Dr. Lena M. Biehl interviewed for »Women in Science«

What exactly are you currently researching at Fraunhofer ITMP and how do you think research into the immune system influences the development of innovative treatments?

We are currently focusing on building up two areas of the working group: The first of these is bioinformatic expertise to enable us to identify potential candidates for microbiota-based therapies from existing in-house and external research on specific indications. Clinical data and multi-omics data sets from clinical trials, and models and preclinical data on nutrient competition need to be integrated here. Secondly, we are dedicated to setting up a manufacturing laboratory for microbiota-based therapies. In specific terms, we are currently planning initial validation trials for the optimization of production steps such as lyophilization and encapsulation.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in health research and how did you overcome them?

Some of the challenges have been more subtle and can’t be described explicitly. But one thing I have repeatedly encountered is people having reservations and false expectations about me. Particularly since having children, I have found that I have sometimes been seen in a different light in my work. This became evident in the way I was no longer trusted to do as much as before and in the way people were surprised by my ambitions and goals. On the other hand, I was fortunate to receive a lot of positive support from my superiors and colleagues right from the start of my academic career and to have successful women in my immediate environment as positive role models.

In your opinion, what are the key steps that need to be taken to promote equality in health research in the long term?

In my opinion, we would be a lot further forward if we didn’t always have to think about family-friendly policies at the same time as promoting women. After all, it should be men as well (and not predominantly women) who are pushing for a better work-life balance for their career and professional development. Women are still effectively doing more of the childcare. What is needed here is more macro-social processes to establish and normalize modern partnership models. Employers and colleagues should set out their expectations here and change how they communicate about this. This would promote a more equal distribution of women and men.

I believe that further promoting gender equality is an important issue in the wider context, away from the subject of parenthood. I also believe that, given the large number of female health science graduates, management positions should generally be filled equally.

What does success in research mean to you? Is it scientific progress, social recognition or something else?

For me, success in research means, on the one hand, gaining new insights that are clinically relevant and therefore have the potential to bring about improvements in healthcare. On the other hand, I also find it really inspiring to be able to present and discuss these research results at scientific conferences or in small groups with our cooperation partners. The opportunity to discuss them with other experts brings new approaches and critical points to light or shows transfer possibilities for further issues that you haven’t yet considered.

How can networks and mentoring programs support women in health research and what experiences have you had in this area?

Networks are important for sharing experiences and tips. At the same time, they provide the opportunity to get to know role models and women in similar professional positions personally. Networks can also highlight grievances and inequality with greater emphasis and impact. I had many positive experiences when I took part in a mentoring program for female doctors with a Habilitation (postdoctoral degree). Through this program and through various networks, I became much more aware of the topics of visibility and external presentation, as well as their relevance for my own positioning and prospects.