Women Month: Focus on Ms Renate Zipfel (Manager DNA Sanger sequencing facility and Co-manager of UPGL)

Q: What has been the highlight of your career? 
A: My highlights are seeing the joy and sense of achievement in our students' faces when they get good results or achieve a goal after working hard and struggling to get there.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I am naturally curious, and working in the biological sciences offers a never-ending opportunity to learn and marvel at the miracle of life.
My colleagues and the UP students - it is a privilege to support them and contribute to their success.
My husband, Manfred Zipfel who, never gives up, and no matter how tough life gets, he will always find something to smile about.

Q: What challenges have you experienced in your career?
A: The biggest challenge in my career was finding a niche where I could fit in and contribute. After my MSc in Genetics, I realised that I am not a typical academic but like to work in a strong research and academic environment. I appreciate that my technical position at UP is rather unique and that I had to grow into this position and carve a space for myself. I want to acknowledge and thank UP, NAS, and particularly my mentors, colleagues, and students at UP, as well as, recently, the support from DIPLOMICS and the ACGT teams who provided that opportunity. I hope to be able to continue to grow and contribute towards the success of other people. The concept is summarised in the saying 'Pay it forward'.

Q: What message do you have for the women of South Africa?
A: I hope that my message is universal and not only for women. Be authentic - you are unique.
Be the best you can be today, and know tomorrow may be different. Take opportunities to grow into the best person you can be. When you know better - do better.