Interview

„We talked openly, critically, and constructive about our research”

Björn-Philipp Kloke was a stipendiary of the GrK 1172 from September 2005 till August 2008. Born in Berlin and grown up in Bruxelles, he came to Frankfurt to study biochemistry. After an additional Bachelor certificate in molecular microbiology at the University of Aberdeen he worked on his diploma thesis at the Paul Ehrlich-institute. Later on he did his doctorate within GrK 1172 at the same institute in the group of Prof. Dr. Klaus Cichutek and Prof. Dr. Matthias Schweizer on “Development of a simian immune deficiency virus (SIVsmmPBj) derived lentiviral vector“. After his successful doctorate Prof. Dr. Winfried Wels offered him a job and he is now working on tumour vaccines at the Georg Speyer-Haus.

How did GrK 1172 called your attention?
My boss asked me if I would be interested in taking part in the graduate school. He already knew me because of my diploma thesis on which I had been working in the group of Prof. Dr. Münk.

What tipped the scales for your application for GrK 1172?
At the end the insight in different research areas through the lecture program and the other interdisciplinary working students tipped the scales as well as the planned additional qualifications and the possibility to go to national and international congresses. Special importance laid on the contact to other institutes to gain a view on things beyond your own working place.

What had were your expectations to the program?
My expectations to the program had been very high because of the fact that lectures, research meetings, and other courses and events demanded a lot of personal commitment.

Did the program meet your expectations?
My expectations were fully met and I am glad for having been part of the program.

Had GrK workshops and interaction between the scholars been stimulating for you?
During the years a very good togetherness in which we all got familiar to and respected each other had been established. On this basis it was possible to talk openly, critically, and constructive on one’s own work. The scientific exchange among the students enriched my doctoral thesis and took it further.

Do you think that scientific work profited from the integration of the doctorate in GrK 1172?
Definitely, as I already said, the exchange among the students produced a lot of good ideas. And the possibility to go to congresses to present, discuss, and place your research with internationally experienced people working in your area had been really helpful.

Does your participation have any kind of positive influence of your further career planning or even of your job acceptance?
You must ask my boss on that question! But he became acquainted with me because of the graduate school, so there must be a link!
I hope that GrK 1172 will become more famous and that I can benefit from its reputation.

Whereby does your current work differ from GrK 1172 research?
I decided on changing my research topic, but only within the frame of “biologicals“. I did not want to break up with “biologicals“.

Which are your advices to interested students?
Make use of the advantages GrK 1172 offers you and take part in the community. Than you will benefit from GrK 1172 and the other way round!