Soapbox Science 2024

Soapbox: Did you choose a scientific career or did the scientific career choose you?  Can you tell us about your journey into the world of science and what inspired you to pursue your particular field?

Monica Prechtl: One of my first memories connected to my journey as a scientist, is standing in a Toys’R’Us store as a little girl and convincing my parents to gift me a childrens microscope, because I was sure I wanted to become a scientist and should start training for this. I was so lucky to have a family who always supported me in this pursuit. Since then, a was most fascinated by the things that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, when I was introduced into the world of molecular biology in the last years during school, I was sure I wanted to continue in this field of research, and I am happy with this decision every day since then. As researchers, we work every day on making this world visible and understanding the things we can’t see. This thought still excites me everyday!

Soapbox: What attracted you to Soapbox Science in the first place? Sum up your expectation of the Soapbox Event in three words.

MP: Science should be accessible to everyone. I love the idea of an event that is placed in the middle of Munich and everyone, especially young women, who pass by have the opportunity get an idea what research areas are out there and are waiting for motivated people to investigate and find out what we don’t know yet. It is also a great opportunity for us researchers to learn how to display and explain our work in an approachable way – an important aspect of the work of any researcher in my opinion. In three words: Engaging, educational and exciting. I am looking forward to it! ☺

Soapbox: What role do you believe science communication plays in bridging the gap between researchers and the general public?

MP: I strongly believe, that understanding the principles of science and scientific research is key to form your own opinions and not be susceptible to fake news and sensationalism. While the world of science is often flooded with technical terms, abbreviations and is short of basic explanations (as these often might seem too trivial to people from the field) it is important, that science communication can provide the knowledge gained by research in an approachable language, take the time for explanations that start at the beginning and take different backgrounds into consideration. In my opinion, this is crucial to get more people excited about science and promote an understating of how science works and new findings can or should be interpreted.

Soapbox: What misconceptions do you think people often have about scientists, and how do you aim to change those perceptions?

MP: I mostly find that many people perceive scientists as overly smart people and that this must be requirement to be scientist. I think, this might intimidate many young people to pursue a scientific career which is a shame. I believe that excitement and commitment in the end lead to a good scientist and are the most important components. If you are interested in science and feel this is what you want to do, you should go for it!

Soapbox: Do you have any fascinating do-it-at-home experiments, books, podcasts, or talks that you’d suggest for a good laugh or some interesting insights?

MP: Just recently, we had an open day at out Institute and isolated DNA from bananas with kids. I love this experiment, as everything you need (dishwashing liquid, salt, lemon juice and alcohol) is probably already in your home and the protocol can be easily found in the internet. If you were wondering, how chemistry is present in our everyday live, I would definitely recommend the book “Komisch, alles chemisch” by Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. Also her TV-Format “MaiThinkX” is one of my favorites. For an entertaining dive into the immunology of our bodies, read the book “immune” by Phillip Dettmer.