Navid Noroozi hails from Iran and gained his doctoral degree there. At Passau, his host is Professor Fabian Wirth (Chair of Dynamical Systems), investigating stability analysis and stabilization of large-scale nonlinear systems. He will apply potential outcomes of his project to water distribution systems where the water losses are minimized.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Passau?
Fabian Wirth is one of the most leading researchers in my area of study. The input I get from him and his team is highly valuable to my work. It allows me to focus on the theoretical aspects of my research in Passau before going to Bayreuth for the second part of my fellowship.
Which challenges have you faced so far?
At the university, getting along by speaking English is not a problem. Away from the campus, in the shops, making yourself understood is more difficult. Sadly, I only know a few words of German, but luckily the Welcome Centre is there to help.
Your fellowship bears the name of Alexander von Humboldt, a natural scientist, explorer, polymath, cosmopolitan, scholar and patron of the arts. Would you regard Humboldt as your role model?
Alexander von Humboldt was a hardworking researcher. His contributions to the world are really significant. Hence, he is a role model to me.
What does the Humboldt scholarship mean to you?
For me, too, the scholarship is an opportunity to push ahead with my research and to work with leading academics. There are many things I can learn: I work at Passau’s mathematics faculty, even though I am an engineer by training. This kind of interdisciplinary co-operation was new to me, but I feel I benefit from it tremendously. Mathematicians are very rigorous in their treatment of problems, very stringent in the formulation of their research questions and in answering them.
What are your plans for the future after the end of the fellowship?
I plan on returning to Iran. The prestigious fellowship is an excellent reference. I therefore hope for a chance to be appointed Assistant Professor at a good university. These positions are highly coveted and I hope that the fellowship will increase my chances.
(Interview by: Susann Eberlein, Campus Magazin 01/2017; Translation: Andrew Rink)
