Interview with Laura Seddar
PhD Spokesperson 2023
Laura Seddar served as a PhD spokesperson in 2023 together with Charlotte Flory and Laura Mosbacher. We spoke with Laura about the highlights of her research, her motivation, and the topics that matter most to her.
What is your research topic, and why does it particularly interest you?
I work on human adenoviruses and investigate how viral proteins interact with the host genome and influence gene transcription. What I find especially fascinating about this research area is the remarkable efficiency and versatility with which these viruses can perform a wide variety of functions despite having only a minimal set of regulatory proteins. I am continually impressed by how a single viral protein can interact with the host cell in multiple ways and thereby control complex processes. In addition, studying the interaction between virus and host also teaches us a great deal about the mechanisms and pathways of the host cell and, consequently, the human organism itself.
What has been the most exciting moment of your PhD so far?
One particularly exciting aspect of my PhD has always been learning and applying new methods or conducting experiments on a completely new research question and receiving the first results. These moments provide a unique insight into previously unknown relationships and act like a key that opens the door to a new and previously inaccessible field. The opportunity to contribute directly to expanding scientific knowledge in this way has been one of the most motivating and exciting experiences of my doctoral journey.
What motivates you to research viruses?
My motivation for researching viruses is based on two central aspects. First, the opportunity to expand our understanding of virology and human biology through fundamental research and thereby contribute to scientific progress. Second, we work with human pathogenic viruses, where every new insight can directly advance clinical research and help us better understand pathogenicity factors. This combination of scientific curiosity and the potential for socially relevant applications makes this work especially meaningful to me.
What is the role of a PhD representative?
The role of a PhD representative is to serve as an interface between doctoral researchers and the other committees and bodies of the institute. We act as the voice of the PhD students, represent their interests and concerns to the board and the wider institute community, and advocate for the best possible support and working conditions during the doctoral period. In addition, we can exchange ideas with other doctoral researchers and PhD representatives across the Leibniz Association, allowing us to contribute to broader discussions and address larger structural issues and challenges together.
What was or is personally most important to you in this role?
In my role as a PhD representative, it was especially important to me that all areas of LIV were adequately represented and had the opportunity to participate in institute-wide decisions. I care deeply about maintaining continuous communication with my colleagues, taking their criticism, suggestions, and wishes seriously, and implementing and communicating them as transparently as possible. Only in this way can we foster a culture of participation and mutual respect.
Which topics particularly concerned doctoral researchers?
Doctoral researchers were especially concerned with maintaining a fair and respectful working environment within the institute, strengthening social exchange among colleagues, improving the visibility of support structures and contact points, and issues related to career orientation and career planning.
What concrete improvements were initiated or achieved?
Concrete improvements were achieved primarily in communication. The exchange between doctoral researchers and the institute’s board intensified significantly, allowing wishes and problems to be addressed more directly and constructively. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive institute-wide survey that captured in detail the working conditions, needs, and challenges of doctoral researchers. The results provide a transparent foundation for implementing targeted future measures.
Which topics should continue to be pursued in the coming years?
In my view, two topics in particular should continue to be pursued in the coming years. First, strengthening social exchange among doctoral researchers — especially the integration of new PhD students in order to build networks and encourage mutual support. Second, regularly conducting comprehensive surveys to obtain an up-to-date picture of doctoral researchers’ experiences and to identify and address potential problems at an early stage.
Is there a moment that has stayed with you in particular?
One event that stands out in my memory is the Career Day 2023, which we organized together. It was a valuable platform for discussing career perspectives and networking with potential employers. Beyond that, it was often the small but meaningful moments that brought me joy: the social/get-to-know-you bingo during the LIV retreat, the Sugar Cubes at the Christmas celebration, or the consistently constructive and open dialogue with the graduate school coordinator, the institute community, and the board. These experiences showed me how important mutual respect and a strong sense of community are for a successful PhD experience.
