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IT and music may seem like distant fields, but for Ronny, they strike the perfect chord. As a founding member of Lipotype’s IT team, he has been with Lipotype since the early startup days, helping to build the company from the ground up. But his impact doesn’t stop there – he’s also a driving force behind Lipoband, a musical band formed by our talented employees. Their live performances bring energy and excitement to our team events, turning them into unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned to uncover stories from Lipotype’s early days and see how Lipoband embodies teamwork and harmony through music.

The Beginning of Lipoband

Lipoband’s journey began several years ago on the birthday of a colleague. To celebrate her birthday, Ronny rewrote the lyrics of some songs and performed them with a ukulele for her, and everyone loved it!

Ronny began creating personalized songs for other colleagues on their birthdays as well, drawing inspiration from various sources and it soon evolved into a meaningful tradition at team events. One time, for instance, Ronny got inspired by a South African singer Jain’s song about an office worker. He then adapted the lyrics and transformed it into a German song for his colleague at Lipotype.

Before he knew it, Ronny and his colleague Cyrus were forming a musical band, and the Lipoband era officially kicked off with their first performance at a summer party. Today, Lipoband has become an integral part of Lipotype’s culture, with a talented lineup that includes Veronika and Christina as vocalists, Cyrus on base, Grzegorz on guitar, and Kai as the percussionist.

Ronny says:

Music has been my passion as well as a hobby since high school. Lipoband started off as a fun project, but now I take it more seriously since I really like being part of the band, and it’s become Lipotype’s signature touch at our events.

Dr. Ronny Herzog
Head of Software Engineering & IT-Infrastructure

How Live Music Strengthens Lipotype’s Team Spirit

Lipotype’s first performance at the summer party remains the most memorable for Ronny. The first performance was a whirlwind of many emotions: nervousness, a few minor slip-ups, but above all, an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy!  Fun fact – a company friend from Berlin even came to Dresden to play drums for Lipotype and Lipoband!

Another standout performance was at the Tisá team event last year, where Ronny could see people genuinely enjoying the music. Ronny wrote a collection of original theme songs about the company and its team members that everyone can sing along to. Seeing people jump on stage and dance to Lipoband’s songs, fully enjoying the live experience, made him think that their music really resonates with them.

Juggling Dual Roles: Leading IT Department and Rocking the Stage

Some might wonder how Ronny balances his work and band commitments. Ronny is a great example showing how it’s possible to achieve both milestones. Not only has he been successfully leading the IT team, but he’s also found success in music, earning an impressive $1.45 last year from his Lipoband tracks on Spotify!

Lipoband practices every Friday for two hours, allowing them to prepare for performances without consuming too much of their time. Having designated practice hours like this helps him maintain a long-term balance between music and IT more effectively. Additionally, setting priorities helps. He makes sure that his responsibilities as the head of Software Engineering & IT-Infrastructure are his top priority.

Want to listen to Lipoband?

We’ve got you covered! Lipoband is on Spotify – Go check it out!

Listen to Lipoband on Spotify

Embarking on a Startup Journey

When faced with the decision to either continue his career in science or pursue a career in the corporate world, Ronny chose to embrace both by being one of the founding members of Lipotype, where he found a way to balance his dual passions. He successfully manages his scientific interests and corporate responsibilities, such as developing the in-house software “LipotypeXplorer2,” while also pursuing his personal passion for music with Lipoband.

What is a LipotypeXplorer2?

LipotypeXplorer2 is Lipotype’s most extensively tested software, ensuring top-quality results through hundreds of in-depth tests.

It powers Lipotype’s lipid identification pipeline and supports batch processing and various scanning methods, making it essential for lipidomics in cell biology and molecular medicine.

Working at a Startup and Being in a Band Have a Lot in Common

Ronny has seen Lipotype grow as a company from the very beginning, and he believes that the important factors driving the growth of both a startup and a band are strikingly similar. The key to Lipoband and Lipotype’s success with steady growth lies in the exceptional people and teamwork that has always been at the heart of the company. Without the brilliance of a great team, neither a band nor a company can truly thrive!

