Perspectives Day of the GDCh Division of Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology

In Leverkusen, 14 participants were welcomed to the visitor center. Chempark was introduced during the welcome address, followed by a tour of the plant, which provided a vivid insight into the various operations, plant security units, and infrastructure. The size and diverse connections within the park made a particular impression. Upon arrival at Currenta, there was an open discussion on the challenges facing chemical parks, such as sustainability, competitiveness, and security of supply. This was followed by interactive presentations on non-target analytics for monitoring the wastewater system in relation to the production of the individual plants within the Chempark, and on product compliance and ecotoxicology from an industry perspective. The group was also given a tour of ecotoxicology and environmental analysis laboratories for wastewater and air samples. Finally, a representative from the human resources department presented career opportunities. This diverse and informative day of perspectives concluded pleasantly with a shared meal enjoyed by some of the participants.

The five participants started at noon in Mainz at the MPI for Chemistry (MPIC) with a welcome address and introduction to the Max Planck Institutes by Dr. Susanne Benner. Afterwards, Prof. Gerhard Lammel (from the Working Group Atmospheric Chemistry) gave a keynote speech on the multiphase distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere, soil and oceans. This was followed by a tour of the institute. The group first gained exciting insights into the institute's research on field measurements of volatile organic compounds with the HALO research aircraft over Australia and at the ATTO Tower in the Amazon rainforest. Then they went on to another working group that studies stalagmites and stalactites as climate archives using isotope ratios. At the end of the first part of this perspective day, Dr. Susanne Benner provided information on entry-level research opportunities at the Max Planck Society. In the afternoon, the group moved on to the MPI for Polymer Research (MPIP), which is located right next door. There, an open discussion and poster session took place as part of a Student Open House. The various departments and working groups at the MPIP were presented, and participants learned more about current job openings and entry-level opportunities. The evening concluded in a cozy atmosphere with drinks, bratwurst, vegan meatballs, and music outside in sunny weather.

5th Perspectives Day at the Federal Environment Agency
Anyone who has always wanted to get to know the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) as an employer had the opportunity to do so on November 20, 2019. The GDCh Division of Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology held its annual Perspectives Day this time in Dessau-Roßlau. The day offered students and doctoral candidates the opportunity to learn more about the UBA as a potential employer and to make initial contacts. In addition to general information on the work of the UBA in Dessau-Roßlau, the regulation of chemicals was examined from different angles in specialist lectures. In addition to an introduction to regulatory ecotoxicology, there were also lectures on the Water Framework Directive as a media-related regulation and on flame retardants in waste electrical and electronic equipment as an example of product-related regulations. There was also a tour of the architectural and technical features of the office. Getting an impression of the everyday work of the speakers was particularly exciting for the participants. This was also achieved through an afternoon meeting with new UBA employees, who talked about their experiences during the application phase and starting their careers.