Face of the LIB: Alexandra Hostert

What does nature mean to you personally? What is your favourite place in nature?

I love climbing mountains. Especially when it's a bit more strenuous and I'm rewarded with a great view at the summit. I don't just like it because it involves exercise, but also because I love this panoramic view of nature. I'm not fascinated by a specific, individual organism, but by the big picture, the panorama and how it all comes together in the end.

Is there a particular place in the Bonn area that fascinates you?

I've lived in Bonn for quite a while now. I came here after my intermediate diploma to concentrate on botany and biodiversity in my main degree programme and then stayed. If you want to experience nature in your free time, it's hard to find here in the city, of course. However, there are places in the surrounding area, such as the Siebengebirge, that I like to visit. Even though it can be crowded at the weekend and I've been there a lot, I always find it nice to go hiking there. And - I don't know exactly why - I really love the Rhine! I like to cycle along here after work because it clears my head.

How can we explain the importance of biodiversity?

It can work on several levels. For many people, access to the topic of nature is initially on an emotional level. That's why I think it's important to get people excited about diversity and open their minds to the topic. Then it is easier to make them aware of the value that nature has for us on very different levels, how the species in the ecosystem are connected or what our own influence on nature is.

What points of contact did you have with the topic of biodiversity during your time as a journalist?

Biodiversity has always been one of my main topics. I worked as a journalist for over 20 years. During this time, I mainly reported on environmental issues for various broadcasters and worked for a long time in the science editorial department of WDR. For example, I wrote categorisations on environmental issues or reported on current research on biodiversity. In television documentaries, I have constructively explained how more sustainability is possible and produced entertaining audio reports for children. In the last few years, I have then mainly realised environmental topics in digital media. This diversity - also in reporting - has always been important to me, because I want to reach many different people with nature topics.

Have you already come across a particularly important topic in LIB that you would like to shed more light on in the future?

I think it's important to show how fascinating the biodiversity right on our doorstep is and what plants and animals we can discover here. Nevertheless, the protection of nature and thus also biodiversity is a concern that we need to address globally - especially when we look to the future. Much of biodiversity research and nature conservation will only succeed if we work well together internationally. I have experienced this on numerous research trips, for example on the African continent and in South-East Asia. That's why it's important to me to show how we at the LIB cooperate internationally in our research and how we contribute to global biodiversity research.

Is there a specific animal group that is particularly close to your heart?

No, I like many different animals - and I prefer wild animals to pets. Perhaps I have a small soft spot for rather unusual creatures. For example, armadillos or the anteater, which looks bizarre to many, but has adapted perfectly to its special way of life.

Have you already learnt about an aspect of your job as Head of Communications and Press that you particularly enjoy?

It is very important to me that we, as a scientific institution, participate in public discourse. We have to contribute our findings to topics that are currently being discussed in society and politics. This enables us to provide people - whether decision-makers or private individuals - with facts that they can use to form an informed opinion. What is also particularly important to me and a lot of fun: I really like throwing myself into the conception and production of media. For example, how can I write a text in an even more interesting and comprehensible way, edit a film scene so that people stay tuned in? How can I reach my target group even better? I am convinced that people can sense whether care and love have gone into a media product. That's why it's important to have fun in order to communicate successfully.

What made you decide to study biology?

I've always had a passion for two things: Nature and storytelling. Even at school, the subjects I enjoyed the most were biology and German. So it's only logical that I've now ended up here and can combine both interests so well. During my A-levels and studies, I started working as a journalist on the side - initially in a local editorial office. Later, I also worked temporarily as a biologist in an institute, in a working group where we created maps of global plant biodiversity. Ultimately, however, I was drawn to journalism and science communication.

What would you have become if you hadn't become a journalist or biologist?

I can't think of anything. However, as a journalist I not only reported on biodiversity, but as a filmmaker I also made reports about the everyday lives of a wide variety of people with their big and small challenges. These people opened up to us and we were able to accompany them with the camera. Some of them in difficult situations and phases of life. I felt that was a great sign of trust and also a great responsibility. I also really enjoyed doing this work.

What do you want people to associate with the LIB in ten years' time?

My vision is that we communicate how beautiful and important diversity is, how the LIB helps to explore it and what paths we can take in the future to better preserve it. Many people already come to our museums today and I hope that they perceive the LIB as a positive and inspiring place. Our exhibitions, events and educational work give us the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with people. I would like to strengthen this dialogue. I see it as a great opportunity to find a better way of dealing with nature together.