October 02, 2026 | News | New Faces at MPIDR
Welcome, Kirsten Emmert!
Kirsten Emmert is the new IMPRS-PHDS coordinator at the MPIDR. © MPIDR/Schulz
The team of the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science is happy to welcome Kirsten Emmert as the new IMPRS-PHDS Coordinator. Kirsten holds degrees in Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience, and Psychology and has gained experience in research and research management through a variety of positions over the past years. Before joining the MPIDR, Kirsten was a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Health Promotion and Prevention at the University of Bremen. In her main research project, she developed strategies for communicating cancer risk scores and investigated factors that facilitate or hinder the adaptation of screening strategies to individual cancer risk.
What is your job at the MPIDR?
As the IMPRS-PHDS coordinator, my job is to create training and professional development opportunities for PhD students at the institute and within the international IMPRS-PHDS network.
What motivates you to work in this field?
During my time as a researcher, I’ve witnessed many positive—but also many negative—experiences among PhD students. My motivation is to use this knowledge to make the educational experience a little better for future generations. In my view, this involves not only organizing appropriate, high-quality courses for students, but also helping advisors find a good structure to support students efficiently and make them feel welcome here.
What did you do before you started at the MPIDR?
I held a variety of research and research management roles in Germany, Switzerland and England prior to joining the MPIDR. Most recently, I was a postdoc in the field of health psychology at the University of Bremen.
Why did you choose the MPIDR as your new employer?
There were two reasons:
- I wanted to make a difference in the field of early-career support again, and this position offers exceptionally good conditions for doing so.
- Rostock is close to the sea, and I love the sea.
Where are you from? What do you miss most about home — and what do you not miss at all?
I’m from a small village in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein. I miss going for walks and knowing almost everyone I meet, and being able to chat with them. I don't miss it at all, though, that the last bus leaves as early as 5:30 p.m. Still, during my first few days here, I’ve gotten the feeling that the MPIDR is like a small village, too—and I really like that!
What do you like best and least about your job?
What I like best is that I get to work with many intelligent and fascinating people from all over the world. What I like least is having to fill out forms.
What do you do when you’re not working as the IMPRS-PHDS coordinator? What interests or fascinates you? Do you have any other great passions?
As I mentioned before, I love the ocean. I absolutely love sailing, and sometimes I go kitesurfing with my husband—though he’s definitely better at it than I am. I used to enjoy playing volleyball, too, and I’m currently looking into what opportunities there are here to play (beach) volleyball. I’m really looking forward to hitting the beach and the ocean around here.