Andreas Wörner: «I would like to fully understand the change from episodic to chronic inflammation»

As a child I wanted to be...
Naturalist - I was fascinated by Alexander von Humboldt's books.

I became...
Clinician and researcher in paediatric medicine with enthusiasm and, as a paediatric and adolescent rheumatologist, also enjoys looking behind the pattern of individual symptoms.

What fascinates me about research...
how systematics and a scientific network can make a decisive step forward in understanding a disease.

I gained my first research experience at / as a...
as a student in the individual tutorial with Prof Gennaro De Libero in the Experimental Immunology DKF Basel and in the Clinical Research Group Rheumatology at the University Hospital Freiburg.

I would like to solve the following research question...
a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and non-molecular factors influencing the change from episodic to chronic inflammation.

«I appreciate working in a team and the opportunity to scrutinise my own hypothesis with scientific criticism.»

In research, I particularly appreciate...
working in a team (hey PFZ team!), the opportunity to work in a structured way and the chance to scrutinise your own hypothesis with scientific criticism.

My current project is...
which factors influence immunomodulating therapy in order to optimise it: Heterogeneity of adalimumab exposure in paediatric inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

What I particularly like about my current job...
that it is both highly specialised and requires a broad general paediatric perspective... the opportunity to use my clinical experience to improve the treatment of rare diseases in Switzerland in terms of health policy.

I don't like my current job that much...
the part of the PC work that is additionally caused by immature software (unfortunately there's too much of it).

Who/what inspires me and why...
when I feel that a team works carefully and attentively and treats the children and young people in its care with respect and appreciation.

«When I feel that a team works carefully and treats children with respect, it inspires me.»

What advice would I give even my 18-year-old self...
if you listen to yourself and others well, you will go the right way (pay attention to the right timing!)

After an exhausting day, my favourite way to relax is with...
my family, good friends and a sweeping view over the Jura and the Alps.

What is important to me...
Authenticity, sincerity and care in dealing with others.

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
Jogging in the forest, then reading the newspaper.

What's surprising about me is that...
Let everyone make up their own mind!

The best thing that happened to me in 2022 is...
the family has remained healthy (in view of the many illnesses we treat at UKBB, this is the best thing every year).

My current wish is...
more time for good research questions.

The last book I read was...
Nils Minkmar, Montaigne's Cat and Mark Greengrass, Paradise Lost.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
A pocket knife, a survival guide and an exciting book that never ends.