ERFAHRUNGSBERICHTE

PROF. DR. HRISTO SVILENOV

Ghent University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

«The postdoctoral fellowship by the Peter und Traudl Engelhorn Stiftung has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic trajectory, serving as a crucial bridge between my doctoral studies and my transition into an independent principal investigator.

My experience as a fellowship holder was nothing short of exceptional. From the beginning, the application procedure was very clear, transparent, and efficient. I was particularly impressed by the fast evaluation process compared to other funding agencies.

As I reflect on the positive impact of the fellowship on my career, I hope that the Peter und Traudl Engelhorn Stiftung will support many more generations of postdoctoral researchers and thereby continue to foster outstanding Life Science research in the coming years.»

Foto: ©Astrid Eckert

PD. DR. JOANNE TRINH

Group Leader, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Neurogenetics

«The fellowship has allowed me to pursue my research goals on reduced penetrance on hereditary Parkinson’s disease. This grant led to the discovery of mitochondrial variants as disease onset biomarkers for PRKN/PINK1-related Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, it served as a springboard to build my career and even achieve habilitation while on this award (only three years after my PhD). After the completion of the award, I continued to build up my research group, “Integrative omics in Parkinson’s disease”, with several DFG-, EKFS- and MJFF-funded grants. Recently, I secured tenure as a research group leader at the University of Lübeck, Institute of Neurogenetics. I would not have been able to perform at this level without the Engelhorn Stiftung, especially now as a young mother of a one year old. The foundation has provided me with an opportunity for stability, which allowed me the freedom to work on higher risk scientific projects.»

«In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity»

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