Ronny’s Advice for Someone Considering Joining a Startup

“Be aware that there is a high possibility that you will need to perform unexpected tasks and learn new things.

Also, reflect on your goals and make sure they align with your decision to join the company. For me, one of the reasons I chose to join Lipotype was my desire to contribute to something meaningful in both my career and life.”

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As 2024 came to an end, we would like to reflect on a year filled with achievements, innovative breakthroughs, and meaningful connections. 2024 has been particularly special for us as we marked a significant milestone – our 10th anniversary! A lot has changed from the very start in 2014, but one thing remains the same: Lipotype’s dedication to making the world a better place through our lipidomics analysis service.

From releasing a powerful lipidomics data exploration tool LipotypeZoom Pro to participating in sports event together, having the most number of employees (and fun parties!), 2024 has seen us expand our reach, and push the boundaries of what is possible in lipidomics research. Join us as we take a closer look at the highlights of 2024, the people who made it all possible, and our vision for the future of lipidomics!

LipotypeXPlorer2 Release

Lipotype celebrated a significant milestone with a party, marking a step forward in improving lives through lipidomics. Lipotype announced the release of LipotypeXplorer2, an in-house developed software for identifying and quantifying lipids from mass spectrometry data.

It is the driving force of our lipid identintification pipeline and now it got a complete overhaul. It is up to 50 times faster, more user friendly, better maintainable and with additional post processing algorithms making its results more accurate and specific. It also is Lipotype’s most tested software with hundreds of in-deep tests to be 100% sure that the results fit our high quality standard. Compared to competing software it doesn’t use a reference spectra database. Instead, users define identification routines with a specific query language. The software supports batch processing and various scanning methods, making it useful for lipidomics in cell biology and molecular medicine.

This progress illustrates Lipotype team’s passion for pioneering innovative technologies in lipidomics.

Mandoo Party

Lipotypers bonded over making Mandoos together, and if you haven’t tried Mandoo yet, you’re definitely missing out! Mandoo is a Korean dumpling filled with a savory mix of veggies and meat, all wrapped in dough. There are many variations in both the filling and the cooking method. The trickiest, yet most fun and creative part, is wrapping the filling with dough and shaping it by hand. After crafting our own unique Mandoos, we cooked them into a delicious Mandoo soup and enjoyed it together. Embracing and learning about each other’s cultures is a core value we actively pursue, forming the very foundation of our team.

REWE Team Challenge

In 2024, Lipotype participated in the REWE Team Challenge as a team named “Fasty Acids”, and it was an incredible experience for everyone involved. As a company dedicated to enhancing people’s lives through our lipidomics services and products, we also prioritize promoting healthy lifestyles within our team. Engaging in activities like running together not only boosts our physical well-being but also strengthens our team spirit. This shared challenge and friendship brought us closer, making it a memorable and unifying event for all. 

10-year anniversary party

Lipotypers, along with their friends and family, gathered to commemorate this special occasion and reflect on Lipotype’s growth over the years. The event was highlighted by a captivating performance from Lipoband and an inspiring speech by our CEO, Kai. This celebration really showed how dedicated and committed our amazing team has been. Without them, Lipotype wouldn’t be where it is today.

LipotypeZoom PRO Release

The wait is over—LipotypeZoom PRO is here! This advanced tool revolutionizes lipidomics data exploration with various enrichment analysis capabilities. The launch was celebrated in style with a fantastic BBQ party, featuring great food, wonderful company, and perfect weather!

Tisa Team Event

The annual Lipotype team event was held in Tisa in 2024, which is a famous spot for its beautiful scenery with rock mountains and hiking trails. It was a perfect opportunity for us to recharge ourselves in nature and build precious memories with the team. As a rapidly growing company, we were thrilled to have the largest turnout of team members ever at the event. The more, the merrier!

