Prof. Maike Sander took on the role of the Scientific Director of the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, Germany in November 2022. Her research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the formation and function of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells with the goal to identify novel therapeutic approaches for diabetes. Her work combines genetic approaches in beta cells derived from stem cells with single-cell genomics and genetic association data. Her honors include the Grodsky Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Humboldt Research Award, the Albert Renold Prize from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, and the German National Academy of Sciences. Having recently returned to Germany after nearly 30 years in the United States, Dr. Sander seeks to promote a work environment drawing on the open atmosphere she experienced there as a source of inspiration. To foster the creativity and innovation needed to address today’s challenges, she advocates for research institutions to empower talent at all levels and to create an environment where all individuals can succeed. She believes that considering diverse viewpoints and taking different ideas and perspectives into account, creates richer solutions and propels innovation.