Follow us through the dayInternational researchers in Germany
Germany offers plenty of opportunities for researchers from all around the world. But what is daily life in Germany like for a PhD student, postdoc or laboratory head? We spent a day with three international researchers.
Scroll down to find out more.
Scroll down to find out more.
Meet the researchers
LaShae Nicholson
Dr Semih Ener
Dr Alexey Gromov
7:30, LaShae in Frankfurt
7:30, LaShae in Frankfurt
Many people in Germany choose not to have a car, especially in big cities. Public transport is extensive and relatively cheap.
Underground trains are often the fastest way to get around big cities. In Germany they are known as the U-Bahn.
Even medium-sized cities have a good public transport network. Buses, trams and trains get you from A to B.
Many German employers pay for the public transport of their employees.
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Many people in Germany choose not to have a car, especially in big cities. Public transport is extensive and relatively cheap.
Underground trains are often the fastest way to get around big cities. In Germany they are known as the U-Bahn.
Even medium-sized cities have a good public transport network. Buses, trams and trains get you from A to B.
Many German employers pay for the public transport of their employees.
8:00, Semih in Darmstadt
8:00, Semih in Darmstadt
'Learning German was very important for me. Even if we all communicate in English at work, in my day-to-day life it is nice to know the basics. For example, I like to order my morning coffee in German.' – Semih
'By learning the language of a country, you get more and more connected with the local people and their culture.' – Semih
8:30, Alexey in Erkrath
8:30, Alexey in Erkrath
All children over the age of one are entitled to a place in a nursery (kindergarten) or with a childminder.
Click here for more information about child care in Germany.
Besides the nurseries and childcare provided by the state, many companies and institutions offer a creche or kindergarten for the children of their employees.
School is compulsory for children aged six and over.
State schools are free of charge.
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All children over the age of one are entitled to a place in a nursery (kindergarten) or with a childminder.
Click here for more information about child care in Germany.
Besides the nurseries and childcare provided by the state, many companies and institutions offer a creche or kindergarten for the children of their employees.
School is compulsory for children aged six and over.
State schools are free of charge.
10:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
10:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
LaShae is a PhD student of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits in Frankfurt. She works
at the Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences at Goethe University. Enjoying
views over Frankfurt, she researches in the area of neuronal development at the neurovascular interface.
'I am very proud to be a part of the PhD programme offered by the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. My time here in Germany gave me the knowledge and confidence to do great things in the future.' – LaShae
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits offers up to ten positions every year for talented students holding a relevant master's or bachelor's degree to perform research resulting in a PhD. The programme is taught in English.
12:00, Semih in Darmstadt
12:00, Semih in Darmstadt
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Working hours are very flexible in Germany. A good work-life balance is a high priority.
German employees are well-protected: under German labour law, they are only allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours per week.
Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks paid leave per year.
'I like the fact that I am very flexible timewise. I can say I am going to take a break now and go for a run, or play tennis with some of my colleagues, and then come back to work with my head clear.' – Semih
15:00, Semih in Darmstadt
15:00, Semih in DarmstadtSemih is a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Gutfleisch's Functional Materials group at TU Darmstadt.
TU Darmstadt offers young scientists and researchers a great environment for their qualification phase and paves the way for a successful career in science and industry.
He is working on rare-earth-free and rare-earth-lean materials for permanent magnets and magnetocaloric materials. The aim of his research is to find alternative material systems which are more efficient and sustainable.
'Permanent magnets are an important part of day-to-day life. Better magnets mean we can produce smaller smartphones or in-ear headphones. Thanks to research in this field, we are able to use hybrid and all electric motor cars.' – Semih
16:00, Alexey in Wuppertal
16:00, Alexey in WuppertalAlexey has been a head of laboratory at Bayer AG in Wuppertal for the last nine years.
Bayer is a life
science company with a more than 150-year history and core competencies in the
areas of healthcare and agriculture. It is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
In his team, Alexey works with two German technicians and one trainee from Syria.
Together they are developing new medicines designed to improve the life of cardiovascular patients. This involves creating and synthesising new active ingredients.
18:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
18:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
'I have made a lot of new friends during my time here in Germany. I am socially engaged in the so-called "German Neuroscience Olympics". It is the perfect opportunity to get to know people who have the same interests as me.' – LaShae
19:00, Semih in Darmstadt
19:00, Semih in DarmstadtAfter work, Semih likes to explore the culture on offer in Darmstadt and other cities nearby.
'Even if some of the exhibitions are a little bit abstract, I like to try out new things. It is the perfect way to learn about the history and culture of Germany and meet new people. Even in a smaller city like Darmstadt, there is a wide range.' – Semih
Semih visiting
an interactive exhibition at the Staatstheater Darmstadt.
20:00, Alexey in Düsseldorf
20:00, Alexey in DüsseldorfEvery Friday, Alexey takes his daughter Polina to an art school in Düsseldorf. They both enjoy the time together. Polina likes to do crafts or paint, while Alexey prefers to make coffee cups.
