Mark Marston: «I would like to be able to measure care services better»

If I wasn't working in research, my dream job would be...
An alpinist or mountaineer

I became...
I have a degree in intensive care medicine, am a nursing expert and am now responsible for a research group on child and family health at the La Source University of Applied Sciences in Lausanne

What fascinates me about research...
The opportunity to bring about changes in practice and to publicise positive results from practice.

I gained my first research experience at / as a...
My leadership project during my Master's programme. It was about reducing light and noise in neonatology.

I would like to solve the following research question...
Being able to better measure and reflect the value of care services. Especially in relation to the care of families and relatives.

«I gained my first research experience during my leadership project. It was about reducing light and noise in neonatology.»

In research, I particularly appreciate...
Collaboration within a research group and collaboration with the clinical environment.

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning a project with the PFZ...
Yes, I carried out a project at the IPS on chronic stress after a stay in the intensive care unit.

My current project is...
My PhD project is about caring for families of children who have been in intensive care for a long time.

What I particularly like about my current job...
Frequent dialogue between experts, flexible work scheduling and national and international networking.

I don't like my current job that much...
—

Who/what inspires me and why...
Positive people around me, my family and a quiet walk at home.

What advice would I give even my 18-year-old self...
I wouldn't do much differently. Maybe prepare my former self or warn her how challenging it will be to combine the professional and private worlds.

If I could work with a famous scientist for a day, it would be... and why?
My father. I never had the opportunity to exchange ideas with him as a scientist, and he was always an inspiration and role model for me.

«Positive people around me, my family and a quiet walk at home inspire me.»

What is my favourite type of music to listen to when I want to concentrate on my research work?
Rhythmic music, without lyrics, or relaxing handpan music

What is important to me...
My family and friends, including most of the colleagues with whom I have worked and continue to work. At the IPS, they are like an extended family

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
Relaxed breakfast with a café, croissant and a boiled egg

What's surprising about me is that...
I am always (or mostly) in a good mood.

The best thing that has happened to me so far in 2024...
The birth of our child, Lenny!

My current wish is...
Help with writing my doctoral thesis...

The last book I read was...
La fabuleuse maison cerveau, written by Aurélie Lattion, Alexandre Pinault, and Swan Keller. It's a children's book that explains how the brain works - in a way that a small child can understand! Inspiring.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
Something to drink, my penknife and of course my family.