Face of the LIB: Albia Consul

What led you to biology? Was there a key experience?

I grew up in a village in the Rhineland with forests, mountains, streams and maars all around - very idyllic. As a child, we were always out and about with the whole family and I was already constantly asking why questions about every bug, bird and plant. My curiosity to understand connections was very strong and has remained a passion. So it was a must for me to get to know the scientific side of nature.

Which aspect of your day-to-day work is your highlight?

In the current FOGS PROJECT (Forensic Genetics for Species Protection), we are establishing genetic markers to identify illegal wildlife trade within Europe and beyond. The exciting thing is that we can provide direct support in criminal prosecution. It is also interesting for our own work to get to know and understand the processes of other professional areas. At the same time, it is inspiring and challenging in a positive sense to be in contact with people who pursue the same interests and goals and also to form communication networks. I see it as one of my main tasks to communicate the complex scientific content of our research projects to the general public. I am always delighted when there are children and adults on guided tours, who often listen quietly with open mouths and then curiously ask lots of questions. I am also passionate about working on new exhibition formats: Here I incorporate my expertise and create my own concepts.

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

Nature really is everything to me. I am in communication with my surroundings, the flora and fauna. As an outdoor biologist on excursions and private trips, I have been able to discover many beautiful places in deserts, rainforests and temperate zones and get to know a wide variety of people and cultures. Glaciers and mountain landscapes have always made the most lasting impression on me. At altitude, I feel part of something bigger. I am now a city dweller and often take the opportunity to go hiking in the surrounding area. In the Siebengebirge or the Eifel, for example, there are many small favourite places that I like to visit again and again.

Crayfish, fish, butterflies: Who has their own personal affection?

As a herpetologist, reptiles are naturally a favourite of mine, as they come in all shapes and sizes - with and without legs, for example. Their mutability is simply fascinating: whether in the air, on earth or in water - they can move almost anywhere with a fascinating dynamic and assert themselves evolutionarily.

What is the biggest challenge for you in environmental protection?

Not getting tired of talking about the issues of climate, sustainability and consumption and also staying in communication with each other. We have to realise that only if we understand our human society as part of nature, as part of an ecosystem cycle, can we really initiate positive changes. Within the LIB, we have formed a sustainability working group. We want to take big green steps not only privately, but also for and above all with our employer.

What would you have become if biology hadn't worked out?

I would probably still have ended up at the Natural History Museum in a roundabout way and taught biological topics to visitor groups as a nature and tour guide.

What advice would you give to young biologists at the start of their careers?

Follow your passion and, above all, stay curious. Ask questions right from the start and keep in touch with colleagues as often as possible. But get a clear picture of the opportunities on the labour market early on, as this helps you to remain open and flexible. At the moment, there are many new areas of specialisation that could be interesting.

Which area at the LIB is particularly close to your heart?

All areas should be emphasised individually, but their commonality is also very strong. Teaching interdisciplinary research is very important to me. I find it particularly important to communicate LIB's nature-related research topics to the public. We need to start with our children and give them the opportunity to experience nature and teach them about biological topics in an interesting and exciting way. Together we can bring about a global rethink.

Do you have a dream of what your work could have achieved in five or ten years' time?

When I look back ten years from now, I can already see positive effects from previous projects: In terms of knowledge transfer, we get feedback quite quickly and I have been able to inspire pupils to become more interested in science study options again. For the FOGS PROJECT, I hope that the creation of databases with genetic information will become routine and that we will be able to create a global network with which we can support the judicial authorities and make a visible contribution to the protection of biodiversity.

ALBIA CONSUL studied biology at the University of Bonn and analysed the reptile fauna in Bolivia for her final thesis. She spent several months in a nature reserve in the Gran Chaco, the second largest biome after the Amazon. As a certified project and process manager, she has managed projects at the Natural History Museum in Stuttgart, Berlin and the University of Giessen, among others.