Soapbox Science 2023

Soapbox: Did you choose a scientific career or did the scientific career choose you?

SL: This is a very funny story. Everyone in my family always thought that I would be a surgeon (my uncle is a very famous surgeon), but I accidentally turned to mental health science and research. I am generally a very lazy person and the field of digital psychiatry has fascinated me with the fact that you can create useful products to improve mental health and use them while sitting in your chair.

Soapbox: What was the key moment that brought you to the place where you are today?

SL: I had two moments that turned out to be turning points for my career. While studying at the medical university, I first met my teacher, who later became my supervisor and showed by her own example that women can do science, do useful things and be successful in it. For me, a real example and the support of my older colleagues are very important, and it was this person who supported me very much at the initial stage.
The second turning point came when I became part of the sleep and chronobiology lab at the Technical University of Munich. My supervisor is a very talented professional and a person who manages to do a lot of different activities, supports his charges and shows a great example of humanity and harmony in the team. This is definitely my best team, in which there is not only a good leader but high-class professionals who are passionate about research and also motivate by their example.

Soapbox: What is the most exciting aspect of your research?

SL: For me, the coolest component of my research is the high social impact. I am first and foremost a doctor and for me the greatest value is helping people. There is a big plus in research in the field of digital psychiatry – by creating and researching an effective digital intervention, you can help not dozens of people, but tens of thousands. This inspires me a lot.

Soapbox: What is your scientific superhero power? Or what superhero would you be?

SL: I really love candies and as a child, I always wanted to stop time to go to the candy store and take whatever I want:) Seriously though, I think my super power is believing in myself. My field of science is very new, people are very skeptical about digital tools, but I believed, believe and will believe that technology can be turned to good, it just needs to be explored more. The path of any superhero is always difficult, but it is not the presence of super strength that distinguishes him from others, but the stamina of character and unshakable faith in himself and his principles. I believe that anyone can become a superhero if they want to.

Soapbox: What motivates you to give a talk in Soapbox Science?

SL: I would like to talk about the existence of my research area – digital psychiatry. It is important for me to tell people how digital technologies can be used to improve their mental health. And also I would like to show that women in science can also be successful and understand innovations, do interesting and very useful things.

Soapbox: Do you have a few words to inspire other female or young scientists?

SL: I sincerely believe that nothing is impossible if you really want it. It is very important to do what you feel and never stop there. Being a female scientist is very cool! Being a young female scientist is even better:) We live in a world of equality and the absence of prejudice, where people cannot be judged based on sex, gender, nationality, ethnicity, and so on. Never let yourself be offended and do not forget that you are not alone in your endeavors. You have like-minded people and real examples of successful female scientists. Every year, month, day, there are more and more women in science. Believe in yourself and in your ideas!