1. Tell me in five words who is Lindsay Kosack? 

   World-citizen, optimist, hiker, surfer, introvert 

2. What made you join CeMM? 

   I was actually in a somewhat desperate situation. I had finished my Bachelor and had 12 months work experience as a Research Assistant in Melbourne, when I decided to move to Berlin and try my luck finding a job in science. I really struggled and was close to packing my things and returning home to Australia. Luckily I was invited for an interview at CeMM and later offered a position by Andreas [Bergthaler]. I was so relieved that someone saw my potential despite not having touched a pipette in nearly two years. The choice to join CeMM was clear. 

3. What is it about science that interests you the most? 

   I was always interested in the natural world. As a child I was fascinated by David Attenborough documentaries on plants and animals, which inspired to me study science. I chose biology in first year university, which sparked my interested in molecular microbiology, virology and immunology. And of course I love the thrill of having an idea and/or doing an experiment and making a discovery that no-one has ever done before. 

4. What is the best career advice you ever received, or you can give to the CeMM community?

   “Fortune favours the prepared mind.” There were two instances during my time at CeMM when I had some very striking results which I completely took for granted and didn’t realise how great they were. Luckily I was surrounded by people who had more experience and were more knowledgeable than myself, and could put my findings into context and recognise how important the results were. 

5. Tell us what happened to you after you left CeMM? 

   I moved to the IGC in Oeiras, Portugal in January 2020, unfortunately just before the COVID-19 pandemic reached Europe. I had a fantastic time but it was also challenging to start a new position in a new country during a pandemic. In 2022 I returned to my home city of Melbourne, Australia and am now working as a Research Assistant in the Bedoui and Utzschneider groups at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.

6. What book do you have on your night table at the moment?

   The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. I have a 30-minute train ride to and from work, so I have plenty of time to read books and try not to scroll on my phone. 

7. What is the last song you heard? 

   Likely something from Jorge Ben Jor. One of the most famous Brazilian musicians. His catalogue spans genres and decades, and his songs have been interpreted my many other artists. His songs are also great for anyone interested in learning Portuguese. 

8. Any message you would like to give to CeMMies or a former colleague? 

   I hope to see more of you here in the Southern Hemisphere for either business or pleasure! There are some excellent institutes here in Melbourne doing great science. Melbourne and Vienna often compete for the title of “most liveable city,” so many of you would feel at home here. We have good coffee, reliable public transport, great restaurants, beaches and mountains (and Kangaroos).

Lindsay Kosack, BSc. is a Research Assistant at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. CeMM and IGC Alumnus. Keen surfer and hiker