Ulrich Heininger: «Every question answered raises two new ones - we researchers never get bored»

As a child I wanted to be...
First a professional footballer, then a lawyer.

I became...
a paediatrician with heart and soul and a great passion for infectious diseases and vaccination prevention.

What fascinates me about research...
that it never ends and always brings surprising insights. On the other hand, I find predictable results rather boring.

I gained my first research experience at/as...
In primary school, we systematically exposed bean seeds to different conditions in different combinations (moisture, light, etc.) to determine what is essential for sprouting and what is not.

I would like to solve the following research question...
Why do one in 1000 children with measles develop encephalitis and the other 999 do not?

In research, I particularly appreciate...
the enthusiasm of our young colleagues and the fact that every question answered raises two new ones - we never get bored.

My current project is...
many, and that's why I'm working on optimising my time management.

«The children's questions inspire me because they are so genuine and sincere.»

What I particularly like about my current job...
that it is so entertaining and varied: teaching (= imparting knowledge), research (in the context of the many clinical issues) and patient care (explaining to children and parents what is at stake and how we can help them) - and often all in the same day.

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

Who/what inspires me and why...
The children's questions, because they are so genuine and sincere.

What advice would I give my 18-year-old self...
Carpe diem, and don't lose sight of your goals.

After an exhausting day, my favourite way to relax is with...
Sport.

What is important to me...
my family and our health.

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
First reading, then outdoor sports.

What's surprising about me is that...
I still want to learn Italian.

The best thing that happened to me in 2022 is...
professionally speaking, I have finally succeeded in convincing our vaccination commission of the usefulness of the varicella vaccination in early childhood.

My current wish is...
significantly more responsible politicians.

The last book I read was...
The black swan.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
my wife, a very thick book and my reading glasses.