Verena Gotta: «What fascinates me about research is all the things we don't know yet»

Verena Gotta: «What fascinates me about research is all the things we don't know yet»

As a child I wanted to be...
I wanted to discover medicinal plants in the rainforest, become a sports and maths teacher, or work at the airport.

I became...
Pharmacist in clinic and research (in my spare time I also worked as an athletics and running coach...).

What fascinates me about research...
what you don't know yet.

«It's fascinating how much we still don't know - that's what drives me.»

I gained my first research experience at / as a...
Assistant scientist in the laboratory at the University of Heidelberg (mainly for rinsing test tubes...) and then at Bayer in Wuppertal during her practical year.

I would like to solve the following research question...
There is not only one...

In research, I particularly appreciate...
that it never gets boring and that you are always learning something new.

«For me, research means constantly discovering new things and never standing still.»

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning a project with the PFZ?
I have already had the pleasure of planning with the PFZ and hope that we will soon be able to realise a project together.

My current project is...
different - but all with the aim of better understanding medication and its use, especially in children.

«All my projects have a common goal: to make medicines more understandable and effective for children.»

What I particularly like about my current job...
the exciting interdisciplinary collaboration.

I don't like my current job that much...
administrative activities.

Who/what inspires me and why...
There are many people and colleagues around me who impress and inspire me with their personality and expertise.

After an exhausting day, my favourite way to relax is with...
during sport (if possible...) or on the couch while reading stories.

What is important to me...
that the coffee is not cold. 😊

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
coffee and look forward to the day, e.g. with an excursion.

The best thing that has happened to me so far in 2023 is...
A week of autumn sunshine in Ticino - after 2 weeks of summer rain in the Netherlands.

My current wish is...
that there will be snow in the mountains after Christmas.

The last book I read was...
Yakari.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
My family (= 3)