Halloween Party

Spooky season arrived in Lipotype in October! The office has been transformed with stunning Halloween-themed decorations and everyone including the kids loved it. It’s no surprise you didn’t recognize Lipotypers and their kids in their impressive costumes at the Halloween party. The night was filled with delicious food and drinks and Lipotype’s very own band, Lipoband kept everyone entertained with their lively music. The creative and elaborate outfits and Lipoband’s performance made the evening truly unforgettable.

Christmas Party

Curious about how Lipotypers celebrate Christmas? Here’s a glimpse into our festive fun! We kicked off the festivities with a lively bowling time at a local bowling center. After work, everyone gathered to show off their bowling. Following the bowling session, we headed to a restaurant for a traditional German Christmas dinner. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, and great company, making it a memorable celebration for all. 

A big thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 10 years! We’re thrilled to continue making a positive impact together. Stay tuned for more!

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At Lipotype, we embrace the diversity of our team, welcoming talents from around the world. Klaudia Steckel, a Laboratory Technician and Research Assistant at Lipotype, is one of the many international employees who contribute to our vibrant work environment. With a BSc in Biochemistry and a MSc focusing on fatty acid profiling and human plasma lipidomics, she relocated from Canada to Germany, driven by her passion for health and science. Let’s take a closer look at her journey with Lipotype! 

Following Her Fascination in Lipidomics and Her German Heritage 

Klaudia got exposed to lipidomics when she was doing her master’s research project, where she discovered her deep interest in lipids and metabolism. After completing her master’s degree, she searched for lipid-related positions in Germany, drawn not only by career opportunities but also by her strong personal connection to the country; both her parents are from or grew up in Germany. She felt inspired to experience the culture herself and reconnect with her heritage.  

Klaudia says:

I love learning new things and growing in my career. That’s why I appreciate Lipotype’s support for my growth and continuous learning opportunities in the lab.

Klaudia Steckel
Lab Technician

Klaudia’s Journey from Canada to Germany

The process of moving from Canada to Germany wasn’t easy but Lipotype made sure she could relocate as smoothly as possible.

Once Klaudia secured the position, Lipotype hired a company to assist with the complex visa process. “It only took about a month to get the visa because Lipotype had already submitted a supporting document to the German government, confirming the job position,” she recalls. She believes that the enthusiastic letter from Lipotype, expressing how much they wanted her to join them in Germany, also helped fast-track her visa process.

The Trials of Moving Abroad – Especially when Your New Home Comes with No Lights

Relocating to a new country presents various challenges, from finding a place to live to setting up essential services like telephone and internet. Since she faced challenges finding housing in Germany before her arrival, she initially stayed at her Lipotype coworker’s place while searching for a home of her own. One particularly memorable experience for Klaudia occurred when she moved into her new home, only to discover it was completely unfurnished-even lacking lights! She recalls the surprise and her resourcefulness in adapting to the situation, using a small lamp as her only light source when night fell.

Klaudia’s First Day of Work

“I still remember the little chocolate muffins with cherries that my boss baked for me on my first day.”

She said the warm welcome made her so excited to work and be part of the Lipotype team. When she arrived at her desk, it was thoughtfully decorated with a gift bag, treats, and other goodies. Over time, she has come to see that Lipotype truly feels like a caring, big family. She observed a noticeable difference in the work culture that fits her better at Lipotype compared to her previous experiences.

How Klaudia Continues to Grow and Learn at Lipotype

“I love learning new things and growing in my career. That’s why I appreciate Lipotype’s support for my growth and continuous learning opportunities in the lab.”

Klaudia is the kind of person who always likes to be curious, learn new things and grow. Having studied fatty acid profiling and lipidomics during her master’s with great passion, she enjoys actively engaging with the field of lipidomics and keeps herself updated with the latest developments. Recognizing her academic passion and curiosity, Lipotype ensures that her role involves not only processing customer samples but also incorporating R&D work into her responsibilities.

