What inspires scientists to start a career in academia and how do they manage their “Work / Life balance”? In this series of posts initiated by the ZNZ Gender Equality Committee, scientists talk about their motivation, inspiration and philosophy in life.
They met in Milano, did their PhD in The Netherlands and then came to Zurich where Emanuela is involved in research to develop novel tissue engineered heart valves and vascular grafts and Valerio’s project involves the understanding of the neural processes involved in the control of autistic behavior.
Dr. Emanuela S. Fioretta, Post-Doctoral researcher Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), UHZ
What motivates you to get up every morning?
Breakfast, of course! I think it’s the best meal of the day and it gives me the energy to deal with what really motivates me during the day: my daughter Lara and, of course, my research projects.
Who inspired you in your career path?
I studied biomedical engineering because of my father, a medical doctor. I admire his commitment to his job and I wanted to be related to that world. The choice of the academic path is guided by my love for research and by my desire to discover and learn.
How do you manage your work-life balance?
Luckily, my husband and I can usually coordinate our schedules to be on time at meetings or to pick up Lara from the day care. A flexible working schedule and a laptop are essential to balance work and family life.
What is your philosophy in life?
Being efficient at work: especially now that I want to enjoy my time at home with my family. For this, I tend to be realistic and pragmatic, and I always do my best. Finally, I am a strong supporter of “vivi e lascia vivere” (live and let live).
Dr Valerio Zerbi, SNSF Ambizione Group Leader, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH
What motivates you to get up every morning?
I have my own morning routine, which I try to accomplish as fast (and efficient?) as possible, without too much thinking. What motivates me to go through the day however, is a general sense of duty towards my job and, of course, towards my family. It really helps that I like them both!
Who inspired you in your career path?
Aside for my wife, I have had three great mentors who shaped my character as researcher. Probably it was my PhD supervisor, Amanda Kiliaan, who had the strongest influence on my career path. Once I mentioned to her a technical position in industry, and she told me “Don’t even dare to think about it, you are meant to become a professor”. I am still hoping she was right..!
How do you manage your work-life balance?
It’s not easy to keep the balance between work, family and friends, especially after my daughter was born. With my wife Emanuela, we are quite good in organizing our daily working schedule, so that one of the two is always available. I think the flexibility of our job and in general the Swiss childcare system help a lot. It would only make it easier to have our parents closer sometimes.
What is your philosophy in life?
My mum used to tell me “Do few things, but do them at your best”. It is still my motto.