For this feature, we ask our female PIs three questions – about the SFB, their career, their balancing of work and private life, gender issues in general etc.
Did you ever consider leaving academia and what made you stay on?
I have always enjoyed science and the academic environment, but toward the end of my junior research group phase I did briefly consider leaving academia. At that time I experienced how competitive the system can be and how traditional hierarchies can sometimes make it difficult, particularly for young women starting their careers. In the end, however, my curiosity for science and the freedom to pursue my own ideas were stronger. My partner also encouraged me to apply for professorships, and I was fortunate to receive two excellent offers that convinced me to stay. I ultimately decided to accept the position at Heidelberg University. Looking back, it was the right decision, and I have never regretted continuing in academia.
Which aspect of being a prinicipal investigator do you like best?
What I enjoy most about being a PI is discussing projects, data, and scientific questions with my group members and developing new ideas together. I also very much appreciate the scientific exchange with colleagues and the collaborations across different fields. Research is complex and constantly evolving, and we are often exploring questions whose answers we cannot at all predict. Following a project as it develops and seeing how new results open unexpected directions is incredibly exciting.
At the same time, being a PI also comes with many additional responsibilities, such as administrative duties and serving on committees. In research fields like ours, where the proportion of female professors is still relatively low, women are often asked to contribute to many of these roles in order to ensure balanced representation and this does limit the time available for research. Nevertheless, I very much enjoy the diversity of the role. The fact that every project can take an unexpected turn and lead to new insights is what makes science so fascinating to me.
What do you appreciate most about our SFB 1381?
What I particularly appreciate about SFB 1381 is the collaborative and highly interdisciplinary environment. It brings together experts from many different areas, which makes it possible to address complex questions about mitochondrial functions that would be difficult to tackle within a single laboratory. The scientific discussions during the meetings are always constructive, and the open exchange of ideas, together with the willingness of colleagues to share their expertise, creates a very stimulating atmosphere that often leads to new perspectives and collaborations. I am very grateful to be part of this network and especially pleased that I could remain involved after my move to Heidelberg.
Nora Vögtle studied Molecular Medicine and completed her PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Freiburg, complemented by research stays in Melbourne and Stockholm. She continued in Freiburg as an Emmy Noether awardee and SFB 1381 young research group leader. Since 2021, she has been a W3 Professor at the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), where she also serves as Deputy Director. Her research focuses on the complex protease network that shapes the mitochondrial proteome. Within our SFB she leads project B04 and serves on the management board. She is also a member of the DFG review board for the biochemistry panel.
