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Oliver SeitzView profile

Professor

• Chemical protein synthesis
• DNA/RNA-templated reactions
• Bioorganic synthesis
• +6 more

Prof. Oliver Seitz leads the Bioorganic Synthesis research group at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin. His lab focuses on cutting-edge chemical biology approaches for protein/nucleic acid interrogation, with recent work advancing DNA/RNA-programmed assemblies for cellular imaging and therapeutic applications. Research spans chemical protein synthesis, glycoprotein/phosphoprotein engineering, and nucleic acid-templated reactions. Key innovations include Forced Intercalation (FIT) probes for wash-free RNA imaging, loss-of-affinity principles for catalytic efficiency, and peptide-PNA conjugates for targeted cellular delivery. The group actively develops tools for live-cell protein labeling and biomolecular spatial screening. Recent publications (2021-2024) emphasize fluorescence-based detection systems, catalytic templated reactions, and therapeutic peptide synthesis. Trends show increasing sophistication in multi-dye probes, glycan engineering, and RNA-triggered pro-drug activation. Scientific awards include: Max Bergmann Award (2019) Prof. Seitz actively advises doctoral students, with recent graduates Marvin Björn Stutz (2023, magna cum laude ), Dino Gluhacevic von Krüchten (2023, summa cum laude ), and Sophie Schöllkopf (2023, magna cum laude ). Current PhD candidates include Ekaterina Kazakova (glycoprotein synthesis), Alina Herfort (phosphoproteins), and Lina-Marie Beck (peptide-nucleic acid conjugates), with postdocs like Dr. Mandana Oloub (viscosity sensors). The Bioorganic Synthesis lab operates within Berlin's vibrant chemical research ecosystem, utilizing specialized techniques for chemical protein synthesis and nucleic acid detection. Recent team growth reflects ongoing projects in RNA imaging, catalytic templated reactions, and therapeutic conjugate development, supported by open positions for new researchers.

Andrew BassettView profile

Researcher

• Genome Engineering
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Stem Cell Research
• +5 more

Dr. Andrew Bassett serves as Head of the Cellular and Gene Editing Research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where he develops cutting-edge genome engineering techniques using human pluripotent stem cells to investigate neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His work focuses on scaling genetic screening approaches and improving CRISPR specificity for modeling complex disease mechanisms. His academic training includes: PhD at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB) with Andrew Travers on chromatin remodelling in heterochromatin formation Postdoctoral research with David Baulcombe at the University of Cambridge studying small RNA roles in chromatin modification Additional postdoctoral work with Chris Ponting at the MRC Functional Genomics Unit (MRC-FGU) in Oxford, where he pioneered CRISPR applications in Drosophila Bassett's research program centers on developing advanced genome engineering methodologies for precise modulation of gene expression networks during development and neurodegeneration. His group specializes in creating complex editing events (SNPs, paired knockouts, enhancer perturbations) within iPSC-derived models, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and transcriptional control. Current projects integrate single-cell 'omics and phenotypic assays to decode genetic causes of neurodegenerative disorders through the OpenTargets consortium. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in CRISPR technology development (35%), neurodegenerative disease modeling (30%), and single-cell functional genomics (25%). His work consistently bridges methodological innovation with disease mechanism studies, increasingly incorporating multi-omics approaches and expanding into cancer immunology and infectious disease applications since 2022. As group leader, Bassett mentors postdoctoral researchers and PhD students while securing major funding for genome engineering initiatives. His team operates within the Sanger Institute's Cellular Operations division and maintains critical partnerships with the OpenTargets consortium for therapeutic target validation. The laboratory specializes in high-throughput screening platforms using iPSC-derived neural and microglial models, with recent methodological advances including scSNV-seq and ONE-STEP tagging systems that significantly enhance precision genome editing capabilities.

• Lab-on-a-Chip Technology
• Microfluidics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• +3 more

