Dr Ines Hahn is a researcher and lecturer at the Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute at the University of York. Prior to joining the University of York in 2022, Ines completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Mainz in Germany, and her post-doc at the University of Manchester.
In a recent conversation with the N8, she shared her views on what makes up a healthy research culture, her personal experiences in the various academic institutions she has been a part of, and how she aims to foster an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in her everyday work.
Ines’ research primarily focuses on the coordination of cytoskeletal dynamics during neuronal development, ageing and disease. She uses model systems such as Drosophila (fruit flies!) to study how the expression of different proteins impacts the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, or dementia.
In her laboratory group, she aims to create created a non-judgemental atmosphere where anyone, from students to post-docs to the principal investigator is equal and is encouraged to voice their opinions. At the start of each week, the team always starts off lab meetings with discussion of ‘what was the best thing’ the week prior and ‘what was the worst,’ whether research-related or not. This provides a relaxed platform to bring the team together, which makes people enjoy work more and drives productivity.
Integrity and openness is key to better-quality research. Everyone in Ines’ research group works together on a lab handbook that outline the ethos of the team, how to work together and support each other, and the roles and responsibilities of each member. The goal is that the lab culture is presented in a transparent way, everyone remains aware of the greater objectives of the research, and there are no ‘unspoken rules’ that can cause insecurity amongst the team.
Coming from Germany, Ines faced many challenges around understanding the academic landscape and career prospects for scientists in the UK. For this reason, she is now passionate about helping others reach their academic goals. As the Deputy Chair of the Research Committee in the Biology department at the University of York, she supports the career development of early career researchers and plays a key role in endorsing a healthy research culture throughout the Department of Biological Sciences.
She also leads a university-wide series of Research Culture Workshops, focusing on various important topics such as public outreach and collaboration between researchers and industry, the differences in research culture between institutions, and providing opportunities for researchers to attend conferences and to connect with other like-minded individuals.
For science to succeed, we need integrity, open communication, and diversity. Ines finds joy in seeing people develop and push themselves to achieve new milestones. For this reason, she encourages her students to grow and gain confidence in their scientific abilities – a “highly rewarding” experience. Working in science is a high-pressure career. There are expectations regarding your experimental outcomes, uncertainty around funding, and you face a lot of rejection – when submitting a publication, when applying for fellowships, grants, or a PhD. However, when working together as a team, it is much easier to succeed as a researcher, overcoming the challenges that come along the way. Ines aims to create a space where researchers can find a healthy work-life balance and joy in what they do, helping them succeed in this highly competitive field.