Florian Peters: «Research thrives on exchange - different perspectives really drive projects forward.»

If I wasn't working in research, my dream job would be...
Winemaker or pilot.

I became...
Biochemist and now Manager of Clinical Studies.

What fascinates me about research...
to think up new theories and possible explanations using known knowledge and their own creativity.

I gained my first research experience at / as a...
Student intern at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig. That was around the time when the human genome was fully sequenced.

I would like to solve the following research question...
Good question. Perhaps how many coincidences it took to create something as complex as molecules and proteins that constantly interact with each other and form entire organisms.

«How many coincidences were necessary before interacting proteins and living organisms were formed from individual molecules? I can't stop asking myself this question.»

In research, I particularly appreciate...
the shared dialogue - everyone thinks differently and can contribute new ideas. As a team, you can make better progress on many projects.

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning a project with the PFZ...
I was involved for a short time in the preparation for the RELIEF study.

My current project is...
the management of various studies at the USB (LYMPH, HOPE4Cancer) and the improvement of a risk-based study management tool.

What I particularly like about my current job...
the teamwork in projects and the open ears of my colleagues, where you can share joys and frustrations.

I don't like my current job that much...
the limited scope for action in the event of weak recruitment. The best study cannot run if there are no participants.

Who/what inspires me and why...
It inspires me to build things up and see them grow - that used to be the case with computer games and is now expressed through my balcony plants or investments.

What advice would I give even my 18-year-old self...
buy a few bitcoins and leave them behind.

If I could work with a famous scientist for a day, it would be... and why?
Gregor Mendel - you could grow peas with him in a monastery garden in summer and discuss genetics.

«Discussing the basics of heredity with Gregor Mendel in the monastery garden - a historically and technically fascinating thought experiment.»

What is my favourite type of music to listen to when I want to concentrate on my research work?
It has to be music without lyrics, so chill house electro or music from video games - sometimes just rain and thunderstorms as background noise.

What is important to me...
Reliability and always keeping a sense of humour.

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
a relaxed breakfast, some sport if necessary.

What's surprising about me is that...
I've been playing the violin since I was a child and after a long break I started playing in an orchestra again.

The best thing that happened to me in 2024...
great trips to New York, Washington and Brussels.

My current wish is...
a few fewer crises on earth.

The last book I read was...
the desert planet (Dune).

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
my smartphone, a lighter and a comfortable lounger.