The tandem with the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Four questions for Dr Rebecca Lück

What are you working on as part of your tandem programme?

My research focuses on microbiology, particularly the development of detection technologies and methods for biological hazards. Through the tandem programme, I aim to further develop my scientific expertise whilst gaining the several years’ professional experience outside higher education required for a professorship.

What does your work at the H-BRS involve in practical terms?

At the H-BRS, I am involved in teaching, including practical sessions and acting as a supervisor for final-year dissertations. In addition, I apply for external funds and am establishing my own research projects in the field of detection technology.

How do you collaborate with the DLR?

My industry partner is the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), specifically the Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures at the Rheinbach site. There, in the Detection Systems Department, I work on the development of microbiological detection systems, amongst other things, and am involved in research projects, grant applications and the supervision of final-year projects.

There are numerous points of collaboration between the DLR and H-BRS, for example through joint research projects and requests, final-year dissertations, and the integration of current research topics into teaching.

What makes the tandem model special for you?

I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to combine research with practice-oriented teaching, to pass on my own experiences and to support students on their journey. For me, the greatest added value of the tandem lies in the strong networking and exchange between different scientific fields and institutions.