Niamh's secondment to the University of Osnabrück, Germany

I am Niamh O’Connor, ESR 9 in the PRORISK project. My project aims to extrapolate from chemical effects on the feeding rates of individuals to populations level responses, and subsequent effects on ecosystem functions. In the Summer of 2022, I spent 2 months at the Institute for Mathematics at the University of Osnabrück with Professor Andreas Focks. The aim of the secondment was to develop skills in model implementation, application, and interpretation within the context of chemical risk assessment.

Within days of my arrival in Osnabrück, it was time for the annual student music festival on campus. It was the perfect ice breaker and a chance to get to know the other PhD students in the department. I’d say there’s no better way to bond across cultures than with music, dancing, ….and flunky ball!

What struck me about the German office culture was the natural separation of work and relaxation time – a skill I’m still trying to master. As the summer went on, and the temperatures began to rise, there was no better way to cool down after work than to go for a swim in the canal.

The secondment to Osnabrück gave me insight into mathematical modelling and to see how “hard-core” modellers approach ecological problems. The Systems Science group is part of the Institute for Mathematics – their approaches are rooted in systems science and the students are skilled in systems level thinking, with strong foundations in mathematical modelling. My background is more applied, so I tend to look at problems before I look at the tools used to solve them (well, mostly…). This secondment forced me to dig deeper into the ecological processes in the systems I was trying to model. This way, I could better explain them in simple mathematical terms.

The natural world is very complex, and models can be used to simplify them. From an ecological point of view, it is a challenge to find the balance between ecological complexity, and mathematical simplicity. I really benefitted from discussions with Prof. Focks and his PhD student Leo. I learned to practise breaking down ecological systems into their simplest form - building in complexity gradually to better understand how they respond to stress in real life. I also learned some life lessons that will stay with me throughout my career.

So, what did I learn from my time in Osnabrück?

• Models don’t need to encompass all aspects of reality. Just the ones that you think are important for your research
• Remember to take breaks – you’re much more productive and clearer headed when you’ve had a break from the desk.
• Failures and mistakes are all part of the process – and it’s easier to deal with failures, when you remember to take regular breaks