Interview with Johannes Wolters
Our alumnus Johannes Wolters (class of 2016) studied Political Science at the WiSo Faculty of the University of Cologne . After graduating, he started his career seamlessly at the European Commission in Brussels. He now works as a scientific officer at the Project Management Agency of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He is primarily involved in the areas of education and equal opportunities, health, society, innovation, technology, the environment and sustainability, as well as European and international cooperation. At the DLR Project Management Agency, Johannes helps shape German and European research, education and innovation policy. In the Alumni Interview, we spoke to him about his work as a scientific advisor and about his studies at the WiSo Faculty. He also gives valuable tips for our students.
Forschungs- und Innovationspolitik im Europäischen Forschungsraum ist ein Zusammenwirken der europäischen und nationalen Ebene.
Johannes, what motivated you to study political science in Cologne?
In Cologne, the focus was on European politics. This involved political science research, but above all policy-related consulting. That was what appealed to me the most and prepared me for my career start in Brussels. In addition, in Cologne I was able to deal with economic issues again, which in my view is an important basis for understanding political developments. But to be completely honest: the proximity to the Rhine was also not entirely unimportant.
You work at DLR as a scientific officer. Can you tell us more about your tasks and responsibilities?
Our team supports the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the formulation and implementation of European research and innovation policy. That sounds pretty abstract at first, but it becomes clearer when you look at the specific tasks.
Research and innovation policy in the EU - actually in the so-called European Research Area - is a collaboration between the European and national levels. In addition to the major EU framework program for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, the lion's share of funding and competencies is at national level. However, the EU member states coordinate with each other to ensure that there is no "parochialism" here. And this is exactly where we come in: I help to ensure that the German government and the governments of other countries come together and coordinate their research projects.
Think of large-scale projects such as high-performance computers, but also transnational citizen science projects. And then I'm also leading a communication campaign to make these efforts and the benefits of the European project more visible.
And what do you particularly enjoy in your position?
It's really exciting to be able to follow and actively support the latest developments in research - from a wide range of disciplines. We talk to marine biologists, IT experts and researchers from the field of particle physics. And at the same time, we work across borders throughout Europe. I myself have always traveled a lot during my studies and career and I believe that international exchange is absolutely essential, especially in our field.
Which blogs, podcasts or social media channels do you follow to keep an eye on social developments, trends and possible future topics?
To keep up to date with developments at European level, I follow the Science Business portal. The podcast "Systemrelevant" from the Hans Böckler Foundation is also great. You can also always find interesting analyses and articles on German research and innovation policy on journalist Jan-Martin Wiarda's blog. I can of course also recommend the website of our campaign, www.forschungsraum.eu. We are only just starting to set up our website, but you can already find some interesting information there.
Please add: "When I think back to my student days in Cologne, I think of ..."
... a rather varied time with internships and excursions, but also countless days of studying in the law building in Gottfried-Keller-Straße. Greetings to the always cheerful people at reception!
Try to engage with socially relevant issues, pursue your own interests and seek out international exchange.
What advice would you give our students in general? And what are your three tips for our students?
I have always appreciated broad and interdisciplinary studies. Although this is advised everywhere, it is not always appreciated, especially in increasingly specialized departments. Otherwise, I would say, especially for my own department: try to deal with socially relevant issues, pursue your own interests and seek international exchange.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Interview: Ayla Wisselinck