Berfin Göker receives the Max Planck Society's Trainee Award
Anyone who completes their training at a Max Planck Institute with outstanding results can not only look forward to their future career with hope, but can also be nominated for a Max Planck Society Trainee Award. Every year, the research organisation honors a handful of trainees from its 84 institutes who have excelled in their professional, academic or personal lives. This year, chemical laboratory assistant Berfin Göker from the Kohlenforschung was one of them.
„Many people only think of successful science when they think of Max Planck. But it is also our trainees and laboratory technicians who contribute to the Institute's success with great enthusiasm and drive," said Frank Neese, Managing Director of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, handing over the certificate. "For you, Ms Göker, this is not the first award for your outstanding achievements in training. We are very proud that you have passed the exam as the best in your year and wish you continued success in pursuing your professional goals," Neese added.
Berfin Göker completed her training as a chemical laboratory assistant at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung under special conditions, as the 24-year-old is hearing impaired and relies on sign language support. "At vocational school, Berfin had to overcome many hurdles, organize help and teach herself a lot of the material," explains training manager Laila Sahraoui. "Berfin was almost too eager during her training and absolutely deserves to be honored with the trainee award. We're all really happy that she can now continue to pursue her passion for research and thirst for knowledge as a laboratory assistant in liquid chromatography.”
Since 2007, the Max Planck Society has awarded up to 20 prizes each year for outstanding achievements or special commitment during training. The prize is worth 750 euros and also focuses on personal development. This is Berfin Göker's second award for her training: In 2023, she received the Ernst Haage Award for Trainees.
