Dr. Janine Schulte joined the DBE in 2021 as a PhD student in the research groups of Prof. Eva Scheurer and Dr. Iris Schultz at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Now in her third year as a postdoc, she has gained experience in academic representation through the DBE Assembly and AVUBA. For her, the new community fills an important gap: "I felt that a dedicated space for postdocs at the DBE to connect, exchange experiences, develop new skills, explore career opportunities and support one another was missing." Outside research, Janine enjoys hiking, singing with the University of Basel Chorus and runs a small animal shelter.

Dr. Edward Ashworth is part of the Cardiopulmonary and Mechanical Support research group, led by David Berger. With a background in engineering and physiology, he has held postdoctoral positions in the United States, Australia and Switzerland. He hopes to draw on this international experience to help colleagues explore different career paths. "I want to bring that broad perspective to the role, so that I can help other postdocs see the full range of options open to them and offer practical advice as they plan their next steps."

Dr. Murali Karnam works on the MIR and PRISM projects at the BIROMED-Lab, led by Prof. Georg Rauter. He completed his PhD at the DBE within the MIRACLE project, where he developed intuitive control systems for hand-guided surgical tools with macrorobots. Originally from India, he completed masters in Robotics and continued his research career at the BIROMED-Lab as a postdoc. "When I saw the call, I did not hesitate to sign up as a postdoc representative to help create such a space and contribute to the department." Outside the lab, he enjoys music, plays the flute and guitar, and is currently learning the sitar.

Dr. Michaela Maintz is part of the Swiss Medical Additive Manufacturing Research Group, led by Prof. Florian Thieringer. Her work focuses on personalised implants, surgical simulation and medical 3D printing. A graduate of FHNW, she now works across the DBE and University Hospital Basel. She hopes to use her role to strengthen connections both within the department and between the two institutions. "My aim is to combine productive discussions, networking and fun activities, while giving postdocs a voice within the department."

For further information, contact the representatives or the Postdoc Research Coordinator, Yurila Shak-Tschurr