Kathrin Nebe

Radiation Protection Officer at the HZDR Institute of Resource Ecology

What is special about your job for you? What excites you about it?

What makes my job special is that I enjoy my work every day. I can honestly say that I have found exactly the right job for me. And in my opinion, that feeling is something very special.

Of course, I am fascinated by working with radioactive materials. I find it exciting to see them being used in science and am impressed that even after ten years, no two days at work are the same. Every day brings new and sometimes unexpected surprises or tasks, which confirm time and again that my job is fantastic and very diverse, and will certainly remain so.

What made you decide in favor of science?

I took part in a study counseling session when I was in twelfth grade. My decision was clear: I wanted to study something related to science. When radiation technology was suggested to me as a course of study, I was immediately excited. It was clear to me that this was a course of study that was unusual and special.

Who or what has particularly encouraged you in your career?

To be honest, I don't feel that I have had a traditional career. Nevertheless, I have an important and responsible role in radiation protection at our institute. Living up to this role is, of course, a great challenge. Personally, I can say that this was and is only possible thanks to the support of my husband. For him, it was a matter of course that he also took seven months of parental leave. This meant that I was able to return to work relaxed after just six months following the birth of both children. He is also a great support in everyday life, taking care when the children are ill, helping with homework, and much more.

What do you think is needed to get more young women interested in science?

Young women should be supported and, above all, encouraged in their strengths in science from a very early age. Schools should offer more practical applications in this field and also reinforce the message that anyone can succeed in this area if they enjoy it.

What goals or wishes do you have for the future?

Professionally, I hope that everything stays as it is. I am very satisfied with the enormous variety, the challenges, and the collegial environment. And I hope that in the future there will be many young adults who, with great self-confidence and joy, will enrich the field of radiation protection.

Und ich hoffe, dass es in Zukunft zahlreiche junge Erwachsene geben wird, die mit vollem Selbstbewusstsein und großer Freude den Strahlenschutz bereichern werden.