After studying physics at Philipps-Universität Marburg and University College Cork in Ireland specializing in semiconductor and laser physics, Sören Schäfer obtained his doctorate at Leibniz Universität Hannover in 2018. He carried out his doctoral research in cooperation with the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH), focusing on the optical properties of silicon-based solar cells. He remained at ISFH until 2021 before joining HSRM, where his research centered on the functionalization of silicon using ultrashort laser pulses. Since 2022, he has been part of the REQUAS program, which includes teaching Applied Physics at HSRM and serving as a senior researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microtechnology and Microsystems (IMM) in Mainz.

What aspect of your research fascinates you the most?

The research process ranges from initial questions such as “How does this actually work?” or “Can principle XY also be applied to other problems?”, to developing models and conducting experiments, through to analyzing results and comparing them with expectations. This often leads to both small and large “aha” moments. Even if these are not always immediately satisfying, there is a strong appeal in uncovering the unknown – for example by refining the experiment or the model. Especially in my field of materials research and microtechnology, I am fascinated by how concepts developed over weeks and months ultimately lead to something tangible, such as a small sensor. Seeing this emerge under a microscope is always something special.

What makes good teaching for you?

The real art lies in fostering students’ motivation to learn and sustaining the enthusiasm they usually bring at the start of their studies. Too often, this is lost in the whirlwind of heavy workloads and exam stress. By teaching the fundamentals and highlighting their practical relevance, good teaching can spark the “aha” moments that keep curiosity alive.

What career aspirations did you have as a child?

For the longest time, I wanted to be a farmer because I loved driving a tractor – the rush of the airstream and the roar of the engine.

How do you find a balance to your work?

It changes from time to time. At the moment, it’s mostly hanging out with my kids. Otherwise, I try to stay fit by doing sports – preferably not running –, and like going to concerts or reading things unrelated to my field.