People You Should KnowInterview with EU research management expert Dr. Sabine Baars

30 March 2022

In our monthly series People You Should Know, we introduce people from Hamburg's academic community who may be helpful contacts for you. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about various aspects of research and higher education management. Today, we are talking to Dr. Sabine Baars from Universität Hamburg.

What exactly do you do and why is your work relevant to doctoral and early-career researchers?

I am essentially an expert for EU-related matters at Universität Hamburg. I advise academics who want to apply for EU funding. Together with national contact points at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, my colleague and I also run information events, for example, about Marie Skłodowska-Curie funding for postdoctoral researchers and ERC funding for young team leaders or people seeking to start their first own research group.

What made you go into this field and take this job?

I studied biology at the Technical University of Braunschweig and did my doctorate at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. After my postdoctoral research abroad (in Ireland and the Netherlands), during which I worked on EU projects myself, I became an advisor for external and EU funding at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. After 3 years of professional experience, I applied to Universität Hamburg. I have been in the Department of Research Management and Funding for 10 years now.

What are your 3 most important pieces of advice for early-career researchers?

Start thinking about what you want to do after your doctorate and get some advice early on. My colleagues and I can help you find out which funding programs and prizes you are eligible for. The application process involves various rules from the funding providers, especially deadlines and age restrictions. The sooner you know what you might qualify for, the better. Finally, never lose hope even when you get a rejection—your second attempt may yet be successful.

On 27 April, Sabine Baars will be our guest at HRA at the Park.