Water management and land use, climate change and strategies for adaptation in agriculture - Dr Claudia Heidecke has been dealing with these essential issues of our time for several years. As deputy head of the staff unit, she uses her expertise to provide policy advice.

"This interface function between research and policy has always particularly interested me. It is challenging because I am often confronted with a variety of topics at the same time," reports the scientist.

She continued her scientific career at the Thünen Institute after completing her doctorate at the University of Bonn in 2009. Initially, she mainly focused on issues relating to land use and water management in agriculture. Over time, topics such as climate adaptation and climate mitigation were added. These topics are now focused on in a European and international context. This also includes providing technical support for the Ministry at the annual international climate negotiations.

Management tasks, business trips, academic work and family life with three children demand time and energy. "The family and the job are incredibly fun. With the understanding at the institute and in the team and with the support of my family, everything somehow fits under one roof. That's why it usually works out quite well," she says. You have to accept that you don't always fulfil all expectations. For example, children sometimes get sick and then you have to reorganise.

In the early years, it was helpful to have the kindergarten on the institute's premises. "Without good, reliable childcare from an early age, I don't think it's possible for both parents to work full-time," she says. Meanwhile, working from home makes time management easier in everyday life. However, working after 9 pm is not possible. A regulation that doesn't quite fit with reality for Claudia Heidecke: "My working day often continues when the children are asleep."