Ten questions with Dr Tanja Romankiewicz

1. What does innovation mean to you? 

Creative, linked up thinking to develop something good – not just new, but inspiring.

 

2. What has been your biggest success? 

The shift in my career path from researching on my own to being able to build a team – for which becoming a Chancellor’s Fellow has been instrumental.

 

3. What failure has helped shape you?

I am not sure I think of failures. I think of journeys that take longer than expected, but that lead to unexpected lands.

 

4. What is most important to you?

Silence.

 

5. What book do you recommend to others? 

Frederick by Leo Lionni.

While all other mice are collecting food for the long winter ahead, Frederick seemingly sits around doing nothing. But Frederick collects sunrays, colours and the mild summer breeze. When the food reserves run low in the midst of winter, Frederick shares images of the warmth of the sun, the colours of the rainbow, and the stories whispered by the summer wind. The mice huddle together closely and get through the worst together.

Frederick is my go-to when people question the need for the Arts and Humanities.

 

6. What would your friends say your greatest strengths and weaknesses are? 

My best friend says my greatest strength is dauntlessness, and the general consensus was that punctuality is my biggest weakness - “you’ll be late for your own funeral” is what they all said!

 

7. What scares you?

The climate crisis.

 

8. What piece of advice has stuck with you? 

Find the balance between doing and being.

 

9. What future innovation would you like to see happen in your lifetime?

Anything that stops the climate emergency.

 

10. What gives you hope? 

 A smile.