Meet the Team – Sören Gerdts

Through our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we continue to shine a spotlight on the people who make up the ISL. We provide personal insights into their career paths, areas of expertise and individual motivations. In this way, we showcase the people behind our projects who help shape the ISL every day with their expertise, ideas and dedication.

Today’s profile: Sören Gerdts, a student assistant at the ISL, who combines his studies with practical experience in maritime research and logistics.

How did you come to join ISL?

After completing my A-levels, I decided to study Maritime Transport and Port Management at Jade University of Applied Sciences in Elsfleth. For my Bachelor’s thesis, I wanted to find a partner organisation to provide additional support alongside the university. Through my own research and recommendations, I came across the ISL whilst pursuing this aim. After a few discussions and gathering topics and ideas, a partnership was established between the ISL and Jade University, which enabled me to write and complete my Bachelor’s thesis. I am now studying for a Master’s in Maritime Management and am combining the theoretical aspects of my degree with practical applications at the ISL.

What does your work at the Institute involve?

As a dedicated young professional, I support innovative projects in the field of maritime supply chains with fresh ideas and a solution-oriented approach. In doing so, I seize every opportunity to gain valuable practical experience, expand my industry network and play an active role in shaping the maritime world.

What do you like most about your work?

What I like most about my work is the opportunity to gain practical insights into the maritime world of research. I am fascinated by the many new ideas and approaches that research can generate, and how these are established within an economic context.

Would you share one more personal detail with us?

I really enjoy doing sport, preferably in or on the water.
I discovered the joy of diving when I was a child and have been an active member of a diving club ever since. I look forward to introducing children and young people to diving and, in doing so, giving something back from an activity I’ve enjoyed for many years. When I’m not underwater, I’m out on the water or on my bike.
Apart from sport, I enjoy spending time with my friends, my family and my two cats.