'One thing I like about Germany is the clear structure, but here at this place you do not get any specific instructions, you're totally free and can be creative. That's what my daughter enjoys – and so do I.' – Alexey
21:00, LaShae at the Main Tower Frankfurt
21:00, LaShae at the Main Tower Frankfurt
'I have found a new home here in Frankfurt. There are all kinds of different people with different backgrounds living here – and I fit right in.' – LaShae
Index I
Index I
Index II
Index II
A day in the life of ...
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Follow us through the day
Meet the researchers
LaShae Nicholson
Dr Semih Ener
Dr Alexey Gromov
7:30, LaShae in Frankfurt
Facts about public transport in Germany
8:00, Semih in Darmstadt
'Learning German was very important for me. Even if we all communicate in English at work, in my day-to-day life it is nice to know the basics. For example, I like to order my morning coffee in German.' – Semih
'By learning the language of a country, you get more and more connected with the local people and their culture.' – Semih
8:30, Alexey in Erkrath
Facts about child care and schools in Germany
10:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
'I am very proud to be a part of the PhD programme offered by the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. My time here in Germany gave me the knowledge and confidence to do great things in the future.' – LaShae
12:00, Semih in Darmstadt
Facts about the work-life balance in Germany
'I like the fact that I am very flexible timewise. I can say I am going to take a break now and go for a run, or play tennis with some of my colleagues, and then come back to work with my head clear.' – Semih
15:00, Semih in Darmstadt
He is working on rare-earth-free and rare-earth-lean materials for permanent magnets and magnetocaloric materials. The aim of his research is to find alternative material systems which are more efficient and sustainable.
'Permanent magnets are an important part of day-to-day life. Better magnets mean we can produce smaller smartphones or in-ear headphones. Thanks to research in this field, we are able to use hybrid and all electric motor cars.' – Semih
16:00, Alexey in Wuppertal
In his team, Alexey works with two German technicians and one trainee from Syria.
Together they are developing new medicines designed to improve the life of cardiovascular patients. This involves creating and synthesising new active ingredients.
18:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
'I have made a lot of new friends during my time here in Germany. I am socially engaged in the so-called "German Neuroscience Olympics". It is the perfect opportunity to get to know people who have the same interests as me.' – LaShae
19:00, Semih in Darmstadt
'Even if some of the exhibitions are a little bit abstract, I like to try out new things. It is the perfect way to learn about the history and culture of Germany and meet new people. Even in a smaller city like Darmstadt, there is a wide range.' – Semih
20:00, Alexey in Düsseldorf
'One thing I like about Germany is the clear structure, but here at this place you do not get any specific instructions, you're totally free and can be creative. That's what my daughter enjoys – and so do I.' – Alexey
21:00, LaShae at the Main Tower Frankfurt
'I have found a new home here in Frankfurt. There are all kinds of different people with different backgrounds living here – and I fit right in.' – LaShae
Index I
Index II
A day in the life of ...
Follow us through the day
Meet the researchers
LaShae Nicholson
Dr Semih Ener
Dr Alexey Gromov
7:30, LaShae in Frankfurt
Facts about public transport in Germany
8:00, Semih in Darmstadt
'Learning German was very important for me. Even if we all communicate in English at work, in my day-to-day life it is nice to know the basics. For example, I like to order my morning coffee in German.' – Semih
'By learning the language of a country, you get more and more connected with the local people and their culture.' – Semih
8:30, Alexey in Erkrath
Facts about child care and schools in Germany
10:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
'I am very proud to be a part of the PhD programme offered by the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. My time here in Germany gave me the knowledge and confidence to do great things in the future.' – LaShae
12:00, Semih in Darmstadt
Facts about the work-life balance in Germany
'I like the fact that I am very flexible timewise. I can say I am going to take a break now and go for a run, or play tennis with some of my colleagues, and then come back to work with my head clear.' – Semih
15:00, Semih in Darmstadt
He is working on rare-earth-free and rare-earth-lean materials for permanent magnets and magnetocaloric materials. The aim of his research is to find alternative material systems which are more efficient and sustainable.
'Permanent magnets are an important part of day-to-day life. Better magnets mean we can produce smaller smartphones or in-ear headphones. Thanks to research in this field, we are able to use hybrid and all electric motor cars.' – Semih
16:00, Alexey in Wuppertal
In his team, Alexey works with two German technicians and one trainee from Syria.
Together they are developing new medicines designed to improve the life of cardiovascular patients. This involves creating and synthesising new active ingredients.
18:00, LaShae in Frankfurt
'I have made a lot of new friends during my time here in Germany. I am socially engaged in the so-called "German Neuroscience Olympics". It is the perfect opportunity to get to know people who have the same interests as me.' – LaShae
19:00, Semih in Darmstadt
'Even if some of the exhibitions are a little bit abstract, I like to try out new things. It is the perfect way to learn about the history and culture of Germany and meet new people. Even in a smaller city like Darmstadt, there is a wide range.' – Semih
20:00, Alexey in Düsseldorf
'One thing I like about Germany is the clear structure, but here at this place you do not get any specific instructions, you're totally free and can be creative. That's what my daughter enjoys – and so do I.' – Alexey
21:00, LaShae at the Main Tower Frankfurt
'I have found a new home here in Frankfurt. There are all kinds of different people with different backgrounds living here – and I fit right in.' – LaShae
Index I
Index II
A day in the life of ...