Dr. Christian Klar

science manager at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Plant Sciences (IBG-2)

Christian Klar is a member of the science management team at IBG-2, where he is responsible for projects in the scientific and administrative field and in the context of the regional bioeconomy.

How did you come to Forschungszentrum Jülich?

I’m from Cologne, so I already knew the research landscape in the region quite well. Even back when I was studying, I attended courses taught by Jülich scientists at the universities of Cologne and Bonn, which meant that I kept coming into contact with Forschungszentrum Jülich. My first opportunity to visit the campus was for a tutorial in 1999, where I had the chance to gain my first impression of the working environment here.

I wanted to work in an area closely related to science, and as a multi-thematic non-university research institution, Forschungszentrum Jülich offers a multitude of opportunities for professional development. And this is exactly what happened in my case. When I had the chance in 2013 to become a scientific and administrative coordinator at IBG-2, in the office of the Bioeconomy Science Center, the variety of opportunities for personal development was an important factor in my decision.

What defines work at Forschungszentrum Jülich for you?

My work these days focuses on the field of science management at IBG-2. The variety of topics I work on, both in terms of management and science, is very characteristic. In addition to conventional managerial tasks, there are always opportunities to initiate and develop projects, for example concerning bioeconomy knowledge transfer – all within a flexible working environment. In addition, the work–life balance offered by Jülich is exemplary.

What is the most exciting project you have worked on lately?

Our current activities, concerning the sustainable bioeconomy that IBG-2 is trying to kick-start in the Rhineland region, are particularly exciting. We are building a network by bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, for example from agriculture, industry, politics, logistics, and regional development. This also involves highlighting the concept of a bioeconomy and the associated economic and climate-protection potential for structural change in the region, as well as convincing the public of the value of the proposed bioeconomy region.