»30 um die 30«: Baseerat Romshoo

The Leibniz Association is turning 30 — but instead of looking back, we’re looking ahead. To mark the anniversary, we’re speaking with researchers at the very beginning of their careers. What determines their attitude towards life? What are their experiences as early-career scientists — and how might their findings help shape a better world 30 years from now? In Episode 26, we hear from Baseerat Romshoo, postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig.

LEIBNIZ How would you explain your research topic to someone at a party? 

BASEERAT ROMSHOO I study these tiny particles floating around in the air like dust, smoke, soot, all the stuff you can’t really see but are constantly breathing in. They might sound boring, but they are total chaos creators. They scatter sunlight, sometimes cooling the planet, sometimes warming it, and even decide when clouds form or rain falls. Basically, they are like microscopic weather influencers. My work is to figure out how these particles behave, how they interact with clouds, and how they secretly tweak the climate. It’s kind of crazy how something so tiny can have such a huge impact on our weather and climate!

And what would you say to a colleague?

My research focuses on the physico-chemical and optical characterization of atmospheric aerosols, particularly black carbon, brown carbon, and mineral dust, and their interactions with radiation and clouds. I investigate how particle morphology, mixing state, and aging processes influence light absorption and scattering by combining in-situ measurements, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations. The overarching goal is to improve parameterizations of aerosol optical properties and aerosol-cloud interactions in regional and global climate models. More recently, I have been integrating multi-platform datasets from diverse environments to better constrain the direct and indirect radiative effects of complex aerosol mixtures from the Amazon (ATTO) to the Southern Ocean (HALO-South).

What has been the best (or most important) moment in your life as a researcher so far?

I’ve had incredible opportunities to go to unique field sites where we conducted measurements, from the Amazon rainforest to the Southern Ocean, even witnessing Antarctic sea ice. Experiencing science in such environments has been truly stimulating and rewarding. It’s also always a special feeling to see a paper published, present your work at a conference, and receive genuine appreciation from the scientific community.

How could your research have made the world a little better in 30 years? (It's okay to dream big.)

Global warming and climate change have always been deeply relevant to me as a researcher, shaping the motivation behind my work. In 30 years, I hope my research will have contributed to making climate predictions more accurate, enabling better reforms, policy-making, and urgent actions to mitigate their impacts. Ultimately, I hope this work inspires greater environmental responsibility and collective efforts toward a cleaner atmosphere and a greener, more sustainable planet.

In which era would you have liked to have been a scientist? Or is now the best time? 

I think now is the best time to be a scientist, especially as a woman. We are part of a generation where opportunities, representation, and voices for women in research are stronger than ever. It’s inspiring to see more women leading major scientific projects, field campaigns, and policy discussions, spaces that were once difficult to access. This era allows women scientists not only to contribute groundbreaking research but also to redefine what leadership in science looks like. Being part of that change makes this the most exciting time to be a researcher.

‘A life for science’ – could that be the subtitle of your biography one day? If not, what subtitle would you find appropriate?

Being a researcher is a big part of who I am. It shapes how I see the world, how I understand people, and how I approach things in life. Science teaches you to stay curious, to ask questions, and to accept that not everything has a perfect answer. It gives space for errors, for repetition, and for learning again and again. Of course, science is not everything; there are other sides to life that matter just as much. But for me, it is what drives how I think and grow. I would describe it simply as »A life inspired by science.«

When you meet people your age who do not work in science: What is the biggest difference between you?

Well, it really depends. Sometimes even people working in science can be very different. But if I compare with those outside science, I think being a researcher teaches you certain skills and ways of thinking that others might not develop in the same way. At the same time, I feel that today’s youth is incredibly dynamic and aware, regardless of their field. Even if someone is not in science, it is easy to connect.

When you meet older researchers in your discipline, what is the biggest difference between you?

The way of approaching science naturally evolves with each generation. I see the current generation contributing fresh perspectives, greater creativity, and stronger adaptability. Together, these different approaches strengthen the scientific community and drive its progress.

What quality do you consider most important for a career in science?

I think curiosity is at the heart of a good scientist, but it needs to be balanced with patience and perseverance to build a meaningful career in science.

How are you perceived as a scientist in society?

I often get the »wow« reaction when people hear about my work as a scientist. Many are genuinely curious and appreciate that our efforts contribute to society with little personal gain, driven mostly by curiosity and purpose. It feels rewarding when people realize how science connects to their everyday lives. Of course, there is still a small section that remains skeptical, but that perception is gradually changing as awareness and interest in science continue to grow.

And how would you like to be perceived?

I would like to be perceived as an approachable scientist who is open-minded and free of bias, yet strong and bold enough to speak up against wrong. I hope to be seen as someone who combines empathy with integrity, and who uses science not only to understand the world but also to stand for what is fair and right.

Please complete the following sentences. You can express realistic wishes or let your imagination run wild. Sentence number one: My work would be so much easier if …  

… there were less bureaucracy and less bias in research and society.

I would like more of:

Days of a year :D

If I could stop doing something right now, it would be ...

… hate and intolerance in the society

Everyone should know that ...

… confidence in yourself is essential.

To set the record straight once and for all:

No, I don’t just predict if it is going to rain or be sunny.

What is your greatest uncertainty in relation to your career?

One of my greatest uncertainties is mobility. A career in science often means moving between countries, institutes, or projects, sometimes at the cost of stability in personal life. While these experiences are enriching and broaden your perspective, constant mobility can also make it hard to plan for the long term.

How do you manage to stay calm despite this?

I am a firm believer that what is meant for you will always find its way. You just have to be genuine, stay true to your purpose, and keep working for your cause. I chose this path in the first place because I love it, and that keeps me grounded through all the uncertainties. Everything else eventually falls into place when the time is right.

Do you sometimes dream about work? If so, are they pleasant dreams?

I often dream about my work when I am facing a challenge in my research, and surprisingly, I sometimes find solutions or new ideas in those dreams.

Your favourite place to work?

For data analysis, I prefer my office desk, and for writing, definitely my home desk. Each space brings a different kind of focus and energy.

A still life on your desk?

After waking up: How does your day start well?

My day starts well with a calm morning and a bit of quiet time. If I can begin the day without rushing, everything seems to flow more easily after that.

What do you look forward to on a normal working day?

I look forward to ticking off tasks from my checklist, each one bringing me a little closer to completing a study.

What do you look forward to when your working day is over?

I look forward to talking to my family, and towards the end of the day, I usually get distracted thinking about what to eat or cook for dinner.

A helpful snack for in between meals?

Depending on the day, either some fresh fruits or a bit of chocolate/crisps.

A little escape from everyday (working) life that helps you recharge your batteries quickly?

Meeting friends, short trips, trying new foods, and buying new stationery.

What helps you come up with ideas?

Traveling alone on long-distance trains, or even during my morning commute to work, often helps me come up with new ideas. And of course, ideas also need knowledge, which comes from reading new papers and attending conferences and workshops.

What helps you stay focused?

Starting work early and making a to-do list help me stay focused. Having a clear plan for the day keeps me organized.

When do you forget everything else around you while you're working?

I completely forget everything else around me when I’m deep into data analysis, coding, or trying to make a plot look exactly the way I want. The same happens when I’m finishing sections of a paper, time just flies.