Pharmaceutical Industry discussion, review, analysis, news and information.

My interview today (the third one this week) is with a person I come a long way with. She was a former colleague, an old time friend who introduced me to the wonders of blogging and problogging.

She too is a colleague (not to mention friend) in the science blogosphere and is also my sister at the former About Weblogs Network.

In addition, Ruth has been witness to major events in my life and I was maid of honor at her wedding.

Have I mentioned already that we’ve come a long long way? He he.

Anyway, back to business…here’s Ruth Schaffer:

What is your name, educational background or expertise? What is your current occupation or business affiliation, and what do you like/love about it?

My name is Ruth Schaffer, I have a Master’s degree in Microbiology. Currently, I teach at a university here in on a freelance basis. I also edit and proofread scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. And of course, I write online at the Biotech Weblog and Allergizer.

How long have you been in your current industry or business? Is there a previous industry /business before the current one? – If yes, what is it and how did you like it better compared to the current one?

I’ve been in this set-up for about a year now. I used to work in the laboratory, doing experimental research. I’ve worked two years teaching Biology and Microbiology at the University, one year in industry, and more than five years for an international research institute.

Short after my relocation here in Germany, I have been working on iron-reducing bacteria in a laboratory at a university here. But following the birth of my son, somehow, working in the lab just doesn’t work out anymore. Now, I enjoy the flexibility of being able to work at home, at my own pace, all the time remaining updated with the latest developments in scientific research.

Have you heard about weblogs or blogs? If yes, do you have a blog/blogs and what is/are it/they about? If not, are you even reading other people’s blogs?

I have started the Biotech Weblog in July 2005. It is about the latest in the science and business of biotechnology, written not just for life science enthusiasts but also for business consultants and those interested in the latest developments of the industry.

The Allergizer is an online resource for people with allergies. It is written primarily for consumers and patients, with the aim of providing not just information but hopefully as support, as well. It was just launched a month ago.

Being an expert in your particular industry, what kind of media do you use to become updated with fresh knowledge? (books, magazines, newspapers, tv, internet, etc.)

I subscribe to a number of print publications, RSS news feeds, and email subscriptions. Other blogs are also a great source of information.

If you are told that there is an existing blog about your particular industry or business, would you regularly read, subscribe or even recommend it to your colleagues and friends?

Yes.

How many hours a day do you spend surfing the internet, if ever you do?

About 4-5 hours a day.

Have you ever discovered the power of the internet as a tool in communication, education and even business? What do you think about it?

When I get wind of something unfamiliar, my first instinct is to scour the web for information about it. I don’t know if there are statistics out there, but I can imagine that most people nowadays do the same. It used to be that the ultimate repository of knowledge and information is the library. Maybe it still is, except that if some piece of information is not available online, it might have less chances of being uncovered.

Because of this, I think Internet has revolutionized the way we do business. Without representation in the web, any business will have a hard time reaching out to its clients, and therefore, success.

Finally, the most important question of all: What impact do you think blogging will have on business?

The industry is just starting to recognize the impact of blogging, the prospects of which can be phenomenal. As I’ve said, it’s all about building presence in the web. Blogs have a high potential to reach to consumers and end-users, its most powerful tool being written by consumers themselves who happen to have the expertise in the topic. For businesses, blogs could one day be as powerful a marketing tool as any other.

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Thanks so much Ruth!