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“ We cultivated the soil and
”
watched personalities grow.

DCR PROJECT

MANAGEMENT

ANJA RILLCKE &

NATALINA BELLANCA

When you search under “My PhD is… ” the courses, proofreading services, and confer-
auto complete function proposes “killing me,” ences to attend, assisting with tedious tasks
“ruining my life,” “a disaster,” “too hard.” As like business trip applications, billing or
coordinators of the program, we sought to reporting, just as we did with career planning
ensure that the time to degree turned out to or interpreting a dress code or finding a
be the exact opposite of these clichés: smooth childcare center. These efforts make it easier
and successful and filled with joyful memories. for members to settle in and do research in
Germany and eventually make this country
Meeting individual needs in this unique pro- a home. We had the pleasure of accompanying
gram in the context of a public university was outstanding personalities from their day of
easier said than done. Internationally oriented arrival to the day of their dissertation defense
researchers who embody the entrepreneurial and, rewardingly, way beyond. Let’s say we
spirit of initiative taking and striving to cultivated the soil and watched them grow.
replace the good with what is better can be
somewhat intimidating. Still, we often man- A very special thank you for unfailing support
aged to open doors for greater flexibility goes to the four previous coordinators.
within existing rules. We promoted knowledge They kept control of the many strands that
sharing among DCR members through inter- came together to ensure that the program
nal meetings, brownbag seminars, and at would run smoothly:
lunch. Naturally we supported new members
with visa and housing matters, provided ANJA KÖHLER | TINA PFAU
advice on language, integration or sports KATHARINA SEIFFART | PEGGY ZIMMER
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