IDERHA in the spotlight Part 3: Lukas Rohatsch

Can you share some insights into the work you are doing in IDERHA (including your affiliation and WP)? And why is your work important?

I am Senior Lecturer / Researcher at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and in IDERHA I mainly work in WP4, focusing on data standards and interoperability. Interoperability plays a key role in healthcare systems, especially when data is shared between various systems and devices. Based on our experiences as lecturers, my team and I are developing training materials which are part of WP4.

Looking ahead five years, what profound impact do you envision your project will have on both your personal growth and the broader landscape of your field?

I consider the impact to be very high, as it is my first project in the field of Health Informatics. In five years, I might find myself working in a follow-up project or writing a proposal for such a project.

If you were to deliver a TED talk, what would be the topic you'd choose, and why do you think it’s interesting enough for everyone to hear?

I would choose something in the fields of Open Data and Open Source.
Open Data, because in teaching it is always more interesting to work with real world data than to rely on fictious data. Open Source, because the public community can review, point out errors and make suggestions, or enhance the projects themselves. And what would apply for both topics: Using data standards will enable interoperability.

If the world of research hadn’t been your calling, what alternative career path do you think you might have taken? And why didn’t you take it?

There would have been many paths. One of them would have been in the field of music, because I've been playing the trumpet since I was six years old. I even did my military service in the marching band and extended it to 16 months. Eventually I decided that I didn't want to make my professional future dependent on it – I still prefer it as a hobby. I am happy and grateful that I decided to study and that it had been a technical programme. This major step eventually led me to where I am today.

Share with us your ideal way to spend a day off, whether it's a thrilling adventure, a cozy retreat, or an exploration of something new and exciting.

One day off would be spent with relaxing, family time and having dinner with friends at a Heuriger.

If you could have dinner with any three individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?

That would be George Lucas, to discuss Star Wars,
Hans Zimmer, to talk and learn about producing film music
and Stan Lee, as he brought us Marvel comics and movies.

Dive into the world of science-related entertainment - what's your absolute favourite movie, TV series, or book, and why should everyone see or read it at least once?

The first thing which pops up in my mind, is the TV series called The Big Bang Theory. They combine some interesting topics from physics with very entertaining comedy.

If you had the magical ability to master a new skill in just 24 hours, what skill would you choose and why?

Leadership (esp. for R&D projects).