Apl. Prof. Dr. Felix von Stetten is an Associate Professor and Senior Scientist at the Laboratory for MEMS Applications within the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg. He also serves as an Executive Board Member at the Hahn-Schickard Institute of Microanalysis Systems. His work bridges academia and industry, focusing on lab-on-a-chip technologies, microfluidics, and energy harvesting for biomedical applications. Education: Studied Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology at the Technical University of Munich, earned a PhD in Microbiology there. Post-2004, he joined IMTEK’s MEMS Applications Lab, later co-founding Hahn-Schickard’s Lab-on-a-Chip division in 2008, which became an independent institute in 2016 under his leadership. Research Interests: His work centers on miniaturized diagnostic systems (e.g., Lab-on-a-Disk platforms), energy harvesting for medical implants, and microfluidic applications. Key innovations include centrifugal microfluidic systems, smartphone-integrated diagnostic tools, and glucose fuel cell technologies. Publications: Over 1200 citations highlight contributions to microfluidic unit operations, digital PCR, and field-deployable diagnostics. Recent work emphasizes automation in pathogen detection and flexible lab-on-foil platforms. Awards: Not explicitly listed in provided texts. However, his leadership roles and impactful research suggest significant recognition in microsystems engineering. Advising/Grants: Leads major projects like BrainLinks–BrainTools and contributes to initiatives such as FRIAS and PlanOS. Manages interdisciplinary teams and collaborates with industry partners like Endress+Hauser and TwistDx. Labs/Teams: Oversees the Hahn-Schickard Institute for Microanalysis Systems and collaborates with IMTEK’s Application Development group. Active in spin-off ventures such as SpinDiag GmbH.

Jens BochView profile

Professor

• Genome Editing
• Plant Biotechnology
• Bacterial Pathogens
• +3 more

Prof. Jens Boch is a Professor at Leibniz University Hannover's Institute of Plant Genetics, specializing in plant biotechnology and genome editing. He leads the Boch group, focusing on developing crops with improved traits using TALEN and CRISPR tools. His research investigates plant pathogens like Xanthomonas , particularly their TALE effectors that manipulate host genes. Key roles include Chair of the Biology Examination Board and membership in external committees such as the Konferenz Biologischer Fachbereiche (KBF). Education & Affiliations: No explicit education details provided; affiliated with Leibniz University Hannover's Faculty of Natural Sciences. Research Interests: Genome editing applications in agriculture, bacterial pathogen strategies (e.g., Xanthomonas TALE effectors), plant defense mechanisms, and crop improvement. Recent work includes base editor developments for mitochondrial disease modeling (2025), allergen reduction in mustard (2022), and TALE-based tools for gene activation (2022). His group collaborates on projects like removing allergens and enhancing cattle heat resistance via embryo editing. Media contributions include podcasts and discussions on genome editing ethics and applications.

Jane A. McKeatingView profile

Professor

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Jane A. McKeating is a Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine. She holds the Hans Fischer Senior Fellowship at the Technical University of Munich's Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) since 2015. Her research focuses on viral infections, particularly hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), exploring how hypoxia and circadian rhythms regulate viral replication and pathogenesis. She has held roles at institutions including the University of Birmingham (2005–2017) and Rockefeller University (2000–2005). Education: BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Warwick (1982) PhD in Virology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University College London (1987) Research Interests: Her work investigates how low oxygen (hypoxia) and circadian signaling pathways influence viral replication and tropism, particularly in liver and immune cells. Recent studies include SARS-CoV-2 regulation by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and circadian clock components like BMAL1. She also examines therapies targeting these pathways to combat viral infections. Publications: Her recent work spans hepatitis virus biology, antiviral screening tools, and circadian regulation of viral infections. Key themes include viral entry mechanisms, immune evasion, and drug development. Awards: 2015 Founders Award, University of Birmingham 2006 Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award 1995 Fleming Award, Society of General Microbiology Lab & Collaborations: Her research group at Oxford focuses on viral-host interactions, with collaborations on spatial transcriptomics of HBV/HDV/HIV co-infections and antiviral drug screening platforms.

Felix JonasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biochemistry
• Gene Regulation
• Transcription Factors
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Felix Jonas is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Science, Constructor University Bremen, Germany. He leads research on the biochemistry of gene regulation , focusing on molecular mechanisms governing transcription factor function and chromatin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . His work integrates CRISPR-Cas9, Next-Generation Sequencing, and computational data analysis. Education: B.Sc. in Molecular Life Sciences (University of Luebeck), M.Sc. in Biology: Cell Biology (ETH Zurich), Ph.D. in Bioengineering (Imperial College London) Work Experience: Postdoc/Senior Postdoc at Weizmann Institute of Science (2017-22), Visiting Student at Weizmann Institute (2015-16), International Program Associate at RIKEN (2011) Teaching: General Biochemistry (CH-100-B), Introduction to Bioinformatics (JTMS-10), Current Topics in Life Sciences (CA-BCCB-801), Advanced Biochemistry II - Molecular Genetics (CO-403-A) His research explores transcription factor target search , histone dynamics , and chromatin structure-function relationships . Recent publications highlight discoveries in nucleosome replacement, protein disorder grammar, and histone acetylation impacts on replication. Articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to eukaryotic gene regulation and systems biology. Visit his lab’s PhD recruitment page or watch his Fragile Nucleosome Talk for deeper insights into his work.