What are Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids are crucial components found in all living organisms. They are the primary building blocks of lipids, which are essential fats in our bodies.

The specific structure of fatty acids, particularly their hydrocarbon chains, plays a vital role in many biological processes. In general, fatty acids are the main source of energy for cells and are a necessary part of the diet for animals.

More info for Fatty acids

Klaudia’s Canadian Side and German Side

Klaudia’s Canadian side comes through in her love for hockey. She really likes going to hockey games and she even brought a couple of people to their first hockey game since moving to Dresden!

Her German side comes out when she realized she really appreciates the quiet Sundays here in Germany. She likes that Sundays in Germany are to unwind without any noise or stress.

What Klaudia Misses About Canada

Klaudia misses the wildlife of Canada, where she could easily spot squirrels, bunnies, birds, and raccoons. On her last trip, she even had the thrill of seeing a bear! She also longs for Canada’s nature and landscapes, especially the serene lakes she enjoyed in the fall and summer. While Germany has its own lakes, they are quite different from Canada’s vast ones, where you often can’t see the other side.

Klaudia’s Advice for Someone Planning to Relocate to Germany for Work

“First, be prepared for a lot of paperwork! Make sure to print all your documents in duplicate, as Germany often requires two copies of everything.

On the work side, if you find the right company and they provide a signed document confirming your position within Germany, the moving process will be much smoother.

Lastly, learning or practicing riding a bike is very helpful, as most places are easily accessible by bike here in Germany. It can make getting around much easier and more enjoyable!”

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In the world of cellular biology, the diversity of lipid species within cellular membranes is crucial for maintaining the health and adaptability of cells. Each lipid type contributes to membrane fluidity, forms specialized domains, and helps cells respond to environmental changes. This remarkable biological diversity ensures that membranes function efficiently and adapt to various challenges.

Similarly, at Lipotype, embracing diversity within our team is essential for our success and innovation. Just as diverse lipids enable cellular membranes to function effectively, a team with varied backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives enhances our ability to tackle complex problems, foster creativity, and drive our mission forward. By leveraging our collective diversity, we can achieve greater excellence in our work.

Lipotype is a place where democracy and diversity are not just principles, but the very essence of our existence. Our story is driven by the unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our exceptional team.

A Mosaic of Cultures and Ideas

Walking through our office, you might hear a spirited debate about a new project, with insights coming from colleagues with roots in Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States. Each voice, each perspective, adds a layer of richness to our discussions, helping us to see problems from multiple angles and find innovative solutions. Our diverse team is a microcosm of the world, bringing together a mosaic of cultures and ideas. It is this diversity that has been the key to our success over the past ten years. As Jeongeun from South Korea shares, “Our company’s official language is English, but everyone is passionate about improving my German. I share the office with three German colleagues, and we have ‘German speaking time’ for me. My office mates listen patiently to my clumsy German for an hour a day and correct any mistakes I make. The whiteboard in our room is full of all kinds of random German words. Oh, and of course, I teach them Korean in return.” Jeongeun, who studied in English in Germany and was initially skeptical about finding an English-speaking job, has found a supportive and inclusive environment at Lipotype where she can thrive.

Democracy

In appreciation of our incredible diversity, we hosted a special Team Lunch on June 5th, just before the EU election. The gathering buzzed with excitement as colleagues from various backgrounds came together to discuss democracy, the upcoming elections, and the values we cherish. It was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of our democratic processes and the role each of us plays in shaping the future. The room was filled with vibrant conversations, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose, making it a memorable and meaningful occasion.

Commitment to Cosmopolitan Saxony

At Lipotype, our membership in “Wirtschaft für ein weltoffenes Sachsen (Economy for Cosmopolitan Saxony)” underscores our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. This alliance highlights our commitment to integrating immigrants into the labor market and enhancing Saxony’s economic strength. By being part of this network, we support the values of democracy and cosmopolitanism, which are crucial for our innovative success. As our COO, Dr. Oliver Uecke, states, “Our commitment to a cosmopolitan Saxony reflects our belief that diversity, openness and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation and company success.”

