Five questions to Michael Feldbrügge

1. Why and when did you decide to become a scientist?

My biology teacher was very motivating and he recommended a book on molecular biology. I liked the experiment demonstrating that DNA from dead pathogenic bacteria can transform bacteria from the nonpathogenic to the pathogenic form. I appreciated the logic of the experiment and fell in love with molecular biology.

2. Which finding from your research has influenced your professional career the most?

"It was the foundation to discover a new mechanism of RNA transport."

On my quest to find an independent research project, I studied a RNA binding protein with unknown function in the plant pathogen Ustilago maydis. I wanted to know whether the protein was expressed in fungal hyphae and if it localizes to the nucleus or the cytoplasm. To this end I tagged the RNA-binding protein with Gfp for fluorescence microscopy. I thought looking at the microscope would be informative: Hyphae green = RNA-binding protein expressed, Nucleus green = splice factor, cytoplasm green = regulator of translation or stability. However, the RNA-binding protein was intensively shuttling from left to right in the whole hyphae. This served an eyeopener for me, demonstrating the dynamics of RNA biology. It was the foundation to discover a new mechanism of RNA transport.

3. What do you think characterizes a good scientist?

A scientist has to be open minded and observe the results of experiments without personal bias. Forget your favorite hypothesis each morning before you start working. You have to carry out the experiments with great care. A good scientist enjoys thinking and talking about science. It should not be a burden, but fun.

4. What advice would you give to young scientists?

"Try to get to know as many other scientists as possible."

Enjoy each step of your scientific career. Focus on the positive aspects. Only follow a career in science, if you really like it. Try to get to know as many other scientists as possible. Science is international and it is a pleasure to meet colleagues from many different nationalities.

5. What's your favorite thing to do after work?

After work, I like to fix things in the house or build something with my hands. I directly see the result. This is different from science. It could take years before you see a positive result.