“I started at ITM as General Manager exactly one year ago, two weeks before the lockdown. Getting to know an organisation, colleagues, different stakeholders in full “COVID-mode” has definitely been a unique challenge. I gradually became more familiar with ITM, an internationally reputed institute with warm, motivated staff who are willing to go the extra mile. Students shifted flexibly to digital classrooms, departments and units were able to continue their work despite the financial impact, and COVID-19 forced us all to adapt to new digital work environments and simplified administrative processes.

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The pandemic did not only bring hardship; it also set ITM on the road to evolve into a more efficient, transparent organisation. Warm initiatives such as the ‘mouth mask sewing team’, the musical Snowball Sampling Sessions, and the coffee truck at the end of the summer lightened up the year. For the coming years, I expect to take further steps in modernising ITM processes in order to create a work environment in which scientific, administrative and technical staff can work in an open, respectful culture. And in 2021 I wish to meet all my colleagues in real life!”