Purpose
Beginning a talk or presentation, I often give a global overview of latest related economic and social data. Given the economic, technical and cultural importance of global networks, todays' agriculture business changed a big deal compared to 20 years in the past. But a global perspective symbolizes to me more than just numbers and comparisons. It symbolizes one of the main purposes of being a researcher: helping people to understand their real life problems better by an integrated approach, and eventually bringing help to those who need it. The purpose of research is education and discussion in public. This is especially true for a dynamic world such as agriculture. Education outside the campus is the most effective way to reach the aim of helping others. And above all, to me it is the true purpose of being a researcher and brings a lot of fulfillment and joy to my life and the life of others.
Having my career in research, I always saw myself as both: teacher and student at the same time. Some might see discrepancy in this statement, but to me this is the only possible way to achieve both professional and personal goals. Ultimately I enjoy nothing more than bringing myself and others on the path of curiosity and independence. That’s where my personal and professional beliefs eventually meet. I am devoted to discover knowledge related to agricultural fields and transferring results and conclusions in an understandable way. I had the opportunities to interact with undergraduate and graduate students as well as with growers, members of grower commissions and industry. Bringing people together and watching ideas and projects shape in the light of discussion, engagement and excitement, is one of the most rewarding things I can imagine.
Philosophy
Education and research would not make sense would they stand on their own feet. Without research, there would nothing to educate about. Without education, only few would have the knowledge and desire to do research. Research is one of many tools to answer questions in life, and to me especially, it should fulfill the purpose to be transferred and accessible, so that one freely can build his own opinion. Extension to me is the one thing that gives research a meaning outside the academic world. I measure my success by the understanding of my research in public. All that said, I feel dedicated to make new ideas and results accessible for discussion not only to my friends and colleagues in science, but particularly to public in all possible ways I can imagine.
Beginning a talk or presentation, I often give a global overview of latest related economic and social data. Given the economic, technical and cultural importance of global networks, todays' agriculture business changed a big deal compared to 20 years in the past. But a global perspective symbolizes to me more than just numbers and comparisons. It symbolizes one of the main purposes of being a researcher: helping people to understand their real life problems better by an integrated approach, and eventually bringing help to those who need it. The purpose of research is education and discussion in public. This is especially true for a dynamic world such as agriculture. Education outside the campus is the most effective way to reach the aim of helping others. And above all, to me it is the true purpose of being a researcher and brings a lot of fulfillment and joy to my life and the life of others.
Having my career in research, I always saw myself as both: teacher and student at the same time. Some might see discrepancy in this statement, but to me this is the only possible way to achieve both professional and personal goals. Ultimately I enjoy nothing more than bringing myself and others on the path of curiosity and independence. That’s where my personal and professional beliefs eventually meet. I am devoted to discover knowledge related to agricultural fields and transferring results and conclusions in an understandable way. I had the opportunities to interact with undergraduate and graduate students as well as with growers, members of grower commissions and industry. Bringing people together and watching ideas and projects shape in the light of discussion, engagement and excitement, is one of the most rewarding things I can imagine.
Philosophy
Education and research would not make sense would they stand on their own feet. Without research, there would nothing to educate about. Without education, only few would have the knowledge and desire to do research. Research is one of many tools to answer questions in life, and to me especially, it should fulfill the purpose to be transferred and accessible, so that one freely can build his own opinion. Extension to me is the one thing that gives research a meaning outside the academic world. I measure my success by the understanding of my research in public. All that said, I feel dedicated to make new ideas and results accessible for discussion not only to my friends and colleagues in science, but particularly to public in all possible ways I can imagine.