Introducing ZMB People - Christian Denkhaus
ZMB
Introducing ZMB People: Christian Denkhaus
Christian Denkhaus
MSc Medical Biology, also engaged in public relations activities for the ZMB for a time
Update 2021: Christian Denkhaus ist inzwischen Leiter Kommunikation in der Abteilung für Presse und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit des Max-Planck-Instituts für Infektionsbiologie.
What brings you here?
I started studying Medical Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2011. After my bachelor’s degree I skipped university for a year to work in different fields. Among other things I did science communication at a life science institute in Dresden doing small video productions for institutes. Then I started the master course medical biology in Essen. I still wanted to learn, and Essen offered the opportunity for an easy and open configuration of internships after the second semester. Because I had worked in science communications already, I also got a student job in the area of public relation work for the ZMB.
What are you currently working on?
Just recently, I finished my Master’s degree in the lab of Stefan Westermann, where I did research on control mechanisms of cell division. Right now, I’m not continuing with a PhD but changing subjects basically. Next I will be working at an Institute in Berlin, setting up communication strategies, events and social media appearance.
Between my Bachelor’s and my Master’s degree, I had the opportunity to work in video production here at the ZMB, so I could follow my interests here throughout my studies. We produced corporate movies for the ZMB and the degree programme medical biology. Another great experience was the shooting of a long video interview with the Nobel Laureate Kurt Wüthrich. Lately, we worked on portraits of scientist at the ZMB, conducting interviews, shooting short films and taking photos of their workplace.
What is the practical importance of your work to society?
As science is in large parts publicly funded, there is a duty for institutes and scientists to inform about their work. This is no easy process, as most scientist don’t have the time to present their research professionally to a non-scientific audience. So, I try to fill this gap, which in the best case leads towards a better general understanding of natural phenomena and how science works. Also, it justifies the expenses that are undertaken to do basic research. Especially in a time of scepticism towards “traditional” science, growing acceptance of homeopathy and other esoteric frills information and communication is vital.
What special skills are needed for your work?
There’s not one or two special skills that are needed – it’s rather a set of skills that needs to be combined in a useful manner. In science communication you provide a bridge between the scientist and the public. This means you need to be able to talk to and understand both sides. A fair share of scientific knowledge helps but won’t seal the deal. Science communication only works if you can explain a process in a way that it can be understood by a non-professional without reducing its complexity by too many degrees.
What do you value here at the ZMB?
I like the ZMB because I had the great opportunity to work here during my studies and combine my scientific work of my master’s thesis with the work in science communications. I like the atmosphere and especially the great diversity of research groups.
What do you value in Essen/ the Ruhrgebiet?
With some intermission I’ve spend my whole life in the Ruhrgebiet. But I have lived and worked in many other places for a short time – large cities as well as secluded places. This has made me like the Ruhrgebiet even more. For me it offers everything, a diversity in culture and some really nice nature (I grew up in Witten, close to the river Ruhr). I like to hop cities in the evening, to start off with some friends at a concert in Dortmund and maybe end the night at a bar in Essen. The public transport is catastrophic and riding a bike through traffic is most of the times suicidal, but all in all I really love this place!
Interview, photos and video by Carola Schubert
Copyright for all images and video: ZMB.