Dr. Stefanie Scheffler

What excites you about your work at Fraunhofer ITEM?

The team! We’ve got a fantastic team here in Regulatory Issues. Our doors are always open and we are in constant communication. This helps us get through even the tough times. Another aspect of the institute’s work that appeals to me is its interdisciplinary nature — the collaboration with different working groups constantly opens up new possibilities.

Which project at Fraunhofer ITEM do you think of with particular fondness?

Our internal research project EVape, which has developed a device for the controlled vaporization of e-cigarette liquids. Four different departments at the institute came together to work on this, with each individual contributing their own ideas. That was a fantastic experience, seeing how we can bring ideas to life by working together.

Which person or experience has been particularly helpful to the progress of your career?

I grew up in a scientific household. My parents are both chemists, and science was always part of everyday life at home. When I was at school, I often visited the chemistry lab where my mother taught and so got to see chemistry from a different perspective. And as far back as I can remember, we would visit natural history museums. My father had a very diverse range of scientific interests and liked to pass on his knowledge to us. This fostered a curiosity, a desire to understand things.

What’s your most cherished illusion?

I like to dive into another world through circus and vaudeville.

How do you cope with hard times?

Keep looking ahead and push on. I make myself a plan that I follow step by step and think about the time afterward, about the liberating feeling that will come once I’ve got through this stretch.

What was the most recent thing that amazed you?

The stalactites in the Psychro cave on Crete.

What can always make you laugh?

My children.

What does a successful day look like to you?

That can vary a lot — I like to get out in nature, whether through sports or just taking a walk. Of course, if the sun is shining, that’s even better. But an achievement at work, a family outing, a good book or a delicious dinner can also make for a successful day.