Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Eva Hasenberger is an expert on audio solutions for vehicles; she and her team develop algorithms for converting stereo content into surround sound and 3D audio. Fraunhofer’s TALENTA promotional program prepared her to assume supervisory tasks. As a project leader, she is committed to diversity and the promotion of women in STEM fields.
What are you working on right now, and how did you get into it?
Among other things, my work involves developing audio technologies for vehicles – like so-called upmixing algorithms that convert stereo content into surround sound or 3D audio. Or algorithms for improving comfort in the vehicle, for example by automatically adjusting the volume to keep it at a consistent level when switching between audio sources. I am responsible for the software implementation of the vehicle demonstrators –vehicles in which we have implemented our audio technologies as software. Over time, I’ve also gradually assumed project leadership and coordination roles. I’m especially pleased about this transition from technical work to coordination, because it lets me combine my passion for software development with my knack for organization.
Was there a particular experience that triggered your passion for science?
I’m a creative person with a keen interest in technical innovations. One major factor that inspired me to embark on a career in science was my passion for music and audio and my curiosity about the technology behind them: how is music actually produced and how are recordings done? How is music distributed using audio formats? My bachelor’s thesis was addressing the topic of sound design for vehicle control elements, while my master’s thesis examined the binauralization of in-vehicle sound systems on headphones. Both topics were technically demanding and closely related to music.
What career goal did you pursue with your participation in TALENTA?
When I joined Fraunhofer IIS, I still wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pursue a technical career or take on leadership responsibilities. TALENTA gave me the chance to explore both, perform relevant tasks, and find out which direction was better suited to me. In the end I opted for a supervisory role and succeeded in positioning myself here. As a project leader I help shape the work processes and atmosphere in the team.
TALENTA: what value does it add for you and your research work?
TALENTA was very helpful, because it provided a time budget that gave me enough latitude to pursue my own research. I really enjoy learning things and took advantage of TALENTA to continue researching the topics that are most relevant for my work: signal processing, deep learning, and neuronal networks. Having this in-depth technical knowledge is important when you’re in a management role, because you often have various projects ongoing in the context of your work but not much time to continue educating yourself.
What support have you personally received in your scientific career?
It’s crucially important for leaders to realize the development potential of the people working for them, to give them the space to do so, and to support their further training. My own supervisor has always backed my personal development and given me enough time to devote to it. The nudge that I needed to apply for the TALENTA program came from HR development at Fraunhofer IIS. A staff member recognized my potential and recommended me. She also drew my attention to the josephine® mentoring program, in which I became a mentor myself. Currently I’m taking part in the Mind-to-Mind program. Here, employees who are interested in leadership or already have the prospect of a management position can exchange ideas with experienced managers.
What possibilities are there in your research area to get involved in and work on current societal challenges?
The STEM fields and sciences are still strongly male-dominated. This is also the case in our team. I’m the only woman and currently all team members are German speakers. In my roles as scrum master and project leader, I therefore work hard to ensure that the team’s members openly communicate with one another and practice openness to gender diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Outside my team I also engage in activities to empower young women in STEM disciplines, like via the josephine® mentoring program.
This interview was conducted by Saskia McDonagh, editorial team, Fraunhofer IIS Magazine.