Presenting to the President and General Secretary of the Max Planck Society
Building strong institutions and communities has been a central part of my professional life alongside my research. My leadership experience spans international research organizations, science policy, and community engagement.
International Science Policy and Research Advocacy: I served on the Board of the International Consortium of Research Staff Associations (ICoRSA), an international organization dedicated to improving research careers, research environments, and the mobility of researchers worldwide.
From 2023–2024, I served as the elected Spokesperson of the Max Planck Society PostdocNet, representing more than 3,000 postdoctoral researchers across over 80 institutes of the Max Planck Society. Prior to this role, I served as Financial Officer of the PostdocNet Steering Group (2022–2023).
As Spokesperson, I led the elected international Steering Group and served as the primary liaison between postdoctoral researchers and the leadership of the Max Planck Society. I worked closely with the President of the Society, the General Administration, institute leadership, and external stakeholders in science, industry, and government. My responsibilities included strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, institutional communication, and representing the interests of researchers in discussions concerning research careers, mentorship, and research culture.
Among other initiatives, I coordinated collaboration among postdoctoral networks across Germany and helped facilitate the development of a joint statement on proposed reforms to Germany's Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), bringing together stakeholders from multiple research organizations and universities.
In my role as Spokesperson, I was also invited by the President of the Max Planck Society to serve on the Advisory Board of the Planck Academy, contributing to discussions on leadership development and professional training within the Society.
Science Policy, Dialogue, and Public Engagement: A central aspect of my leadership work has involved creating opportunities for dialogue across disciplines, institutions, and sectors.
In 2024, I organized the panel discussion "Shaping the Future of Science: AI, Ethics, and Scientific Research" as part of the Max Planck PostdocNet General Meeting.
In 2023, I moderated the public panel "What is Good Science?", bringing together leaders from Germany's scientific community, including the President of the Helmholtz Association, the President Emeritus of the Max Planck Society, university researchers, and experts in science policy and research ethics. The discussion explored scientific excellence, responsibility, and the future of research institutions.
Community Engagement: Alongside my professional activities, I have been committed to supporting local communities through education and social engagement.
In Bonn, I taught English-language classes for children from low-income families through Jobcoach Godesheim. While living in Munich, I volunteered with KAS Hilft and Condrobs e.V., organizing weekly art and game evenings for women and children living in refugee accommodation. These activities focused on community-building, integration, and creating welcoming spaces for families navigating difficult transitions.