New PhD Representatives at the Leibniz Institute of Virology

We are delighted to introduce the newly elected PhD representatives at the Leibniz Institute of Virology. As of January, Marie Vollmost (Virus Genomics), Katharina Budde (Viral Zoonoses), and Cedric Mahncke and Jule Alina Russow (Emerging Viruses) are acting as the voice of all PhD students at the institute.

Roles and Responsibilities

Jule Alina Russow: “I represent our PhD students by working toward their goals, addressing their concerns, and helping to improve the PhD experience where possible. My goal is to help create an inclusive and supportive environment for a successful PhD journey.”

Acting as a central point of contact between PhD students, department heads, and the institute’s management, the PhD representatives facilitate communication and ensure that the concerns and interests of PhD students are heard and integrated into decision-making processes.

Cedric Mahncke: “My goal is to represent the PhD community both within the institute and externally.” 

For Cedric Mahncke and Jule Alina Russow it is the second year in office.

Collaboration and Networking

A key focus of the PhD representatives is fostering exchange and networking within the PhD community.

Katharina Budde: “It’s important to me to be a point of contact for PhD students and to create opportunities for them to connect and share ideas.”

Professional Development

The PhD representatives are also committed to supporting the professional development of their peers.

Marie Vollmost: “As a PhD representative, I see an opportunity to actively contribute to the professional development of PhD students.” 

Among their core activities is the organisation of the annual LIV Career Day, giving PhD students the chance to meet representatives from industry, journalism, and academia to explore different career paths. Regular exchange among PhD students is a vital part of supporting early-career researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Virology and contributes to an open, dialogue-driven research culture.