In line with our commitment to fostering a cosmopolitan Saxony, Lipotype proudly participates in “Gastmahl – Dresden is(s)t bunt” each year. This vibrant festival, which celebrates unity and diversity through food and culture, stands as a testament to our dedication to combating xenophobia and promoting inclusivity. By joining this event, we reinforce our belief that embracing diversity is key to our collective growth and innovation, reflecting our values as a global company based in Dresden.

Building a Better Future Together

Our Human Resources and Brand Experience Manager, Martin Richter, encapsulates this spirit: “You can really feel that diversity and inclusion is a way of life for us. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of their background. A wonderful bonus is our occasional potluck dinners, where we celebrate and share the rich and diverse cuisines of our colleagues’ cultures.”

Moreover, Martin emphasizes our global outlook: “We are always open to applications from around the world, not just from Germany or Europe. For instance, we have a colleague who relocated from Canada to Germany to join our team.”

At Lipotype, we believe that by embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we are not just building a better company — we are building a better future together. This commitment brings deeper significance to our slogan, “Lipidomics for a better life.”

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As you ponder over the question of what diapers, dumbbells, and programming languages could possibly have in common, you might come up with numerous answers – easy peasy! For Magda, the most crucial similarity is that they are all essential parts of her life. In this post, we’ll delve into Magda’s remarkable journey and explore how she managed to carve out a successful career as a data scientist while juggling the responsibilities of being a working mother and sports enthusiast.

Magdalena Problem-solving Sworowska

Rumor had it that Magda’s middle name was “Problem-solving.” Her remarkable passion for cracking complex problems had been evident since long ago. It was no surprise that her temperament aligned perfectly with biology, as the thrill of investigating natural or biological phenomena and finding solutions to the challenges that often arose during research was one of the many reasons she chose to major in Molecular Bioengineering.

But Magda’s journey didn’t stop there. Her innate inclination towards problem-solving led her to explore the world of programming. She honed her skills during her studies and soon found herself diving headfirst into the realm of data science. With her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and passion for problem-solving, she quickly made a name for herself in the field – as Magdalena Problem-solving Sworowska.

From biology student to data scientist

Magda had always been passionate about science and technology, but her journey to becoming a data scientist was anything but conventional. After completing her degree in molecular bioengineering at TU Dresden, she was unsure of what her next steps would be. However, her love for problem-solving and data analysis led her down a path she never could have imagined.

Despite not having a background in computer science or bioinformatics, Magda was determined to become a data scientist. She worked tirelessly, studying programming languages and algorithms, and immersing herself in the world of data analysis. And her hard work paid off. Today, she works as a data scientist at Lipotype, a company whose vision aligns perfectly with her lifestyle.

Magda says:

Changing your career path may seem daunting, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The reward of doing what you love is immeasurable.

Magdalena Sworowska
Lipidomics Data Scientist

She is working on Lipotype Zoom, a Lipidomics data analysis application for our customers which allows easy and quick understanding of their experimental data.

What is Lipotype Zoom?

LipotypeZoom is a powerful lipidomics data exploration tool that enables users to easily curate and download their data. It provides a user-friendly interface for analyzing lipidomics data, allowing researchers to easily explore and visualize their data in a customizable manner.

With LipotypeZoom, users can quickly identify trends and patterns within their data and generate high-quality figures for publications or presentations.

TAKE A LOOK NOW

When sports meet programming language

As a working mom, Magda doesn’t have much free time. But the time she does have, she dedicates to her health by staying active and doing a variety of sports. She’s a true sports enthusiast and even organized the Lipong competition, Lipotype’s in-house table tennis tournament. Together with Nicolas, Martin, and Jeongeun, Magda successfully pulled off the first Lipong, creating a tournament table and formulating scores in Excel.

