Five questions to Paul Schulze-Lefert
1. Why and when did you decide to become a scientist?
After my first postdoctoral project. I have always found research exciting, research serves my curiosity. Only when I know how something works do I feel at ease.
"I developed an X-ray film, and in a split second it was clear that the research project I had chosen was working and the 'cat was in the bag'."
2. Which incident from your life as a researcher has remained in your memory the most?
My birthday during my first year as a graduate student. My wife and I drove downtown to dance and party at a club late into the night. On the way home, we stopped at the institute after midnight. I developed an X-ray film, and in a split second it was clear that the research project I had chosen was working and the 'cat was in the bag'.
3. What characterizes a good scientist?
Creativity, curiosity and tenacity.
"I think most scientists sooner or later realize that their research offers potential for applications that were unimaginable not so long ago."
4. Besides being a scientist, you are also an entrepreneur. How did you get there and what advice would you give to scientists who want to found a start-up?
I am merely a co-founder with a minority share in a start-up and therefore cannot call myself an entrepreneur. I think most scientists sooner or later realize that their research offers potential for applications that were unimaginable not so long ago. Then it takes a good plan, a proof-of-concept, a market study and venture capital.
5. What's your favorite thing to do after work?
I love the outdoors to cool down after work.
Profile
Name:
Paul Schulze-Lefert
Position:
Director, Department of Plant Microbe Interactions, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
In CEPLAS since:
2012
Place of birth:
Münster