Minerva’s Daughters and Sons – A man of many talents: Bernd Mienert

Bernd Mienert works as a technician in the Joint Work Space for Frank Neese’s department.

The 59-year-old is responsible, among other things, for the instrument control of Mössbauer spectrometers and deals with a lot of programming, electronics, and tinkering in his daily work. For someone trained as a chemical laboratory technician, that’s rather unusual – but Bernd has many talents that he contributes to the Chemistry Campus. He tells us about them in the format “Minerva’s Daughters and Sons – committed.”

 

What brought you here? Tell us about your way to the Kohlenforschung.

Bernd Mienert: It’s now been 42 years since I began my training as a chemical laboratory assistant at what was then the MPI for Radiation Chemistry (MPI für Strahlenchemie) – today’s CEC. Even as a child, I was fascinated by chemistry and loved experimenting at home. When we had to explore a professional field for school, I visited the institute for the first time and liked it very much. At the time, my sister was training to become a physics laboratory technician. Afterwards, I completed my school internship at the MPI – incidentally in the KOFO with Mr. Rosenbaum. After that, I applied for the training to become a chemical laboratory assistant.

You joined the Kohlenforschung with Professor Frank Neese and you haven't worked in a traditional chemistry laboratory since many years. What does your working day look like now?

Bernd Mienert: That’s right. These days, I like to say that I work as a technician, even though I never formally trained as one. My job is instrument control for our Mössbauer, SQUID, and EPR spectrometers. I make sure that the instruments function properly and that every measurement runs smoothly. To do this, I sometimes need to further develop the hardware and software, ensure compatibility, and be able to develop and link databases. I taught myself these skills. I’ve always been interested in electronics and computers, and I quickly found myself working in that area when, after my training, I had the opportunity to take on responsibility for an electron accelerator. A colleague taught me a great deal back then, and I really threw myself into the work. My supervisors always put a lot of trust in me and were happy when I developed new automation processes that simplified handling. That was very motivating.

In addition to your work in the Joint Work Space, you hold various other (voluntary) roles. Which ones?

Bernd Mienert. Yes, I don’t just have many hobbies. (Laughs) I’ve been a member of the CEC works council for almost 20 years. My topics there are often IT and data protection. But I’ve also always been very interested in interpersonal matters, and many years ago I completed further training as a conflict advisor. Since 2011, I’ve been officially appointed as a conflict advisor at the CEC, and since 2019 at the Kohlenforschung. I am also a Mental Health First Aider and available when quick support for psychological stress is needed. My office is always open, and I’m happy to help.

What are your experiences in conflict counseling – have there been difficult situations?

Bernd Mienert: Of course, I’m bound to confidentiality – but back then, there was a difficult situation that motivated me to undergo conflict advisor training. Today, employees from the CEC and KOFO can come to me when they need a different perspective on a conflict. Some people just need someone to talk to about their problems; other times I support them with the next steps. I’m very open about that and leave it to the person who comes to me to decide how I can contribute. Often, I simply tell people: “Just talk to each other.” Many conflicts can be resolved when those involved approach each other.

You also visit schools and kindergartens and conduct experiments there. How do you experience STEM interest among boys and girls, and what motivates you?

Bernd Mienert: For many years now, I’ve been visiting schools on behalf of the CEC — for example, I offer programs for primary school students on the topic of low temperatures. I come for presentations, have put together a small experiment show, or contribute to the “Weather & Climate” teaching unit. Of course, I also participate in Girls’ Day. I really enjoy the school visits because – even if it sounds cheesy – it’s simply wonderful to look into children’s shining eyes. There’s almost always at least one very interested child in the group who already knows a lot. But when after the lesson you’ve managed to newly inspire even one more child about the natural sciences – that’s great and worth every effort.

You’ve also been a core member and founding member of the campus band “Energy Converters” for many years and organized our joint campus festival this summer. What are your hopes for the future of the Chemistry Campus?

Bernd Mienert: For the future, I wish for an even better atmosphere at the campus for both institutes. It’s already great that we come together for joint celebrations – but there could be even more networking. For example, I would love to see researchers from both institutes bring a science slam to the stage for colleagues as well as interested laypeople. It should be presented in a way that everyone can take something away from it. I’m sure there are still many hidden talents at our institutes…