The fascination of water – Prof. Dr. Martina Havenith on her passion for research

What motivates women to do research? How do you experience working as a scientist? And what advice do you give to young girls who are interested in STEM? zdi.NRW answers these questions during the zdi heroines October by presenting researchers from NRW who can serve as role models for others.

In an interview today: Prof. Dr. Martina Havenith-Newen. She is head of the RESOLV Institute at the Ruhr University Bochum, has two children and spoke to us about her path into physical chemistry. She explained to us what she researches in her work, what her favorite research project has been and what tips she has for young female scientists.


Professor Havenith, you were the first female professor of physical chemistry in Germany. Do you remember when you really got excited about science?

I had my first encounter with physics when I was about 12 or 13 years old. At that time, the TV show “Captured in Space and Time” by the physicist Heinz Haber was running on television. I used my pocket money to buy the books for the show. That's why I've been waiting longingly for physics lessons at school. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the lessons were no longer that exciting. Among other things, there was an acute shortage of teachers, which is why many of our lessons were cancelled.

Has that affected your enthusiasm for science?

Under no circumstance. Of course, the lessons at school were a bit disappointing, but that didn't dampen my enthusiasm. When I started studying in Bonn, I wanted to be an astronomer. That's why I chose physics and mathematics. Interest in applied physics only increased with the preliminary diploma in physics. That's why I decided to do my diploma thesis in laser physics at the Institute for Applied Physics. With the lasers we were able to carry out highly sensitive measurements to study molecules. In the 90s, the topics of the atmosphere and the hole in the ozone layer were omnipresent in research. And with laser spectroscopy, we could see which reactive molecules are forming. Soon after, I was given the opportunity to do a research year abroad in the USA at the University of California at Berkeley. This one year turned out to be the pivotal one on my path to physical chemistry. At Berkeley, we studied the properties of water in detail. Although I received an offer to extend my stay in the States, I wanted to go back to Europe after the year.

When you came back to Europe, you decided on your field of research. What are you researching exactly?

After my return from the USA, I continued to study the physical and chemical properties of water. Water is the most common solvent on our planet and has fascinating properties of its own. For example, the density of water is highest at 4°C, which is why ice floats on water.
In my opinion, the role of water has been neglected in biochemistry for too long. Even today, water is rarely mentioned in textbooks. In our research we found that water is much more than just a passive participant in the reaction. This finally allowed us to explain why reactions that take place in water sometimes don't work as expected. This was not proven before we started our research because water is difficult to observe at its molecular level. And in general, what cannot be observed is also difficult to incorporate into models. With terahertz spectroscopy (Editor's note: THz spectroscopy), we have developed a method to make the fast movements of the water visible. In our observations we found that the water actively contributes to biological processes. These processes can best be compared to a disco. The water “dances” with a partner but keeps changing partners. In the past, the proteins were the sole "stars" of the reaction, while the water was only seen as a "spectator". We can refute this outdated assumption.

And in general, what cannot be observed is also difficult to incorporate into models. With terahertz spectroscopy (Editor's note: THz spectroscopy), we have developed a method to make the fast movements of the water visible. In our observations we found that the water actively contributes to biological processes. These processes can best be compared to a disco. The water “dances” with a partner but keeps changing partners. In the past, the proteins were the sole "stars" of the reaction, while the water was only seen as a "spectator". We can refute this outdated assumption.

Experimental setup of laser spectroscopy in the laboratory.
Experimental setup of laser spectroscopy in the laboratory.

This is really a good example of how research can have a positive impact on our lives. Is that also your general guiding principle in your research work?

I don't need to know in advance to what extent research will positively change the future, but without new technologies, without experiments, we as humanity will not make any progress. My personal drive is curiosity. When I observe something and get the will to look for the "why", I start researching. In addition, research work is difficult to predict. In the beginning my research group was not funded and only my own curiosity and the luck that I knew people who did research on proteins pushed me forward.

That sounds like a healthy attitude towards her work. What tips would you give to young women interested in STEM who can imagine a career in research?

If you enjoy puzzles, keep that to yourself. Follow your own interests and also like to oppose the "mainstream". Do you come to a conclusion that does not correspond to the current literature? All the better! It's not about what others say, what "one" should do. Do not bow to social pressure and be brave enough to break with classic images and follow your own ideas. But the most important thing is to do what you enjoy.

There is more information on the research work of Prof. Havenith here.

More information about the zdi heroines October 2020 is available here.

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