Julia Manzetti: «I particularly value critical scrutiny in research»

If I wasn't working in research...
my dream job would be ecologist. Incidentally, I would also then - very probably - work in research.

I became...
clinical monitor.

What fascinates me about research...
that the lives of individuals can be improved, even once fatal diseases can be cured, giving people new hope and confidence.

I gained my first research experience...
when, at the age of nine, I was ringing birds with the bird protection association on the Ulmethöchi during the autumn migration to the south and thus contributed to the study of bird migration.

I would like to solve the following research question...
How can CO₂ be safely stored or recycled in the long term?

In research, I particularly appreciate...
Questioning the status quo and finding new approaches to existing problems.

«What I like about my current job is the close collaboration with study teams and the daily variety.»

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning a project with the PFZ?
I was involved in monitoring the KIDS-STEP study and am currently involved in monitoring the RELIEF study.

My current project is...
including the Relief Study.

What I particularly like about my current job...
the collaboration with the various research study teams and the variety of my work. No two days are the same.

I don't like my current job that much...
when trains are cancelled or very late for business trips.

Who/what inspires me and why?
People who fight for democracy and human rights in totalitarian regimes, even when their freedom or their lives or those of their loved ones are at stake. I probably couldn't muster that courage.

What advice would I give my 18-year-old self?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities!

If I could work with a famous scientist for a day, it would be... and why?
It would be Marie Curie: the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in different natural sciences.

«The surprising thing about me is that I made it to the annual final of a quiz on a well-known Swiss radio programme.»

What is my favourite type of music to listen to when I want to concentrate on my research work?
I need peace and quiet to concentrate on my work.

What is important to me...
my family, my friends and nature.

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
Spending time with family and friends in nature.

What is surprising about me is...
that I successfully took part in a quiz on a well-known Swiss radio programme for several days. I even made it to the annual final.

The best thing that has happened to me so far in 2025...
that my loved ones and I stayed healthy and, of course, the holidays with my family. In general, the time I spent with my family and friends.

My current wish is...
more peace and less misery.

The last book I read was...
Two lives of Ewald Arenz.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
my family, a boat and plenty of food.