10 years of TALENTA – Dr. Astrid Hölzing: Bridging the gap to application right from the start

TALENTA speed up participant Dr. Astrid Hölzing and her NanoCT Systems group are transferring the latest results from university research and development into materials science and industrial applications. TALENTA offers her a framework to reflect on and evaluate her leadership responsibilities as a group manager.

“I don’t do research for research’s sake; I want to put research findings into application so they can be used promptly,” explains Astrid Hölzing, head of the NanoCT Systems group at Fraunhofer IIS. “We use high- or ultra-high-resolution computer tomography and X-ray microscopy to visualize the smallest structures on behalf of the customer. In my first week at Fraunhofer IIS, I scanned the femoral head bone of a sheep. Here we worked with colleagues from the MRI group using comparative imaging in stem cell research.” Hölzing researches materials and their suitability for specific purposes. She also develops methods for quality control and damage analysis of materials and components. Her focus is on topics such as reliable microelectronics, efficient and climate-friendly energy, and resource-conserving fiber composites.

Currently, Hölzing is working on deepening the relationships of multiple Fraunhofer Institutes with DESY (the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron research center), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). She sees great synergy potential for her NanoCT Systems group and the Development Center X-ray Technology in the PETRA IV, a 3D X-ray microscope research instrument that facilitates the transfer of basic research to applications in high-resolution X-ray imaging. “Using this infrastructure represents an enormous opportunity to increase our value proposition through R&D projects. In the lab, we have significantly fewer photons available and can’t transfer the properties of the synchrotron’s X-rays one-to-one there. I want to have an impact at this interface and develop processes that are specifically adapted to the customer’s needs.”

Hölzing has wanted to be a scientist since she was a schoolgirl. As she says, “I have an innate interest in finding out how things work and considering how my observations can be useful. I can be very stubborn about it. I’m very happy to have had role models in my immediate environment who first inspired me to choose a career as a physicist and now still do as I continue on that path.”

What career goal are you pursuing with your participation in TALENTA at Fraunhofer IIS?

I want to achieve recognition in science. Visibility is crucial to whether or not the team and the team members’ ideas are taken on board in projects. Networking with other researchers and stakeholders is essential in order to increase visibility and make lasting progress with research.

What motivated you to apply for TALENTA?

I gave some talks at the German Conference of Women in Physics (Deutsche Physikerinnentagung) on the subject of “Insights into the world of work.” This experience showed me early on how important it is to exchange ideas with other women scientists. In the TALENTA network, we can pass on our expertise as well as get inspiration for career and development issues. Hearing how other women scientists answer the questions “How did you do that?” or “What are your goals?” opens up new perspectives and shows me where I stand. Part of my job is also financed by TALENTA, and I can take extra time to focus on my career and development.

What is the biggest benefit of the program for you and your research work?

Definitely the time I’m given as part of the program. Really living leadership is very important to me. I haven’t been in my group management role at Fraunhofer IIS for very long, so I specifically schedule TALENTA time to reflect on my decisions and approaches and to get feedback. This self-guidance is a great benefit for me and my group, NanoCT Systems.

What do you mean by “TALENTA time”?

This is time that I block out in my calendar and devote to my career – for training and further education or for building and maintaining networks, for example. In everyday working life, taking this important time can be a challenge. I’ve split my TALENTA time into two half-days per week.

The interview was conducted by Saskia McDonagh and Selin Zessinger, editorial team, Fraunhofer IIS Magazine