Erzähl mal, Thomas…

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.

„Vorarlberg? Du lebst dort, wo andere Urlaub machen – mit Alpenpanorama, Bodensee und einer wirtschaftlich starken Region.“
Thomas Schrecker, CFO bei V-Research

What is your personal motto or slogan?
Lem und lem lassen – live and let live

Which person (dead or alive) would you like to meet for coffee, tea or beer?
I used to say my grandmother. But since she was younger when she died than I am today, that would certainly be a very strange conversation.

What originally brought you to Vorarlberg—and what made you decide to work at V-Research?
The best reason of all: love. My partner is from Vorarlberg.

What differences or similarities do you see between the work culture in your home country and at V-Research?
To be honest, there are no differences between Bavaria and Vorarlberg, or at least I no longer see any after more than 20 years in Vorarlberg.

What do you particularly appreciate about Vorarlberg—both professionally and personally?
It’s just a phrase, but you live where others go on holiday. You have the lake and the mountains right on your doorstep. Nevertheless, Zurich is only 1 1/2 hours away, Munich is 2 hours away, and even Milan is only 4 hours away. On top, Vorarlberg has a surprisingly strong economic basis and plenty of interesting companies.

Is there a dish or beverage from your home country that you particularly miss—or perhaps even cook or prepare here in Vorarlberg?
There is no “Gelbwurst” in Vorarlberg!

Have you discovered a favourite dish, beverage or culinary highlight in Vorarlberg that surprised you?
Riebl and Wälder Käsknöpfle are amazing.

If you were to invite your team to a meal from your home country, what would you serve?
I grew up in Bavaria, so the standard answer is “Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Potato Dumplings”. But because that’s boring, I’ll say “Niederbayerische Zwetschgenmaultaschen” served with apple sauce.
BTW1: Use honey instead of sugar for the filling and add some cinnamon.
BTW2: You can fill them with everything – all kind of fruits, but also cottage cheese and onions or bacon works.

What was your most amusing or unusual culinary experience in Austria?
I am German, so the terms amusing and unusual don’t really apply, but since I discovered Wälder Käsknöpfle, German Käsespätzle just taste bland to me.

What is your favourite spice?
All, when used properly. But let’s say Cinnamon.

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?
Fruit: This is simple: “Zwetschke”, the fruit that is spelled with a “g” in Germany and a “k” in Austria, but doesn’t have an English name and is simply called a “plum” there. Vegetable: That is a though one, maybe Kohlrabi.