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IDERHA in the spotlight Part 5: Lena Hegel
In our interview series about the people that drive IDERHA, we spotlight Early Career Community member Lena Hegel. Find out why she would give a TED talk on volunteering, why Lena would like to have dinner with Florence Nightingale and her ideal way to spend the day off.
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 a research associate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISST). The main points of contact within IDERHA are with WP1 and WP3, but I have also supported a patient workshop in WP6 and work in WP8 on topics related to the sustainability of IDERHA.
My role is mainly the internal coordination of the ISST team and communication with other project partners.
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?
For the whole field of research and development related to the EHDS, I believe that IDERHA contributes significantly to the actual implementation and in the end shows that secure, interoperable data exchange in the EU is possible and can bring benefits for patients, research, business and care. For me personally, IDERHA means learning to keep all the threads in my hand and to follow all the strands. The project is large and very agile, so it is often challenging not to miss anything and at the same time it is not possible to be present everywhere. I think IDERH helps me to learn to prioritize different topics and also to define responsibilities in the team.
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 like to talk about the importance of volunteering for personal development and society. I have the feeling that this type of commitment has diminished in recent years, that fewer and fewer people have time for it or want to devote time to it and that society also values this type of work less. I would therefore like to use the TED talk to draw attention to the importance of voluntary work and perhaps awaken the motivation in one or two viewers to get actively involved (again). Perhaps the title would be “From the couch to action: Make your life more colourful!” or “Helping in the crisis: Volunteering is dying out” - I'm not quite sure yet.
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?
Hard to say... from my technical background (research in the field of microelectronic implants), I have already taken a step away from research towards more communicative and coordinating activities at ISST. At the beginning of my studies I considered studying medicine, maybe I would have gone in that direction.
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.
In summer, I enjoy going on road bike tours that last several hours with a few nice fellow riders and a coffee and cake break. Afterwards, I like to sit together with friends in the garden, have a barbecue and let the evening come to a cozy close. When the weather isn't inviting for biking, I also enjoy going scuba diving. (With the right equipment, you can even go diving in cold water.)
If you could have dinner with any three individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
An unlikely trio, but I think it would be interesting to have a conversation with Hildegard von Bingen, Vinton G. Cerf and Florence Nightingale. Hildegard von Bingen campaigned for women's education and rights in the Middle Ages, Vinton G. Cerf is one of the “fathers of the internet” and Florance Nightingale contributed greatly to the modernization of the hospital system in the 19th century. All three together are pioneers of their time and at the same time I would like to reflect with them on the current world situation. Would Hildegard have thought back then that women would be allowed to vote today and what does she think about the fact that there are still countries where education for women and girls is not fully accessible? Did Vinton assume that the internet would be as important as it is today and did he also foresee the downsides? Would he do anything differently under these circumstances? Florance, how can we reform our healthcare system in Europe?
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?
I would recommend that everyone read the novel “Lord of all Things” by Andreas Eschbach. The protagonist develops a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to fundamentally change the global economy and people's lives.
While reading the story the ethical and social implications of this technology come to the fore. The protagonist is confronted with the challenges that come with power, control and the consequences of his invention. The story highlights topics such as greed, responsibility and the impact of technology on human society. At the same time, this discussion is loosened up and made approachable by a love story and a fictional biography of two families. The novel unfolds in a mix of science fiction, romance and social criticism, encouraging everyone to reflect on the future of humanity and how we deal with innovative technologies.
If you had the magical ability to master a new skill in just 24 hours, what skill would you choose and why?
I think quick-wittedness is a really good skill that can help in many life situations. I just don't know if it's something you can learn or just have by nature?
What burning questions or topics were you secretly hoping to discuss that we haven't touched upon?
I would have liked to talk about the concept of chocolate: is it true happiness or just a temporary illusion? Spoiler: I'm Team Chocolate.