New HPI PhD Speaker elected

Annika Niehrs and Berfin Tuku have been elected by the PhD students at the Heinrich Pette Institute as the new HPI PhD Speaker. Annika Niehrs was already HPI PhD Speaker during the last year, Berfin Tuku replaces Joannes Heidemann. From now on, both represent the interests of the doctoral students of the HPI at the Board of Directors as well as at the Scientific Counsil. 

Annika Niehrs is doing her doctorate in the Research Department of "Virus Immunology" under the head of Prof. Marcus Altfeld, Berfin Tuku in the Research Department of "Viral Zoonoses - One Health" of Prof. Gülsah Gabriel.

The HPI Speakers are elected yearly by the PhD students at the institute.

Annika, what motivated you to reapply as a PhD Speaker?

Annika Niehrs: "I've really enjoyed being PhD Speaker so far. I found it interesting to gain a stronger insight into the work of the Board of Directors and the Administrative Department as well as to play an active role in shaping the conditions for doctoral studies at the HPI. I would like to continue this work in the coming year."

Berfin, what are your plans for your position as PhD Speaker?

Berfin Tuku: "I hope, together with Annika, to be able to follow up the good preparatory work of the previous PhD Speakers in order to be able to represent the interests and ideas of the PhD students at the HPI and thus also to promote communication between the PhD students and the Board of Directors or the Scientific Counsil.“