"Why I do Research..."

With fresh ideas and tireless research spirit, early career researchers dedicate themselves to tackling the key challenges — whether through fundamental research or practical solutions. At the beginning of their academic careers, they bring new perspectives and creative impulses to their fields, leaving a lasting impact on science.

At the University of Duisburg-Essen, they find an inspiring environment that emphasises teamwork, initiative, and interdisciplinary exchange.

In our series "Why I Do Research", young researchers share what motivates them to head to the lab each day, offer valuable advice for the next generation of scientists, and show how they make science tangible and exciting for the public.

© UDE/Schumann

Why I do Research: Shaista Khaliq At the Intersection of Instrumental Chemistry and Biology

Shaista Khaliq studies how animals and plants are interconnected within ecosystems. She employs isotope analysis, a method in instrumental analytical chemistry, to investigate where organisms obtain their nutrients and how parasites influence their hosts.

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© UDE/Schumann

Why I Do Research: Julian EnßFascination Under Water

Even as a child, Julian Enß marveled at the diversity of creatures in streams - today he conducts research in aquatic ecology, is a member of the Center for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) and also introduces non-scientists to aquatic species.

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© UK Essen

Why I do research: Nils LeimkühlerWhen the bone marrow scars

Dr. Nils Leimkühler is working on a rare bone marrow disease, myelofibrosis. The 35-year-old is a researcher and assistant physician at the Clinic for Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation. In this interview, he talks about his work.

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© UDE/Fabian Strauch

Why I do research: Stephanie AntonsUnderstanding addictive behaviour

©  UDE/Tobias Kubiczek

Why I do research: Jan BalzerA new approach to terahertz

© UDE/Juliana Fischer

Why I do research: Nadia SamakNadia Samak fights for clean ground water

© UDE/Magdalena Wischneswki

Why I do research: Magdalena Wischnewski Can I trust you, AI?

© UDE/Melanie Daamen

Why I do research: Vineetha VinayakumarMaking electrodes robust for H2 production

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Why I do research: Filiz ÖzkanUnderstanding the Immune System

© UDE/CENIDE

Why I do research: Abbas El MoussawiTailoring new materials

© UDE/Helena Hartmann

Why I do research: Helena Hartmann Understanding what happens in our brains