Erzähl mal, Sonali…

Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen von V-Research
In unserer Interviewreihe „Erzähl mal,…“ geben unsere MitarbeiterInnen persönliche Einblicke in ihren Forschungsalltag, erzählen von internationalen Erfahrungen und teilen ihre kulinarischen Lieblingsrezepte. Ob spannende Projekte, kulturelle Vielfalt oder der Geschmack von Heimat – hier wird sichtbar, was V-Research ausmacht: Innovation, Teamgeist und Leidenschaft.
Die Interviews veröffentlichen wir im Originalton – oft auf Englisch –, um die persönlichen Geschichten authentisch und unverfälscht erlebbar zu machen.

„Mich fasziniert, wie präzise sich Licht kontrollieren lässt –
ob für Pflanzenwachstum, medizinische Anwendungen oder ultraschnelle Datenübertragung. Jedes Projekt zeigt neue Möglichkeiten.„
Sonali Sonawane, Research Engineer bei V-Research

What is Photonics and why is it so important for industry?
Photonics is the science of generating and controlling light to perform tasks traditionally done by electronics, making processes faster, more precise, and energy efficient.

Photonics is often described as the science of light. Can you share how your work in photonics helps solve real-world problems, and what personally fascinates you most about working with light?
At V-Research, I develop advanced LED driver circuits, tackling real-world needs for energy-efficient, tunable illumination. What fascinates me most is how fine-tuning current pulses lets me control light’s intensity, color, and timing with incredible accuracy-turning simple diodes into versatile tools for health, agriculture, and data transfer.

What fascinates you personally about Photonics—and how is it changing industrial applications?
I’m fascinated by how light can be precisely controlled to solve problems—whether it’s tuning an LED’s pulse width for optimal plant growth or modulating light for ultra-fast data links. In industry, this precision is transforming manufacturing through smart optical inspections, enabling real-time quality control, and driving energy efficient lighting and communication systems that cut costs and carbon footprints.
Photonics technologies are everywhere—from smartphones to medical devices. What’s one application of Photonics that surprised you, and how does your research contribute to it?
One application that surprised me is Li-Fi, where LEDs transmit data at gigabit speeds through rapid modulation of light, turning ordinary lighting into wireless communication networks. Am not sure how my work directly contributes to this subject.

What is your personal motto or slogan?
Dattebayo 😊

Which person (dead or alive) would you like to meet for coffee, tea or beer?
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

What originally brought you to Vorarlberg—and what made you decide to work at V-Research?
When I first visited Austria for work, I fell in love with its friendly vibe and supportive work culture, and that’s when I decided this was the place for me. V-Research is ideally situated here – surrounded by mountains and lakes – and offers research projects where I can both contribute meaningfully and learn new things.

What differences or similarities do you see between the work culture in your home country and at V-Research?
In India, work often follows a clear chain of respect and people build relationships over tea or meals. At V-Research in Austria, everyone speaks freely no matter their role, we stick to schedules and make sure to finish work on time so we can enjoy life outside the office.

What do you particularly appreciate about Vorarlberg—both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I appreciate Vorarlberg’s vibrant network of high-tech companies and research institutions, which fosters collaboration and innovation in power electronics. Personally, I love having the Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages on my doorstep – whether I’m hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying a quiet lakeside evening.

Is there a dish or beverage from your home country that you particularly miss or perhaps even cook or prepare here in Vorarlberg?
Usually I eat Indian things daily, like roti, sabji, rice and dal basic thing. But my fav is any kind of CHAT from my state.

Have you discovered a favourite dish, beverage or culinary highlight in Vorarlberg that surprised you?
Well, being vegetarian can be a bit challenging here, but I love the variety of cheeses – and in winter, my favourite treat is a glass of Glühwein.

If you were to invite your team to a meal from your home country, what would you serve?
A Maharashtrian thali with every type of pickle and chutney, more than two or three sabzis, along with puran poli—and if it’s summer, definitely hapus aamras, my personal favourite. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!

What was your most amusing or unusual culinary experience in Austria?
Food without spices is some unusual experience for me here, I mean I can’t even think of eating the food without spices.

What is your favourite spice?
All Indian spices, can’t choose one 😉

What is your favourite drink or cocktail?
Aamras from Maharashtra, India

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?
Mango always mango