grants can be incredibly challenging and often comes with its fair share of rejections. Each “no” can feel like a setback, but it’s important to remember that every rejection is a step closer to success. Persistence is key. Every application, whether successful or not, is an opportunity to refine your ideas and strengthen your resolve.

This recent support is a testament to the importance of pushing through those challenges. It’s a reminder that perseverance pays off, and that the hard work and dedication we put into our research do not go unnoticed.

As we look ahead to the new year, I am filled with optimism and gratitude. This support not only fuels our immediate goals but also reinforces the belief that our efforts are making a difference. It’s a positive way to end this academic year and a motivating start to the next.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let’s continue to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and celebrate our achievements, big and small.

Exciting Times Ahead: A Major Milestone for Our Lab!

🌟 I am beyond excited to share some fantastic news with you all! This week marks a significant milestone for our lab as we finally install the biggest, most expensive, and most central piece of equipment we’ve ever acquired. After months of procurement, planning, and construction, it has arrived in its (huge) box from overseas! 📦

The Journey to This Moment

When things take longer than expected, it can be hard to stay patient. But the wait is finally over, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This journey has been a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. From the initial stages of procurement to the meticulous planning and construction, every step has brought us closer to this moment.

Gratitude and Support

A huge thank you to #Kempestiftelserna for funding this equipment and supporting our lab’s #ResearchVision! As a #NewPI, it’s challenging to convince our academic community of a new idea, and this support is incredibly helpful and encouraging. Receiving grant money for a new application idea, especially when starting out, means so much. This support not only validates our vision but also empowers us to push the boundaries of our research.

What’s Next?

We have an exciting week ahead with a two-day installation followed by three days of intensive training. This new robotic power will significantly enhance our capabilities and open up new avenues for exploration and discovery. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to advance our research with such cutting-edge technology.

Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for some cool (and crazy) results! 🤖✨ Visit us to see how this thing looks after being unboxed. We can’t wait to share the amazing outcomes and breakthroughs that this new equipment will help us achieve.

First publication of the lab

Better Together: Interorganellar Communication in the Regulation of Proteostasis

I’m thrilled to announce the publication of our latest review, “Better Together: Interorganellar Communication in the Regulation of Proteostasis,” in the journal Contact CTC. This marks the first publication from our lab and my first corresponding review, making it a significant milestone for us.

In this review, we explore the intricate network of chaperones and folding factors that maintain a functional proteome, which is essential for cellular life. Unlike traditional views that isolate proteostatic mechanisms within individual organelles, our review highlights how these processes are interconnected across organellar borders. This interorganellar communication occurs through signaling processes or direct associations via contact sites.

For those interested in the detailed mechanisms and the broader implications of our findings, you can read the full article here

“The Lab Turns 1” Potluck

Last weekend, Andreas and I had the pleasure of inviting current and former lab members for a small potluck and birthday party to celebrate our lab’s first anniversary. It was a wonderful occasion filled with great food, happy times, and a sense of camaraderie that made the time fly by.

I absolutely love hosting events like this. They provide a fantastic opportunity for our team members to come together and simply enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings play a crucial role in fostering happy and healthy group dynamics, which in turn helps create a positive lab environment.

It feels surreal that the lab is already one year old. The time has flown by, and while I’m thrilled with the journey, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Some parts were much harder than I had ever anticipated, while others were very manageable – but nothing was easy. I’m proud of the many things that have worked out as planned. We successfully built up the lab, welcomed our first students in March, and got our main methods up and running. However, some tasks were definitely harder and slower than I expected. Starting a group comes with a myriad of tasks, making it difficult to balance my time effectively. Securing funding to get the lab running was a significant achievement, but not all grant applications were successful. The lab is functioning well, but we still face challenges.

Reflecting on my own expectations and immediate goals often makes me nervous, especially when considering to-do lists and things I could or should have done differently. Relaxing after a day of doing my best, yet not completing everything I planned, is challenging. I tend to focus on the negatives, which is something I’m actively working on.

As a group leader, I strive to be a role model and demonstrate how science can thrive with kindness in academia. Despite setbacks and hurdles, academic kindness remains a central aim for me. On this Sunday, I was simply happy to see our team members working together, performing well, and I am excited to continue our scientific journey with them. I also look forward to welcoming new members who bring fresh perspectives.

Låna en forskare initiative

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Låna en forskare initiative, where I shared “En dag i en forskares liv” (A Day in the Life of a Scientist) with students for the very first time. This experience was both thrilling and rewarding, and I’m so glad I took part in it.

During the session, I presented online and included some videos of my work in the lab to give the students a real glimpse into the daily life of a scientist. I also explained why we do our work, incorporating age-appropriate comparisons to make the concepts more relatable. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and enthusiasm. In the end, the students engaged in a lively discussion about their perceptions of what a scientist is and what they had learned from the session.

I had a lot of fun preparing the presentation, taking videos and photos while working in the lab to make it as engaging as possible. Participating in this initiative has reinforced my belief in the importance of science education and outreach. It’s crucial to inspire the next generation and show them the exciting possibilities within the field of science.

