Dr. Angelos Michaelides, Ireland
Last year he won a EURYI Award - the European Young Investigator Award. Angelos Michaelides investigates the interaction between water and solid surfaces. His research could answer a number of practical questions - such as: why water freezes more easily when it contains small impurities.
His results are relevant to a number of areas. They could help to improve the action of fuel cells, or to better understand the chemistry of the earth's atmosphere or to help build tiny nano-machines.
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Why do you do your research here in Berlin, at a Max Planck Institute?
Of course, there are a lot of other labs. But this one has a nice balance of personnel, there are many good people here who I can interact with on a daily basis. The resources are extremely good, and it is a place where I can relax and focus on my research. Another advantage of working at a Max Planck Institute is that I do not necessarily have to do too much teaching. This gives me time to focus.
Where is the crucial difference to other research groups?
You are exploring the nano world, the world of atoms and molecules. Some people have fascinating ideas about the possibilities provided by nano technology. Do you think it is realistic that in the future - for example - nano robots will repair our bodies?
As an Irishman - what do you think about the Germans?
I see a huge difference between the Irish and the German people. The Irish would be much more relaxed, much more lazy. And the Germans sort of live up to my expectations in being organized.
... is this a compliment or criticism?
Do you have contact to German people in your private life?
Yes, to some extent. Overall I like German people so far, although I find people in positions of administrative responsibility can be quite pedantic sometimes. So this I found challenging at first, but having overcome that I have settled in. And overall I have a good impression of working in Germany and of German people.
I have a few German friends. I enjoy particularly the bars here in Berlin, especially in the summer - the beergardens, sitting out, having a beer with my friends – this is quite a pleasure.
And what else do you like in Berlin?
I like the history and the city centre of Berlin. There are many nice museums and many nice monuments and statues that are always good to look at.
And I certainly like all the parks here in Berlin. It is an extremely green city. People say that one third of Berlin is parkland. And particularly down here in Dahlem, you are surrounded by the woods. I enjoy walking in the woods with my dog. When necessary, I even take the dog to work. And the dog sits with me, and we try and solve as many problems as we can.
Do you miss Ireland sometimes?
Let's have a look to the future: How long are you going to stay in Germany?