• Molecular Biology
• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• Microbial Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Lennart Randau is a leading researcher in the field of Genetics at Philipps University of Marburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Biology. His work is conducted in conjunction with the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, where he investigates molecular mechanisms underlying CRISPR-Cas systems and related biotechnological applications. Research focus on CRISPR-Cas evolution and inhibition mechanisms Investigates structural and functional diversity of prokaryotic defense systems Active in developing genome engineering tools from microbial systems His recent publications highlight CRISPR-Cas transitions from natural immunity to synthetic biology applications, with particular emphasis on anti-CRISPR proteins and transposon-associated gene integration mechanisms. Professor Randau's laboratory employs interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, and genomics to unravel the complexities of microbial genetic defense systems and their potential applications in biotechnology.

Simon A. JoosseView profile

Research Professor

• Oncology
• Cancer Genomics
• Liquid Biopsy
• +3 more

Simon A. Joosse is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator leading the Research Group in the Institute of Tumor Biology at the Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) under the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Medicine. His work focuses on liquid biopsy technologies, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and genomic profiling in cancer diagnostics and therapy monitoring. He is actively involved in the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), advancing precision oncology through biomarker discovery and clinical applications. Dr. Joosse's research emphasizes the development of non-invasive tools for early cancer detection, treatment resistance analysis, and molecular characterization of metastatic progression. His studies span multiple cancer types, including ovarian, breast, prostate, and head-and-neck cancers, with a particular emphasis on epigenetic modifications (e.g., BRCA1 promoter methylation) and genomic instability. Key contributions include identifying CTC-based biomarkers and optimizing nanopore sequencing for clinical use. His publications highlight advancements in CTC capture technologies, ctDNA analysis, and immune profiling in metastatic disease. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams in oncology, immunology, and clinical translation. Dr. Joosse's work bridges basic science and clinical practice, aiming to improve patient outcomes through personalized medicine.

Julia Schulze-HentrichView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Gene Expression
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Julia Schulze-Hentrich is a full Professor of Genetics at Saarland University, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology and the Department of Biosciences. She leads an active research group focused on epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms in health and disease, with a strong emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders, ageing, and sex-specific differences. She is also an INM Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials starting 2025, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration in biomaterials and epigenetics. Her research interests include: Epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s and Huntington’s) Role of gene-environment interactions in disease pathogenesis Ageing-related epigenetic and transcriptomic changes Sex-dimorphic gene regulation in brain disorders Development of epigenetic signatures for diagnosing rare diseases Integration of multi-omics data and computational epigenomics Prof. Schulze-Hentrich leads the DFG Priority Program SPP2561 "SEXandGLIA", is part of the Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), and leads the epigenomics workgroup in the international solveRD consortium. Her lab operates the Epigenomics Sequencing Facility (ESF), equipped with advanced NGS platforms and bioinformatics pipelines. She co-developed widely used tools such as RnBeads, BiQ Analyzer HiMod, and MeDeCom. She is actively involved in academic training, co-organizing the GENIE Summer School on sex differences in glia-neuron interactions. She supervises students and researchers, offering B.Sc. and M.Sc. projects, and welcomes graduate and postdoctoral candidates. Scientific collaborations include the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, University Hospital Regensburg, Ruhr University Bochum, and the INM. Her team includes several scientific and technical staff, reflecting a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment.

Claude BeckerView profile

Professor

• Plant Epigenetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Allelopathy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Claude Becker is a faculty member at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich , specializing in plant genetics and epigenetics. His research focuses on biochemical interactions in plant communities and the role of epigenetic marks in environmental adaptation. Specializations: Epigenetic regulation, allelopathy, plant-microbe interactions, DNA methylation dynamics Key Projects: Studying heritable phenotypic variation in clonal plants, analyzing stress-responsive epigenetic hotspots, and investigating gene cluster evolution in Oryza species. Recent publications highlight his work on transposable element dynamics, microbiome feedback mechanisms, and metabolic specialization in plant interactions. His research combines molecular biology with ecological perspectives to understand plant adaptation strategies. Contact: claude.becker@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