Looking forward to more opportunities to share and inspire!

Taking on New Challenges and Celebrating Small Wins

Taking on new challenges is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Recently, I embarked on a journey that pushed me beyond my comfort zone: I enrolled in and successfully completed my first all-Swedish supervision course. While I can read and speak Swedish for everyday use, this course required me to engage in group discussions about pedagogy and how to supervise PhD students, prepare presentations, and write reports—all in Swedish. This was definitely a new level of difficulty for me.

Each course day brought a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of discussing complex topics in a language that I was still learning was daunting. However, I was determined to push through. With each session, I felt a bit more confident, and by the end of the course, I was both happy and relieved to have completed it successfully.

This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of celebrating every small success and positive step along the way. It’s easy to wait for big milestones to celebrate, but recognizing smaller achievements can be incredibly motivating. I try to encourage my team members to do the same. Celebrating these moments helps build morale and keeps us motivated to continue pushing forward.

Personally, I have always found it challenging to focus on my successes. I tend to dwell on the negatives and overlook the positives. However, I am actively working on changing this mindset. Completing this course is a step in the right direction for me, both in terms of my language skills and my personal development.

I want to inspire my team to take on new challenges and step out of their comfort zones. Growth happens when we push our boundaries and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a new project, or simply trying something different, these experiences shape us and help us grow.

So, let’s celebrate every step forward, no matter how small it may seem. Each success is a building block towards our larger goals. Here’s to embracing challenges and celebrating our progress along the way.

Celebrating Success

Today was a super special day as we celebrated one of our amazing students graduating with her Bachelor’s degree! 🎓 To make it even more memorable, we crafted a fun DIY graduation hat in her favorite color, pink. 🎀

A Special DIY Graduation Hat

We wanted to do something unique to celebrate her big achievement, so we got creative and made a pink graduation hat. It was a fun project that showed just how much we appreciate her hard work and dedication.

The Journey to Graduation

She joined us in March and quickly became a key part of our team. Her passion for science and her determination have been truly inspiring. During the celebration, we shared so many funny and crazy stories from our time together. It’s amazing how many great memories we’ve made in such a short time!

The Celebration

The celebration was a team effort with my husband’s lab, and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together. The pink graduation hat was a hit and added a festive touch to the day. We laughed, we smiled, and we felt so proud of her accomplishments.

Looking Forward

This graduation is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to many more graduations and successes in the future. Each one will be special, but this first one will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Best Wishes

To our wonderful graduate, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Your hard work has paid off, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things you’ll do next. Congratulations again! 🌟

Embracing Efficiency: The Arrival of New Tools in Our Lab

There’s a certain thrill that comes with unboxing new lab equipment. It’s a feeling I’ve known since my student days, and it’s one that never gets old. Recently, our lab had the pleasure of welcoming two new members to our tool family: multichannel pipettes.

As a newly appointed PI, I’ve made it my mission to ensure my team has access to state-of-the-art tools. Why? Because I believe in the power of efficiency. I’ve always been a fan of high-efficiency tools, and now, I have the opportunity to provide the same for my team.

When the pipettes arrived, I couldn’t resist the urge to play with them. It was like being a student again, exploring the capabilities of a new tool, imagining all the ways it could enhance our work. These pipettes aren’t just for my personal entertainment (though I must admit, that’s part of the fun). They’re here to help us streamline our research and meet our screening goals in a time-efficient manner.

Being a PI isn’t just about overseeing projects and directing research. It’s about supporting my team, providing them with the resources they need to do their best work. I want to create an environment where efficiency and innovation go hand in hand.

As we move forward, I’m excited to see how these new tools will enhance our productivity and drive our research. I’m committed to continually investing in our lab, ensuring we have the best tools at our disposal. After all, good research isn’t just about having great ideas—it’s also about having the right tools to bring those ideas to life.

How to “cold-email”

Even though my research group is still in its early stages, I receive a handful of emails daily from individuals seeking a position in my lab. While I try to answer all, it’s often clear that the sender hasn’t personalized their message to align with our research focus, which significantly diminishes their chances of receiving a positive response.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to share some insights and pitfalls regarding cold-emailing a research group. These suggestions are based on personal viewpoints—so take them with a pinch of salt—and I’m open to hearing perspectives from both sides. Additional insights are always appreciated.

Here’s how you can make a strong start:

• Pinpoint your scientific curiosity: Seek out research that genuinely fascinates you.

• Research the Principal Investigator’s (PI) work: Grasp what the group specializes in by reading recent publications and exploring their web presence (many have university-affiliated pages or independent websites).

• Look for preferred contact methods: Increasingly, groups outline preferred communication channels and required materials on their websites. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial; overlooking them can negatively impact your initial interaction.

• Maintain professionalism and clarity: Use a formal and respectful tone, be aware of cultural differences (like how to address Principal Investigators or start emails), lean towards formality if uncertain, avoid spelling errors, and create a clear subject line without using all capital letters to prevent your email from being marked as spam.

• Structure your email: Ensure readability with coherent paragraphs. While detail is encouraged (as discussed below), essential points should be stated prominently and clearly in your opening paragraph.

