Testimonials

Hans Gerritsen

"Focus"

As a researcher, you are focussing every day. Particularly if you’re working with confocal microscopes and lasers, like I am, or with 3D microscopes, which we use, for example, to research the optical characteristics of human and animal tissues. Although we take a broad perspective in my discipline, we are looking for specific target-oriented applications, e.g. to improve the diagnostics of superficial types of cancer. For me personally, the opportunity to help others is an important drive to do this work. That is the reason why I like to give lectures to students. To see their eyes sparkling when they have discovered something new, that is what makes our job so fascinating.

Just to be clear: I am not a biomedical scientist, but a physicist with a broad field of interest. I’m an expert in technical matters, but I also want to master the fundamental principles on the biophysical side. How can I build a microscope that has to examine tissue, without me knowing the optical characteristics of that tissue? To be honest, I have to admit that when I built a confocal microscope about sixteen years ago, I did not have the faintest idea of all the possible applications.

I was in the pioneering stage, and this is when I came to know Erik. We regularly brainstormed about the necessary components. But we also took time to discuss family life. Because no matter how wonderful it is to solely focus on work, discoveries and applications, there should be a balance! In other words, focussing on both work and family. The real miracle – I do not want to refer to it as a discovery – is being a father to four children. Never mind the fact that one of them failed a physics exam…


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