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Brief Encounter - Dieter Wolke

Dieter Wolke is Professor in the Department of Psychology and at the Health Science Research Institute, Warwick Medical School. His work involves Trying to bring together excellent researchers and students across faculties who are interested in studying individual differences in development and health over the life span.

 

Dieter Wolke, Professor in the Psychology DepartmentFavourite Phrase
That’s brilliant!

Least Favourite Phrase
I give up.

Life before Warwick
Jacobs Foundation and University of Zurich, Switzerland. Before that, I had academic positions at the Universities of Bristol, Hertfordshire, Munich and London.

Lifelong ambition
More a dream: that children have at least the basics to grow up.

 

As a young child what did you want to be as a "grown-up"?
A cowboy and hero at 5 years of age, later a scientist.

Now that you are grown-up what would be your “dream job”?
It may sound quite boring but I like what I’m doing. My vision is for a Centre of Lifespan Development that brings together various professions for excellent research and manages to help the public and politicians understand challenges from pregnancy to retirement.

Smartest career move
From the University of Bristol to the Jacobs Foundation in Zurich as Scientific Director. I learned a lot about management in the private sector, published more papers in a year than at university, skied more than before and learned about myself that I really wanted to return to academic life and the UK.

Best thing about working at Warwick?
Very friendly reception in the Departments and a keen interest in research.

What has life’s experience taught you so far?
Most things take longer than one thinks. A degree of patience is a virtue.

Major achievement so far
Two healthy and lovely children.

Your favourite pastime or hobby?
Cycling – best with my friends – the Jollywheelers who enjoy a pint during and after cycling; reading; cinema and theatre.