In this interview, you can find out more about her role in the administration and controlling department, the special skills she can make good use of and what she particularly likes about her work.
Helen, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Helen: I work at a research institute that is developing new technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change. This is my main motivation for coming to work every day. I also enjoy working with my colleagues.
What are you researching or working on?
Helen:I work at the interface between politics and science in science management. My main responsibilities include administrative, advisory and supportive tasks. These include the preparation of scientific lectures, texts and discussion panels on socially relevant topics and specialist forums in the field of energy research and decarbonisation. In doing so, I support the head of the Institute in strategic communication and in the transfer of findings from research to society. I enjoy this symbiosis of science and administration; it is fascinating to see how our research topic connects with the region.
„Scientific lectures, texts and discussion panels on socially relevant topics and specialist forums in the field of energy research and decarbonisation“
What does your typical working day involve?
Helen:Above all, it consists of analysing, documenting, processing and presenting research results aimed at policymakers and the public. In addition, I participate in committee meetings and coordinate research-related activities. I write speeches and statements for official appearances, compile information for stakeholders from politics and the public, prepare presentations for meetings with these stakeholders, write publications, organise lectures and coordinate the scientific activities of the head of the Institute.
At the interface between politics and science: Helen Müller
Credit:
Christiane Schleifenbaum
Where and how is your work being used?
Helen:The work I do contributes to the development of solutions for the institute's strategic, conceptual and organisational development. The texts I draft increase the Institute's visibility in the research landscape. This is how the public and industry learn about new scientific developments at the Institute.
What are the highlights of your work?
Helen:First and foremost, it is the research into new scientific developments and the collaboration with various departments and institutions. A particular highlight was our first-ever Institute evaluation: the first assessment of our scientific development since the establishment of the Institute in 2019. I organised and coordinated the evaluation and co-wrote the scientific-technical report. It was a unique and very valuable experience – and a fun one at that.
Helen Müller finds working at a research institute that develops new technologies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions particularly motivating.
Credit:
Christiane Schleifenbaum
What special skills can you make good use of in your job?
„I enjoy working at DLR. The research topics, such as the energy transition and decarbonisation, are more relevant than ever. I have the freedom to put my own ideas into practice and meet interesting people in the process.“
Helen: My expertise in interdisciplinary scientific development in research and my enthusiasm for continuously learning and reporting on it are particularly useful. In addition, I am able to analyse complex scientific interrelationships and present them quickly and comprehensibly to different target groups in texts and PowerPoint presentations. Resilience, flexibility, motivation and enjoyment of work are important.
Leave us a final thought.
Helen:I enjoy working at DLR. The research topics, such as the energy transition and decarbonisation, are more relevant than ever. I have the freedom to put my own ideas into practice and meet interesting people in the process. We are always looking for talent and I warmly invite anyone to join our team and help us shape the future.
