Hanna Marie Schilbert

„It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one more responsive to change.“ – Charles Darwin.

Cambridge is a city with impressive links to outstanding science and famous academics. The worlds best-known natural scientist, Charles Darwin, studied in Cambridge. It was a great honour and joy for me to be able to spend a six-month research stay at the Department of Plant Sciences in Professor Dr Beverley Glover’s working group in Cambridge.

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Charles Darwin was also a student at Cambridge

The topic I focussed on was the evolution of regulators of flavonoid biosynthesis. This research work is a continuation of my doctoral project which I started at the Chair for Genetics & Genomics of Plants (CeBiTec, Universität Bielefeld) back in 2019. Flavonoids fulfil numerous important jobs in plants, such as providing protection against abiotic (UV radiation) and biotic (micro-organisms) stressors or floral pigmentation together with anthocyanins. This is why flavonoids are important from both an ecological and an economic point of view.

However, particular flavonoid derivatives in one of the world’s most important oil crops – rapeseed – prevent rapeseed protein from being used for human consumption, owing to a strong bitter taste. The objective is to reduce these key bitter compounds in the seeds to make rapeseed protein suitable for human consumption. My research focusses on analysing the underlying biosynthesis. The identification and proof of activity of transcription factors that regulate flavonoid biosynthesis is a key aspect in this context. During my stay in Cambridge, I conducted a detailed analysis of the regulators involved in flavonoid biosynthesis.

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King‘s College in Cambridge

I had applied for a DAAD scholarship in early 2020. However, my stay abroad did not begin until September 2021, owing to the pandemic. I am very glad that my stay was made possible by the DAAD e.V., the DAAD Foundation and my host university, despite the fact that the original plan had to be postponed.

Preparations for my stay abroad were rather complicated because of the constantly changing rules concerning the pandemic and Brexit. A competent programme administrator at my host university helped me to handle the formalities quickly. Looking for an apartment, I was lucky to find accommodation in the heart of Cambridge and just 15 minutes from my workplace by foot, after just a few online viewings. My housemate was the owner of the apartment and we shared the kitchen, living room and bathroom. Rents in Cambridge are generally very high and costs for food and heating should not be underestimated either.

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Typical homes in Cambridge

One activity that was part of my work routine was the weekly group meeting that was held online. Current literature was discussed and research results were presented during these meetings. I also had the opportunity to attend a seminar in bioinformatics, as well as other regular seminars of the department. In addition, I met my host Professor Beverly Glover once a week.

A typical working day had two fixed components: a tea break at 11 a.m. and lunch at 1 p.m. This typical English tea time enabled me to talk to my colleagues about a wide range of topics. These tea breaks really helped me to quickly become part of the group, and they generally gave rise to a pleasant atmosphere within the group. I frequently met new colleagues in these breaks as well, so I was able to network effortlessly. All my colleagues were very open-minded and accommodating, so this was fun and easy. When it was time for lunch at 1 p.m., I never had to eat alone. I really enjoyed having these two fixed events for getting in touch with old and new colleagues. Owing to the pandemic, this had frequently not been possible in quite this way in the past. It goes without saying that everyone had to wear a mask at the department, and I felt safe at all times. Further rules included regular disinfection of one’s hands and the workstations. I was glad that these rules were in place, while it was still possible to socialise, for example during the tea breaks.

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Strolling in Cambridge

England is not exactly famous for its good weather, but I was lucky during my stay and went for many walks in the sunshine. We often had lunch outdoors and were able to enjoy meals from the food trucks that were there occasionally.

However, my culinary adventures in Cambridge were not limited to food trucks. I had meals at restaurants with my colleagues several times a month, and I really appreciated the wide range of different restaurants in Cambridge. I discovered how much I like Korean cuisine, for example. Another fond memory is a visit to the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester, where I enjoyed typical English scones with a friend. I noticed an interesting cultural difference between England and Germany when it comes to buying groceries: typical bread in England is what we refer to as ‘toast bread’ in Germany, so this is very different. Further recreational activities included walks in nature and visiting pubs with friends.

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Eating scones at the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester

Another personal highlight of my stay was attending a formal dinner at Jesus College, together with many friends who were also part of my working group. A formal dinner is a typical event held by the colleges in Cambridge and students dress formally for this occasion. These dinners are an opportunity to meet fellow students.

I was very impressed not only by the multi-course meal, but also by the historic building and the rituals that were part of the dinner. Each college has its own rituals. At Jesus College, for example, it is part of the custom that all alumni and professors and their guests will leave the room first, at the end of the dinner. They are seated at the so-called high table that is positioned facing the lower tables. The students will stand up, while the alumni are leaving the room and will only sit down again, after the last alumna has left.

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On the occasion of a formal dinner at Jesus College in Cambridge

I had many fascinating academic discussions during my stay abroad, not only concerning discipline-specific matters, but also with regard to methods and cultural aspects. My next steps are to focus on writing my doctoral thesis and to prepare for my thesis defence. The results obtained in Cambridge are going to be a key element of my thesis. I would like to use the skills and knowledge I have gained for the next steps of my academic career, by also applying them in the context of a postdoc position.

I am very grateful and happy about all the experiences I gathered during this time. I would not have been able to perform this stay abroad without the Professor Dr Bingel Scholarship of the DAAD, and I would therefore like to thank you very much!