Julius Petrausch

Spokesperson 
Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research (IPF)

I studied mechanical engineering at TU Dortmund University, located close to my hometown. After completing my master’s degree and writing my thesis in collaboration with industry, I began my doctoral research in Dortmund. Shortly afterward, I had the opportunity to continue this journey in Dresden at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research. My work focuses on packaging science, particularly the mechanical behavior of polymer materials. My daily tasks involve a fair balance between experimental work and computational analysis.

As a representative for the doctoral researchers at my institute, I learned about the various contract situations and the inequities in stipend conditions. In 2023, I joined the Working Group Survey and helped to launch the 2023/2024 survey. Furthermore, I gained valuable insights into the systemic issues of power abuse in academia, particularly through close contact with the Working Group on Contract Situations and the Prevention of Power Abuse. It was eye-opening and made me realize the great efforts required to implement systemic change, and the work still ahead of us.

This network has provided me with a great understanding of how academia functions, particularly within the Leibniz Association and some of its institutes. I am looking forward to discussing with you how we can help improve the conditions for doctoral researchers.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact: spokesperson[at]leibniz-phd.net 

Stefanos Somatakis

Spokesperson 
Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)

I studied Biology in Greece and completed my master’s thesis at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. A year later, in 2024, I began my PhD at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology in Magdeburg, while enrolled at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. My project focuses on spatial memories and how these change over time. I am fascinated about the mechanisms behind the formation and storage of memories and how their elucidation can help in the battle against neurodegenerative diseases.

As a doctoral researcher, I am determined that fostering connections and improving working conditions for all of us plays a huge role in the success of a doctorate degree. This is why I was interested in becoming part of the Leibniz PhD Network in the first place and I believe getting involved in the Steering Committee is a great opportunity to come up with new ideas and work towards these goals.

As one of the two General Spokespersons, my primary responsibilities include maintaining regular communication with the Leibniz Association on behalf of the PhD Network. Furthermore, my role entails gathering information about the activities of the working groups in our Network and supporting their core objectives. Finally, my role involves being in touch with the Spokespersons of the other PhD networks, in order for us all to unite and have a stronger say in the decision of matters that are important for all doctoral researchers, such as adequate salaries, prevention of power abuse or mental health.

I’m always happy to get in touch!

Contact: spokesperson[at]leibniz-phd.net 

Moritz Hansemann

Treasurer
Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik,
Leibniz-Institut im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.

I am a fourth year PhD student at Paul Drude Institut für Festkörperelektronik in Berlin. I studied physics at Technische Universit¨at Berlin, my home town and still my favorite city. In my PhD I focus on the growth and characterization of α-FeGe2 by MBE for spintronics applications. I usually split my time in the lab with various outreach activities like Berlin Science Week or Maus-Tag.

Already during my life at TU Berlin, I have gained lots of insights into the inner workings of academia during my work in the student initiative and seat in various committees. As the student representative of my institute I use this experience to serve the interests of my students and handle communication with the institute.

As the treasurer of the PhD network it is my job to oversee the finances of the network. This involves keeping and overview of the expenses, the handling of reimbursements and the panning of future events.

I am always happy to get in touch, listen to your problems, concerns or ideas and try to use my experience to better the life of students in the Leibniz PhD network.

Contact: treasurer[at]leibniz-phd.net

Sophie Lindemann 

Section A Spokesperson 
Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) 

My days are a balance of research, rowing, and relaxing – a rhythm that fuels my passion for discovery. My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in cultural studies and design. Before embarking on a master’s program, I moved to the Netherlands to work in online marketing. During my bachelor studies, I cultivated an interest in landscapes while examining the shift from regional to global food systems. The master’s program in landscape history was a natural fit. Upon completing my master’s degree, I worked as a researcher and project manager. Thereafter I became a PhD candidate at the Leibniz Institute for history and culture of Eastern Europe, where I am part of a GRF-funded project investigating the medieval waterways of Leipzig.  

As a member of the steering committee, my goal is to serve as a bridge between the PhD students of Section A and the Leibniz Association. I aim to empower PhDs, encouraging them to embrace this transformative period of their lives by fostering connections and creating synergies among peers. I look forward to connecting with you! 

Contact: section_a[at]leibniz-phd.net

Advitiya Khandelwal 

Section C Spokesperson
Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI)

I am a first year doctoral candidate at the Fritz Lipmann Institute – Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI). I have always been fascinated by mortality and ageing and this drive has brought me to pursuing it as far as my PhD.

I did my undergraduate studies from Vellore Institute of Technology, India and I hold a bachelor’s of Technology in Biotechnology, and honed this skill further with a MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Glasgow, UK before coming to Jena at the FLI.

I was very inspired by the work of the previous steering committee and what called to me was a lack of awareness amongst the PhDs that such a platform and environment existed.

As the Section C Spokesperson, I hope to carry forward the flame passed on to me from Selma, and be the voice of the doctoral candidate from all the institutes in Section C. I intend on creating a safe environment for discussion and support for any and all things we face as PhDs. Further, I would hope to ensure that the systems the current and past steering committee have established stay well oiled and are distrubuted amongst all the institutes.

Contact : section_c[at]leibniz-phd.net 

Johanna Richter

Section D Spokesperson

Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)

I am a doctoral researcher specializing in electron and spin dynamics at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI). Through my work, I aim to deepen our understanding of ultrafast magnetic processes and their potential applications.

As a representative for Section D, I look forward to connecting with fellow researchers and fostering collaboration within our section!

Contact : section_d[at]leibniz-phd.net

Melanie Hanser

Section E Spokesperson 
Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ)

I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in plant sciences at the University of Freiburg, in the south of Germany. I have been at the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) since 2022. I work with wild plants and how they can be used for agricultural purposes. Among other things, I am looking at ways of intercropping with cultivated plants, suppressing plant pathogens that occur in the soil and resilience of wild plants. Meanwhile, the focus of the project is mainly on antimicrobial substances in the roots and seeds of wild plants and how they can be characterised.

I am a PhD student representative at my institute for the 3rd time and the newly elected section E representative. I am trying to help the PhD students in all matters and generally improve the situation of PhD life.

Please feel free to write an email if you have any questions or suggestions.

Contact: section_e[at]leibniz-phd.net