Nanoparticles for medical solutions

On 1 April 2019, the 34-year-old Bernese will take up her position. We introduce her in an interview.

What is the main objective of your research?
Inge Herrmann: We develop technological foundations for new medical therapies and diagnostics. For example, we use the enormous surface area of minute particles to promote the healing of surgical wounds. With state-of-the-art technologies and methods, we explore the effects of our newly developed materials.

What fascinates you about this topic?
As an engineer, I like to develop elegant technical solutions for socially important problems. The exchange with physicians is particularly exciting. By working with them, we gain insight into their work and can develop new approaches for everyday clinical practice.

How did you get into mechanical engineering and later into research?
I have always been fascinated by technology and wanted to know how things work. At the interface between medicine and engineering, there is a lot of room for scientific creativity. Developing new technological solutions is one of the most exciting and fulfilling challenges for me. That's why research at the Department of Mechanical Engineering is just the thing for me.

Why did you decide to work at D-MAVT alongside your duties as group leader at Empa?
I would like to arouse students' enthusiasm for research. The new position allows me to interact even more with people from different fields. Such exchange always teaches me a lot - both professionally and personally. Different ways of thinking and other perspectives are important sources of inspiration for unconventional solutions that can then be implemented in interdisciplinary projects.

Where would you like to be professionally in 5 to 10 years?
I would like to continue to enjoy my research as much as I do now and not consider it as work – it`s hard to plan where and how.

What do you do privately to balance your research work?
I like to explore new places and other cultures. I enjoy combining my travels with a meal and cooking together with friends. These travels and conversations always provide new impulses and perspectives.

What do you recommend to students who want to take a path as researchers? What qualities do you need to bring with you?
It is certainly good to enjoy challenges and to be prepared to leave your own comfort zone again and again.