She’s also a regular participant in the weekly HIIT sessions, also known as Lipo-fitness. And because she’s always looking for ways to help others, she even shared an R code she developed that generates five random workout schedules every week.

Magda’s tip: Balancing between career and family

Magda leaned forward in her chair, a warm smile spreading across her face. “I am fortunate to be employed at Lipotype,” she recounted, “as it allowed me to tackle complex projects while still being able to devote time to my personal life. As a new mother to a precious baby boy, it was absolutely paramount that I find a position that would enable me to pursue my career aspirations while also honoring my family commitments.”

In addition to being a new mother, Magda is also the proud owner of a furry friend named Phoebe. She understood that taking care of her dog was just as important as tending to her family and work obligations. Magda made it a point to walk Phoebe every morning before starting her workday. She recognized that her furry companion brought her joy and happiness, which ultimately helped her maintain a positive mindset throughout her busy schedule.

Lipotype’s flexible working hour policy proved to be a godsend for Magda. Whenever her little one fell ill or an unexpected emergency arose, this policy provided a silver lining. With a supportive team and a company culture that prioritized work-life balance, Magda was able to deftly navigate the demands of both work and family.

Magda’s unwavering dedication to achieving harmony between these two essential spheres of her life made her a beacon of inspiration for working mothers everywhere. She believed that the secret to balancing a career and family lay in wise prioritization. “I make a schedule for each day,” she shared thoughtfully, “and hone in on what’s truly vital. Sometimes that means pausing my work to tend to my family, while other times it requires burning the midnight oil to complete a project. But ultimately, what matters most is being able to strike a balance that works for me and my loved ones.”

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Marta’s love for science was matched only by her desire to see it put into action. She was determined to take her knowledge out of the classroom and into the real world, and that’s why she chose to undertake her master’s thesis project with Lipotype – the perfect opportunity to turn theory into practice. What would she discover? What new frontiers would she explore? The possibilities were endless, and Marta was ready to embrace them all. We would like you to meet Marta Vicini, a student assistant at Lipotype.

Marta says:

I thrive on energy and movement, which led me to cheerleading in college. Science is also my passion, and I aimed to channel it into an equally dynamic and exciting career.

Marta Vicini
Student Assistant

“I’m a person who thrives on energy and movement – that’s why I’ve been a cheerleader since my college days,” says Marta, “but science has always been my passion too, and I knew that I wanted to channel that passion into a career that was just as dynamic and exciting.”

Breaking boundaries: exploring new horizons.

Marta’s passion for biotechnology began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Genoa. But as much as she loved her home city, she couldn’t help feeling restless. She yearned to explore new horizons and test herself in unfamiliar territory. And so, with a heart full of determination and a head full of dreams, she set her sights on studying abroad.

It wasn’t an easy decision. Marta came from a big, tight-knit family, and the idea of leaving everything she knew behind was daunting. But she was driven by a desire to prove herself and to find her own way in the world. As she packed her bags and prepared to embark on a new adventure.

“They say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (laugh).”

Beyond the lab

During her time at TU Dresden, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of biotechnology and molecular bioengineering. She is now eager to put her education to the test by working in a real-world setting, which is why she has decided to join the Lipotype team as a student assistant on a research project.

The project Marta is working on aims to optimize lipid extraction protocols for samples with low lipid content and high salt content, which can be difficult to analyze via mass spectrometry. By using solid-phase separation techniques, Marta and the rest of the team will be working to expand the range of samples that can be analyzed, thereby offering more comprehensive and accurate analysis services.

What is Mass Spectrometry?

Mass spectrometry charges and analyzes molecules, aiding in identifying and quantifying them. It’s valuable across fields, helping understand the impact of lifestyle and diseases by examining molecular information from lipids, metabolites, and proteins in the human body.

About mass spectrometry

What is Mass Spectrometry?

