Your Title, Name, Place of work?
Dr France Gimnich, Bonn

What is your current position/function at our institute?
Collection manager Biobank

What do you like about your job/position?
There are many aspects that I appreciate about my work. Very important to me is the sense of purpose, that it is not about profit, the contribution to the preservation of biodiversity and the opportunity to do something that no one has ever done before. But the best part of the day-to-day for me is the working environment: colleagues from different countries and cultures who are united by a passion for their subject and who enjoy doing research. You can let yourself be carried away by their enthusiasm, inspire others and learn something new every day.

Can you please describe your tasks at the LIB?
The LIB Biobank is a specialized collection that offers standardized, documented and secure long-term storage of samples (that have been or can be used for molecular analysis) and the associated data. To archive molecular biodiversity for the future and ensure optimal storage conditions we establish best practice protocols and make our collections available to the scientific community. One important aspect influencing biobank workflows is the consideration of the Nagoya Protocol and other international and national laws and regulations as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Keyword
Biobank

Is there something about the Institute that particularly appeals to you?
I don’t have that many opportunities for comparison, but I like the flat hierarchies and the approachability and humanity of my colleagues. I have the feeling that everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be shy if you need help. There is always an open door.

 

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