• State the purpose and be specific: After briefly introducing who you are (1-2 sentences), state your purpose -what do you want from the PI (e.g., internship opportunity,…)

• Show genuine enthusiasm: Express authentic interest in the group’s research by referencing specific aspects of their work—only quoting publication titles won’t be enough. Explain why this particular field and group resonate with you; this might also include shared values found on their website.

• Highlight knowledge exchange potential: Depending on your academic stage, emphasize skills you hope to acquire from the lab—referencing techniques employed directly by the lab is key here—as well as competencies you can contribute. This can be a laboratory skill but also soft skills that benefit.

• Sign off appropriately: Thank the PI for their time and state that you are looking forward to their response. Indicate your willingness to provide further information if needed.

• Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response, it’s acceptable to follow up once after 1-2 weeks. However, avoid sending multiple follow-ups in a short period of time and especially do not re-send the same email. PIs have a lot on their plate and it is not easy to keep up with emails.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Generic emails: It’s easy to spot when a candidate has used the same email for several research groups. Show that you’ve invested time to understand what the lab is doing.

• Ignoring instructions: If a PI has specific instructions on how to contact them (usually on their stand-alone homepages), be sure to follow this. Ignoring these instructions gives a very negative impression.

• Overly long emails: Keep your email short, concise and to the point. Long, unstructured emails might get ignored.

• Sending multiple attachments: You can and should attach a short CV, but do not attach recommendation letters, etc.

As PIs receive multiple cold emails daily, some might answer, others might not. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a response. Instead, critically revise your email and try again with another group that interests you. Best of luck!

I welcome any additional insights and shared experiences. Happy emailing!

Celebrating Our First Student’s Success

We are thrilled to announce that our first student, Samantha Weindel, has successfully completed her project. This is a significant milestone for our lab as Samantha is the first student to graduate from our group.

Samantha has learned remarkable independence throughout her project, which is very unusual at her educational level as a Bachelor’s student. She quickly learned how to plan her experiments and made significant improvements during her time in the lab. Her positive attitude and genuine interest in the topic have greatly contributed to a positive group climate.

As her supervisor, I had the pleasure of witnessing her growth firsthand. Providing her with feedback was an enjoyable process, and I am proud to have been part of her journey.

Recently, Samantha defended her thesis, marking the end of her time as a bachelor's student. In a LinkedIn post, she expressed her gratitude:

“I am thrilled to say that my thesis has successfully been defended. With this, my time as a bachelor student has come to an end. I want to thank Verena Kohler for her patience, guidance and for putting her trust in me. This time has taught me a lot about science and myself, and I consider myself lucky for having such a positive experience. Major thanks also to Zhwan Karim and Mostafa Basiony for being amazing Lab mates.”

This might not be the main reason why I love to supervise young talents, but it definitely is the cherry on top and this post made my day.

As we celebrate Samantha’s achievement, we also feel a sense of sadness that this chapter has ended. However, we are excited to follow her future journey and are confident that she will continue to excel in her endeavours.

Congratulations, Samantha!

Strengthening Our Department Through Shared Values

Just got back from our department’s retreat, and what a ride it was! Two days of pure connection, learning, and fun.

We had a blast listening to some of the latest research from our department in a popular science fashion. It was like being in a live science podcast, but better because we were part of the conversation.

And guess what? We’re about to welcome some new PIs into our department. Got a chance to meet them at the retreat, and had nice talks as well as a shared (very) early morning run!

But here’s the thing: science is hard. It’s stressful. That’s why we need to make sure our work environment is as positive and welcoming as possible. That’s where trust, respect, inclusion, and diversity come in. These aren’t just fancy words; they’re the foundation of our department.

I was lucky enough to help organize a workshop on these topics. We had some real talk about what these values mean to us and how they can help us do our best work. We even had a guest speaker who shared their experiences. It was real, it was practical, and it was inspiring.

We didn’t get lost in the semantics. We focused on what we can do to make our department better. We talked about the changes we want to see and the things we’re already doing well. It was all about action, not just words.

And of course, we had to have some fun. We took the first PI-PhD student photo, a moment that will go down in our group’s history.

Our first common groupmeeting

Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in our scientific journey. Andreas, PI of the Kohler Mito Lab, and I decided to join forces and held our first common group meeting. The decision to meet weekly and discuss our projects with all our team members has already proven to be a game-changer. The scientific discussions are livelier, the input is richer, and the development of ideas is smoother.

A special shout-out to Samantha and Zhwan who presented their Bachelor’s thesis work today. Their presentations were not only informative but also showcased their hard work and dedication. They did an exceptional job and I couldn’t be prouder!

One of the things I valued most about our meeting is the safe space we’ve created. A space where everyone can give and receive feedback, ask questions without fear of being judged, and acknowledge that we are all on different levels, both experience and skill-wise. This atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding is something I truly cherish and aim to maintain in all our future meetings.

Looking forward to more of these meetings and the continued growth of our team. Here’s to more insightful discussions, breakthroughs, and of course, #GroupMeetingSelfies! 🚀

Remember, science is a team sport. And today, we played well.