Dean of the Ecole Minerva, a Swiss institution dedicated to health professions, Anne Barbier recently became a member of the FEDE Committee. Read our interview with a scientist who is passionate about people.
Can you tell us about your education?
After a French D.E.A degree in biochemistry (University of Besançon), I went on to obtain a PhD, also in biochemistry, at Poincaré de Nancy University (1998). I have also recently obtained what we call in Switzerland a ‘sector qualification’ – in my case a teaching diploma.
What has been the highlight of your career?
After obtaining my PhD, I was lead research assistant at the faculty of medicine at Lausanne. I also did some teaching. But quite honestly it was later, at the Ecole Minerva, that I discovered my passion for teaching and a strong desire to pass on my knowledge to others.
What is your exact job role at the Ecole Minerva ?
From 2007 to 2014 I taught anatomy. Then I took on considerably more duties by accepting to become Dean of the institution. In spite of what you might think, the role of Dean is far from purely administrative. I spend a lot of time talking with students (discussing their mark sheets, pastoral care), teaching staff (timetables, monitoring) and parents (regular meetings). So people skills are extremely important. Luckily that’s what I enjoy!
