This is us: Voluntary Research Year
What does a Voluntary Research Year (FSJ) look like? In this interview, two FSJ participants from the Scientific Technology & Computing (STC) Department offer insights into their daily work at the MPIB. Their roles range from providing technical support to conducting research and working on independent projects. In this interview, they discuss which experiences have had a particular impact on them and how the FSJ is shaping their career prospects.
What motivated you to do your FSJ?
Sarah: My long-term goal is to study psychology. I see the FSJ as an important step in preparing myself practically for my academic path. Above all, I was motivated by the prospect of experiencing day-to-day research up close.
Theodore: I’m aiming for a career in neuroscience. The FSJ at the MPIB has given me the opportunity to experience real-world research practice before I start my studies, and has helped me to understand what scientific work actually looks like on a day-to-day basis, not just in theory.
How did you come to choose the MPIB?
Sarah: I came across the MPIB’s website while doing my research. The research areas here at the institute really piqued my interest. As I wanted to gain my first in-depth insights into the field and expand my knowledge, the MPIB was my first choice.
Theodore: I was particularly drawn to the institute’s research focus, especially the connection between cognitive development and neuroscientific methodology. The MPIB seemed like the ideal place to gain my first research experience.
What are some of your daily responsibilities?
Sarah: In our department, our responsibilities range from lab management to technical support. In my day-to-day work, I assist my team with organizational tasks, but I also have the freedom to structure my own responsibilities. This makes my day-to-day work very dynamic and varied. Currently, I’m also helping a research team with the planning and execution of a study. I really appreciate this variety because it allows me to always learn something new.
Theodore: My responsibilities are very diverse. In terms of my technical work, I have created user manuals for the CNC milling machine and the multi-material 3D printer, revised the department’s intranet documentation and updated the room management system. I have also initiated my own research project focused on reducing anxiety and claustrophobia during MRI scans.
What do you enjoy most?
Sarah: Many of my colleagues come from different fields and bring a variety of prior knowledge and skills to the table. I really enjoy learning from them and helping out with their work. It’s especially motivating for me to see that the path to a career in science isn’t always a straight one.
Theodore: I especially appreciate the freedom to contribute my own ideas and work independently. I really enjoy systematically thinking through complex problems and developing concrete solutions, whether they’re technical or scientific in nature.
Have you discovered any new skills or strengths in yourselves?
Sarah: So far, I’ve realized that I’m very eager to learn and curious. I feel like this work suits me, and I want to use this openness to further my professional development.
Theodore: I’ve noticed that I’m good at independently familiarizing myself with new subject areas—even those that lie far outside my previous sphere of experience. Working at the institute has shown me that scientific thinking and practical problem-solving are closely intertwined.
Is there anything else you’d really like to learn?
Sarah: I’ve learned a lot over the past few months and I’m very grateful for these experiences. Looking ahead, I hope to continue supporting the research here so that I can build on the insights I’ve gained and contribute even more.
Theodore: During the rest of my FSJ, I’d like to work more closely with children to gain a better understanding of early developmental processes. This would enrich my research project on MRI anxiety in children and help me prepare for my neuroscience studies.
Is there anything in particular that you appreciate about the environment at the institute?
Sarah: I feel right at home here. The working atmosphere is very pleasant, and I can see that the staff are passionate about their work. It’s nice to be part of it.
Theodore: I especially appreciate that the supervisors are always helpful, understanding and open. As an FSJ volunteer, you can put your own ideas into practice in a motivating atmosphere, whether through varied hands-on tasks such as repairing and operating modern 3D printers, setting up irrigation systems or learning useful software such as WordPress, Python and Adobe Photoshop. Feedback is also provided quickly and easily via Mattermost, which makes collaboration very pleasant. Last but not least, I value the freedom to work on my own projects alongside my volunteering — that’s by no means a given, and it makes the MPIB a particularly valuable place to do a voluntary social year in science. On top of that, feedback is provided quickly and easily via Mattermost, which makes collaboration very pleasant. Last but not least, I appreciate the freedom to pursue my own projects on the side—that’s by no means a given and makes the MPIB a particularly valuable environment for a voluntary social year in science.
Has the FSJ influenced your future plans? Can you see yourself working in this field in the future?
Sarah: The FSJ has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in science. This aligns perfectly with my career goal, and I can definitely see myself continuing down this path.
Theodore: The FSJ has strengthened my conviction to become a neuroscientist. From September 2026, I’ll be studying neuroscience, and the experiences I’ve gained here will have a significant impact on my studies.
