»30 um die 30«: Tuany Gabriela Hoffmann

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 29, we hear from Tuany Gabriela Hoffmann, scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy in Potsdam.

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

TUANY GABRIELA HOFFMANN How long do you think an apple can stay fresh after the harvesting process? The answer depends largely on how the cold storage is managed. Apples can be stored over long periods of time, like 6-12 months. To improve both fruit quality and energy efficiency, we first need to understand what actually happens to apples during storage. That is why we are developing sensors that monitor, in real time, how apples respond to their environment. By feeding this data to predictive models and to the control system, we can optimize how cold rooms operate, making the system more sustainable while keeping the fruit in better condition for longer.

And what would you say to a colleague?

My work focuses on understanding how apples behave inside cold storage and how to maintain a balance between fruit quality and energy use. Although refrigeration is designed to keep fruit stable over long periods, temperatures inside storage rooms are often uneven due to compressor cycles and poor air circulation. These fluctuations can cause surface condensation, uneven cooling, and reduce shelf life. To monitor the real-time conditions apples actually experience in the cold room, we are developing an integrated device, equipped with sensors, which mimic the fruit’s thermal and physical properties. The next step is to feed this real-time data into predictive models and the storage control system, allowing the cold room to adjust itself based on the apples’ actual needs. The goal is to preserve fruit quality while reducing energy consumption.

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

The most rewarding moments in my career has been receiving recognition for my work. This has come in many forms, like winning a Best Presentation Award (ISHS Young Minds Award, Bucharest, Romania), seeing my scientific papers cited, being interviewed by magazines such as Fruchthandel and FachPack, and building a strong professional network in my research field.

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

A future where the agricultural chain generates no waste. Every ‘waste’, from the field to the consumer, is transformed into valuable resources and reintegrated into new food production cycles.

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. Today we have access to advanced technologies, real-time data, and global collaboration like never before. This allow us to explore complex problems more efficiently and creatively.

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

»A life for science« could be part of it, but I would prefer a subtitle like »Where curiosity leads«. While I try to bring science into my everyday life, even outside work, life is bigger than research. One of my passions is traveling to other countries and experiencing different cultures. This allows me to see the world from new perspectives, inspires fresh ideas, and enriches the way I approach both science and life. Personal experiences, relationships, and passions beyond the lab all play an essential role in shaping my curiosity and creativity.

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

The biggest difference is probably the way I approach curiosity and problem-solving. In science, I am trained to observe carefully, question assumptions, create hypothesis, and look for evidence before drawing conclusions. This mindset often carries into everyday life, influencing how I make decisions and see the world. While people outside science may approach challenges more intuitively, my perspective tends to be more analytical and experimental, always looking for patterns and possibilities.

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

Older researchers have years of hands-on knowledge, have seen the field evolve, and have a deep intuition about what works and what does not. They bring more experience and are, most of the times, brilliant in guidance for young researchers.

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

I consider curiosity to be the most important quality for a career in science. A strong desire to ask questions, explore the unknown, and understand how things work drives innovation and discovery. Coupled with persistence and critical thinking, curiosity helps scientists overcome challenges, learn from failures, and keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

How are you perceived as a scientist in society?

It is difficult to have a fully established view of how I am perceived by society, especially as a young researcher. I am still building my experience and professional identity, and I am learning how peers and the public view my work. I imagine that this perception is flexible and can evolve over time as I contribute more to research, engage with the community, and communicate science in meaningful ways. Being aware of this helps me remain open to feedback and improve how I connect science and society.

And how would you like to be perceived?

I would like to be perceived as a curious and dedicated scientist who is passionate about discovery and learning. At the same time, I hope to be seen as approachable and collaborative, someone who can communicate science clearly and make it accessible to others.

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 …  

... all sensors were plug and play devices.

I would like more of:

Interdisciplinary collaboration, since new perspectives often inspire innovative approaches in my research.

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

… spending time on tasks that do not add meaningful value or impact.

Everyone should know that …

… not only temperature control is important when dealing with fresh fruit and vegetables.

To set the record straight once and for all:

Creativity does not follow one schedule. It can show up in the most unexpected moments.

What is your greatest uncertainty in relation to your career?

My greatest uncertainty at this stage is finding a clear path for the next step in my research career. After completing a PhD, there are many possibilities: postdoctoral positions, industry roles, or other research opportunities. It can be challenging to know which path will allow me to grow, contribute meaningfully, and maintain a balance between research impact and personal development. I am excited about the opportunities, but deciding which direction to focus on feels like the biggest uncertainty right now.

How do you manage to stay calm despite this?

I stay calm by focusing on what I can control and doing the best with the things/tools I have now, such as improving my skills, building my network, and exploring different research opportunities. I remind myself that career paths often take unexpected turns, and each experience adds value and insight.

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

The last time I dreamed about work was right before an important presentation. Sometimes I feel these dreams actually help me rehearse, as a way to remember the key points I want to cover during my talk.

Your favourite place to work?

I do not have a single favourite place to work, but I enjoy balancing my days between the office, the lab experiments, and working from home.

A still life on your desk?

As I have recently completed my PhD (12. November 2025), my colleagues at the Leibniz ATB surprised me by changing the lock-screen photo on my office computer the day after. Seeing it genuinely made my day. Every time I log in, I am reminded of the celebration and still feel a bit of that festive joy while I work.

A doodle during a meeting?

After waking up: How does your day start well?

I enjoy a calm, quiet morning while having breakfast, often with the window open to take in the outdoor atmosphere. While getting ready for work, I sometimes listen to music to boost my energy.

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

I look forward to completing my planned tasks, ticking off my to-do list, and ending the day with a clear sense of progress.

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

I look forward to disconnecting and enjoying my free time, like calling to my family, cooking dinner, doing some sports.

A helpful snack for in between meals?

Some sweets, like gummy bears or chocolate.

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

Playing volleyball, running, and short walks on the fields near my institute.

What helps you come up with ideas?

Stepping away from my daily routine often gives me fresh perspectives that feed directly into my research. Traveling to different countries, for example, lets me observe how food is packaged and presented to consumers, and even a simple visit to a local supermarket can reveal cultural differences that inspire new ideas. Meeting colleagues from other fields also broadens my view. Interdisciplinary exchanges often show how methods common in one area can become innovative solutions in another. Sometimes, a technique widely used elsewhere ends up being exactly what can advance my own research.

What helps you stay focused?

I stay focused by listing and prioritizing my daily tasks and creating a calm work environment. Sometimes I listen to music lightly in the background to maintain energy and concentration.

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

I forget everything else when I am working on an exciting project that involves new tasks and provides opportunities to learn something new. The same happens when writing sections of a manuscript or analyzing experimental data, I like to stay fully focused and tune out distractions.