Maurice

The scholarship holders of the Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships are multi-talented. They also prove that their talents do not necessarily have to be related to the STEM field. This time, Maurice reveals his hidden talent. 

My start to the University of Heidelberg was a chaotic time for me but the generous HPW Scholarship provided me with a financial cushion, so that I had one thing fewer to worry about. The reason why I had chosen Heidelberg for my masters studies was my interest for fundamental physics. I wanted to learn about quantum field theory, the fundamental model describing the small quantum particles that make up everything we can see (and not see) in the world around us, about General Relativity which models the large scale processes, the incompatibility of these two theories and our attempts to unite them (string theory). Heidelbergs strong community of mathematical physicists made this possible for me.

As part of the scholarship holders‘ network, I also quite enjoyed the many social events I was invited to. Connecting with bright young minds from my own, but also from very different STEM fields is always stimulating. I would even call some of them my friends. One of these gatherings, that included excursions to exhibitions, research centers and the cinema, also lead to an unforseen development in my life: After visiting A Science Slam together with the other scholarship holders, I made a spontaneous decision. The next day, an email was written, 2 months later I participated in a workshop on science communication and after half a year, I found myself back in the same auditorium. Twelve minutes later a bell rang and my time was over. I had officially become a science slammer.

Although I consider myself a good public speaker, having 400 pairs of eyes stare at me was a big step out of my comfort zone. But being able to present the research I conducted for my masters thesis to such a huge crowd was exhilarating. I consider science communication as a core responsibility that we, as scientists, have. Especially because our education and wages depend on tax money. But this duty can become a pleasure and I urge every one of you to try it for yourselves!