Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the Biological Psychology working group at the University of Oldenburg.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Scientific Year?

Even while I was still at school, I had the desire to pursue my studies in a scientific direction in order to work in science in the future. The FWJ in biological psychology was the perfect opportunity to familiarise myself with everyday scientific life, different areas and interesting people. This gave me the opportunity to think about my exact choice of degree programme for another year and at the same time gain an insight into the potential world of work.

Where are you employed and what are your areas of responsibility?

I am employed at Oldenburg Hospital on the one hand and at the University of Oldenburg on the other. I work in biological psychology in the NBACCHI project, which deals with the neurobiological basis of changes in behaviour and experience in patients after a craniopharyngioma, a brain tumour in the region of the hypothalamus. Patients often suffer greatly from the consequences of their disease, such as hormonal deficits and severe weight gain. As part of the study, we collect endocrinological, neuropsychological and MRI data, in which I participate and work with both healthy controls and patients. I then send samples (e.g. saliva and blood) that we take during the endocrinological examinations to the laboratory at the clinic, label them, then decant them and freeze them before they are sent on. In addition to all the examinations, I also work a lot in the documentation and organisation of data, attend an English course and a Matlab seminar and have numerous opportunities to take part in lab meetings, symposia and courses. I have also received an MRI induction and will also receive an induction for the MEG in the future. In addition to the NBACCHI study, I also get to learn about other studies in biological psychology and have the opportunity to deal with a wide range of topics (ethics in medicine, observatory, study orientation) as part of the education days.

What challenges have you had to face so far?

I think working very independently and not being afraid to ask all kinds of questions was a bit difficult for me at the beginning. In the meantime, it is no longer a problem for me to familiarise myself with new tasks and to ask questions when things are unclear or to obtain the information I need for some problems independently.

What surprised you positively?

The team and the friendly interaction with us volunteers was a particularly positive surprise. As a volunteer, you naturally imagine that you won't be taken seriously because of your lack of knowledge, but that wasn't the case at all. I was very well accepted into the team and my comments and suggestions were always taken seriously. I could ask questions at any time and they were always answered in detail and at eye level. I also always had the feeling that it was important to everyone in my working group that the voluntary year helped me personally and I always had someone to talk to about this.