- GAME from a Participant’s Point of View-

Ulrich Kunz, born in 1975, participated in the first GAME project “Induction of Chemical Anti-Feeding Defence in Marine Macro Algae” which was sponsored by the Mercator Foundation. Together with his team partner, Olivia Langhamer, he performed experiments at the Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory (Universities of Göteborg and Stockholm). Here are his suggestions to other students.

Enthusiastic about Teamwork

“With GAME, team work prevails. We were given the opportunity to do research as a two person team. I was lucky enough to work with a partner with whom the project work really was fun. In other contexts graduands or PhD students are often left on their own—they may be integrated into a working group, but exchange with someone doing the same research work is uncommon. That’s different with GAME, which I believe is great, since it creates improvements and fresh ideas about the research problem. Beyond being in teams of two, during project preparation and final wrap-up in Kiel all participants work in close cooperation.”

Experience Abroad

“Sweden isn’t as distinct from Germany as other more distant countries may be, but of course still there are differences. I think Sweden is a fabulous country, and people there are very nice. Although almost all Swedes are fluent in English, I acquired a bit of Swedish. During my spare time I took advantage of the whole spectrum of possibilities Sweden provides: diving, mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. I’m glad I also had time to take photos because Sweden is so rich of beautiful sceneries.

“Research in Sweden is very pleasant since people are much more enthusiastic about environmental matters than in Germany. I think because they are more intensely rooted in nature than other folks throughout Europe. What’s more, they’re investing a lot in science. Speaking of us, we were at a fantastic institute—some of the researchers even helped us on a daily basis. And there was no shortage of boats.”

Science and Communication

“I also learned some things about science in general from GAME, notably that science is no longer a business of the lone heroic researcher, but a matter of communication between scientists. GAME is very strong about this. Furthermore, watching over the shoulder of the fellow-researchers I came to know a lot about the other projects.

“But science also comprises chores like writing down results on paper, and, as the case may be, in English. GAME encourages practicing these skills.”

Building Contacts

“While being at GAME I became acquainted with participants from a diversity of countries. Communication during this time was very helpful, especially in the teams of two. I still have contact with some of these people. I hope some day I will go back to Sweden for some time. My team mate has found a job opening in Sweden to do her PhD, on the east coast near Uppsala.”

Oral Presentations of Results

“We analyzed the experimental results collaboratively before presenting them in talks at four different universities, viz. Bremen, Bremerhaven, Rostock, and Oldenburg. This was especially motivating since besides scientists many students were among the listeners. We related how exciting to us the project was, and we were asked interesting questions.”

Suggestions for Prospective Participants

“Participation in GAME is worthwhile in any case. You ought to bring along an open mind towards other countries and you should be willing to be cooperative. The team mate may have quite a different perception of the project than yourself. But collaboration is the most exciting aspect, if it work’s out it’s terrific and you won’t forget it. But it can go wrong, though seldomly. Communication is most important.

“On the other hand expectations shouldn’t be excessive. Though scientific problem and experiments are predetermined, alertness is always necessary. You cannot just lean back. Notwithstanding excellent supervision and preparation of the experimental design every now and then it’s necessary to improvise during field work. There are always moments of frustration which the team mates must overcome. I’d advise participants to consult their supervisors and other scientists quite intensively.”