Mass spectrometry charges and analyzes molecules, aiding in identifying and quantifying them. It’s valuable across fields, helping understand the impact of lifestyle and diseases by examining molecular information from lipids, metabolites, and proteins in the human body.

About mass spectrometry

Stepping out of comfort zone

As Marta described her experience with Lipotype, her face lit up with excitement. She saw the opportunity as a chance to expand her knowledge and learn new things while also immersing herself in the environment of a company outside of academia.

Marta spoke about how stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new in the industry was a great first step toward achieving her future goals. She felt that Lipotype was the perfect place to gain more insights and develop the skills she would need to pursue her career aspirations.

It was clear that Marta was filled with a sense of adventure and excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead. She was eager to embrace the challenges that Lipotype would present and was confident that this experience would help her grow both personally and professionally.

Life at Lipotype

Not only is Marta a dedicated student of molecular bioengineering, but she’s also a fitness fanatic who’s always looking to challenge herself. That’s why Marta was thrilled to learn that Lipotype values the health and wellness of its employees. Not only does Lipotype encourage exercise and a healthy lifestyle, but they also have a Lipo-Fitness session every Monday where one person organizes the High Intensive Interval Training (HIIT) program. Marta was excited to participate in this weekly fitness routine and even prepared her own workout session to share with her colleagues. According to the participants who attended her session, they were feeling the burn for a few days afterward.

Marta’s career tip: Don’t be afraid to take the bull by the horns!

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being proactive is key. Lipotype was on my radar for ages, but I knew I couldn’t sit back and wait for them to come to me. So, I rolled up my sleeves, sent out some emails, and landed myself an interview. Simple as that! My advice to any budding scientists out there? Don’t be afraid to take the bull by the horns – you never know where it might take you!”

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At Lipotype, we’re not just a team; we’re a fascinating combination of diverse backgrounds and distinct individual personalities. We decided to unveil the concealed layers and explore the fascinating mosaic that talks about us. Guided by curiosity and laced with a touch of humor, we have devised an engaging survey to answer the fundamental question: Who are we, really?

Night Owls vs. Early Birds

Our first exciting discovery was the coexistence of night owls and early birds within our team. Among us, there are 9 night owls and 16 early birds. Fortunately, our flexible work schedule ensures that both nocturnal hours and the morning moments are imbued with the same enchantment of Lipotype’s unique energy.

Wanna cuppa?

Irrespective of when the day commences, the ritual of enjoying a cup of coffee or tea remains consistent for many. A mere 8% of us lean towards tea over coffee, while the majority hold a penchant for coffee. Interestingly, 40% of us don’t particularly mind either choice.

Beach or Mountain?

Following hard work, the yearning for vacation becomes universal. The preferences among Lipotypers prove diverse: 16% harbor a preference for beaches, 40% for the harmonious combination of mountains and beaches, 36% seek adventure amidst the mountains, and 8% aspire to unwind on their balconies.

Adventurer or Planner?

Speaking of holidays, let’s talk about holiday styles: we’ve got 11 fearless adventurers who thrive on spontaneous escapades, chasing the thrill wherever it takes them. On the flip side, there are 14 meticulous planners, armed with color-coded itineraries and backup plans for their backup plans. This unique blend of innovative thinkers and meticulous analyzers is the cornerstone of our success and exceptional teamwork.

Time travel preferences

While preferences in planning holidays may differ, one thing is for certain: embarking on a journey through time without a clear destination doesn’t sound enticing. To this end, 62.5% of Lipotypers express a desire to journey into the future, while 37.5% harbor a wish to revisit the past, if granted the ability.

At its core, Lipotype represents a captivating fusion of varied backgrounds and distinctive characters, revealed as we delve into hidden aspects. The mixture of night owls and early birds, coffee devotees and tea aficionados, along with diverse vacation inclinations, crafts a profound mosaic of individual uniqueness.

Stay tuned for the “Who are we?” Part.2 where we dive deeper into our tastes!

