Annika Hausmann Profile “Life Science Success”
At the Novo Nordisk Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, we like to tell stories of success in science to those who are perhaps beginning their journey in the life science sector. One such story of note and the second inspiring scientist we have interviewed for this series is Dr. Annika Hausmann.
Dr. Annika Hausmann’s career has seen her live in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. She will soon be moving back to ETH Zürich, famous for groundbreaking scientific research, to set up her group on Epithelium-Microbiota Crosstalk as a Junior Group Leader. For this position, Annika was awarded with an Ambizione grant by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Annika studied Molecular Medicine in Germany. Before pursuing her PhD in Mucosal Immunology in Switzerland from 2015, she briefly worked in industry for the Novartis Medical Institute for Biomedical Research. During her PhD, she focused on host-microbe interactions in the intestine, dissecting how the mucosal immune system differentiates beneficial from pathogenic bacteria, and its role in regulating intestinal inflammation.
Awarded with the ETH Medal for Exceptional Doctoral Thesis Projects on completion of her PhD in 2020, Annika moved to Denmark to work on epithelial repair responses in intestinal inflammation, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), at reNEW, University of Copenhagen, with world leader in intestinal epithelial biology, Professor Kim Jensen.
Annika’s true professional passion lies in research, running her independent research group with a diverse, interdisciplinary team tackling health-related challenges in mucosal immunology and her future goal is to run her own laboratory. A dream we at reNEW are sure is set to become reality due to her exceptional scientific research and passion for science.
One significant question Annika’s research looks to answer is how disruptions in the balance between the intestinal immune system, epithelium and bacteria contribute to diseases like IBD. She emphasises that understanding the development of such complex diseases and identifying therapeutic strategies requires collaborative approaches including basic researchers and clinicians, which she employed with her research at reNEW, and will continue to do so in the future.
“To further progress with understanding these diseases we need a combination of different perspectives and expertise, tools and technologies. With the tools we have at hand today, we can address such complex challenges by going beyond traditional discipline boundaries. Instead of a single expert thinking through all intricacies of a project by themselves, it means interacting with different people and seeking the right collaborations,” said Annika.
Looking at the role of the epithelial barrier in the intestine and its importance in maintaining a healthy balance between bacteria and the immune system, Annika’s fascination with the intricate regulation and delicate balance of the intestinal system has seen her work to become a leading expert in her field.
Finding a work/life balance can be a challenge in the life science sector. Especially when it comes to building a fulfilling family life, the international mobility often expected during the early/mid phase of scientific careers can represent a major challenge. When interviewed, Annika emphasised the importance of life out of the lab and loves to get out in nature in her free time, which helps keep her healthy and happy.
Professionally, Annika is hugely motivated by the collaborative aspect of her work and is excited to build her own team with people that share her enthusiasm for the subject.
“It really motivates me to work with inspiring people that I share values, passion and a common goal with,” said Annika.
In line with this and in addition to her scientific achievements, Annika is engaged in promoting early career researchers (ECRs). Herein, she co-founded the Swiss Young Immunologists Society (SYIS) and works with yEFIS. Locally at reNEW, she has been engaged in promoting ECRs as the chair Copenhagen representative of the reNEW ECR Committee.
We at reNEW wish Dr. Annika Hausmann the best of luck with her new position and thank her for working with us in the Jensen lab these past few years.