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If you haven’t tried kimchi yet, you’re missing out on a staple of Korean cuisine that’s gaining popularity worldwide! But for Jeongeun, a Korean native living in Germany, it’s not just the tangy, spicy taste of kimchi that she misses. Rather, it’s the culture of making and sharing Korean food that has her feeling nostalgic. Despite living abroad for years now, Jeongeun still yearns for the communal experience of preparing and enjoying this beloved dish with her loved ones.

Jeongeun says:

I used to miss Korean food itself a lot in the past, but these days I think I miss the culture of making and sharing Korean food more than the food.

Jeongeun Chae
Marketing & Communications Manager

“I used to miss Korean food itself a lot in the past, but these days I think I miss the culture of making and sharing Korean food more than the food,” says Jeongeun. That’s why she organized this kimjang party where Lipotypers can make kimchi on their own and share the cultural experience.

What is the difference between kimchi and kimjang?

Kimchi and kimjang sound very similar but they have distinct differences. Kimchi refers to the fermented vegetable dish that is a staple of Korean cuisine. Kimchi made with napa cabbage or radish is popular, but in fact, you can make kimchi with almost any type of vegetable. It is made by mixing vegetables with a variety of seasonings like fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper flakes (gochugaru), and leaving it to ferment for several days or weeks – or even months!

Kimjang, on the other hand, is the process of making large quantities of kimchi. It usually takes place during the harvest season, late autumn. It is often that multiple families and communities come together to chop, season, and pack the vegetables into containers for fermentation. Kimjang is an important cultural event in Korea and was Inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Lipotype kimjang party

Jeongeun and her colleagues decided to host a Kimjang party to share this cultural experience with their colleagues and friends. They used 10 heads of napa cabbage, which is a popular vegetable used in kimchi, and red chili flakes, garlic, ginger, wheat flour porridge, and other ingredients to make about 20kg of kimchi.

The process of making kimchi involves a lot of preparation and hard work. The cabbage needs to be soaked in salt water to draw out moisture, then rinsed to remove excessive salt. The seasoning mixture is then applied to each leaf of the cabbage, and the cabbage is tightly packed into jars or containers to ferment for a few days. This process can take several hours or a whole day and requires a lot of hand work to massage the seasoning mixture into the cabbage.

Lipotypers successfully made a large batch of kimchi at their Kimjang party and were able to share this delicious and healthy food with their colleagues. They also gained a deeper appreciation for the traditional process of making kimchi and the hard work and dedication that goes into it.

Science behind kimchi

Kimchi is not only a savory delight but also an excellent source of several essential nutrients and health-promoting compounds. It is notably a rich source of probiotics that play a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Kimchi is also an abundant source of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron. Moreover, the regular consumption of kimchi has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced cholesterol levels and a decreased risk of certain cancers.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, kimchi is an excellent source of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant that naturally occurs in the human body. CoQ10 is vital in the production of cellular energy and plays a critical role as an antioxidant, shielding cells from free-radical-induced damage. Studies have demonstrated that the consumption of foods rich in CoQ10, such as kimchi, can significantly improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving symptoms of heart failure.

What is CoQ10?

Ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10 is a small molecule that helps generate energy in cells. It carries electrons between certain parts of the cell’s energy-making process, which creates a proton gradient that produces ATP, the cell’s main source of energy.

Coenzyme Q10 analysis is performed in research to better understand the role of this molecule in cellular processes and disease. For example, this analysis can be used in the diagnosis and management of certain medical conditions, such as mitochondrial disorders and heart disease.

More info for CoQ10 analysis

Interestingly, the average daily CoQ intake of South Koreans is estimated to be almost triple that of the average daily CoQ10 intake in developed countries, which is mainly sourced from meat. And kimchi serves as the primary source of CoQ intake for South Koreans. This highlights the significant role that kimchi can play in providing optimal amounts of CoQ10 for individuals following a plant-based or low-meat diet.

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