Susanne GerberView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Genomics
• Systems Biology
• +2 more

Susanne Gerber is a Professor at iDNA and Adjunct Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), affiliated with the Faculty of Biology's Bioinformatics department. Her academic journey includes an Assistant Professorship in Bioinformatics at JGU (2015-2020) and postdoctoral research at Università della Svizzera italiana. Her educational background comprises a PhD in Biophysics from Humboldt University of Berlin (2011), an M.Sc. in Bioinformatics from Free University of Berlin and Konrad Zuse Institute (2007), and a B.Sc. in Bioinformatics from Free University of Berlin and Max Planck Institute (2004). Dr. Gerber's research spans Bioinformatics, Computational Genomics, Systems Biology, Molecular Evolution, and Neuroinformatics , focusing on developing computational frameworks for genomic analysis, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and microbiome interactions. Her work integrates machine learning with multi-omics data to address complex biological questions in molecular evolution and neural systems. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on nanopore sequencing applications for RNA modification detection, deep learning frameworks for genomic data enhancement, and neurobehavioral modeling using AI-driven approaches. Key thematic clusters include epitranscriptomics, chromatin dynamics, and computational psychiatry with ethical AI considerations. Her methodological innovations include tools like COMET for network analysis, CCUT for chromatin data enhancement, and ModiDeC for RNA modification classification, demonstrating translational impact across genomics and neuroscience. Dr. Gerber leads research groups at IMB and iDNA focusing on computational genomics, advising students in bioinformatics and securing grants for AI-driven genomic analysis. Her labs develop open-source tools for nanopore data processing and neuroimaging analysis, fostering collaboration between computational and experimental biologists.

• Cryopreservation
• Seed Longevity
• In vitro Storage
• +4 more

Manuela Nagel is a prominent researcher in plant cryopreservation and seed science. She serves as Head of the Cryo and Stress Biology Working Group at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany, a position she has held since 2016. Additionally, she is a Lecturer (Privatdozentin) at the University of Hohenheim since 2019. Dr. Nagel is actively involved in several professional organizations, including serving as Working Group Chair for Plant Biobanking at the European, Middle Eastern & African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking since 2020, Seed Symposium Convenor at the International Seed Testing Association since 2019, and Treasurer of the Gemeinschaft Deutscher Kryobanken since 2016. Dr. Nagel's research focuses on plant conservation through advanced preservation techniques. Her work spans several critical areas: Cryopreservation of plant genetic resources at ultra-low temperatures Seed longevity and storage physiology In vitro storage techniques for plant conservation Stress biology in crops, particularly related to drought and temperature Genetic resources conservation for food security Analysis of Dr. Nagel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant cryopreservation techniques, seed science, and genetic resource conservation. Her work spans fundamental research on plant stress responses and practical applications for preserving crop diversity. A notable trend is her increasing focus on global conservation strategies for important food crops like potato and wheat, reflecting growing concerns about climate change impacts on agricultural biodiversity. Her research combines molecular, physiological, and genetic approaches to address challenges in plant conservation. Dr. Nagel has served as a peer reviewer for numerous prestigious journals including New Phytologist (2 reviews), Plant Biology (2 reviews), and Journal of Experimental Botany, demonstrating her standing in the scientific community. As Head of the Cryo and Stress Biology Working Group at IPK, Dr. Nagel leads research on preserving plant genetic diversity through cryopreservation and other advanced techniques. Her team works on optimizing protocols for various crop species, with particular emphasis on potato, Allium species, and other important agricultural crops. The group's research is critical for maintaining global food security through the preservation of genetic resources.

• Epigenetics
• DNA Methylation
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Pavel Bashtrykov is a Researcher at the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, part of the Faculty of Chemistry. His work focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation, and histone modifications. He contributes to interdisciplinary research projects such as the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1333 on catalysis in confined geometries. His research integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced analytical techniques to elucidate epigenetic regulation and its implications in health and disease. Key research interests include allele-specific epigenome editing, DNA methyltransferase specificity, and the interplay between histone modifications and DNA methylation. His studies often involve cutting-edge tools like CRISPR/dCas9 systems and fluorescent biosensors for locus-specific analysis. Recent work addresses oncogenic TERT promoter mutations and their epigenetic targeting, as well as the role of adherens junctions in modulating DNA methylation patterns. Bashtrykov collaborates on EU-funded projects and leverages computational models to inform molecular design. His contributions span basic science to translational applications, including epigenetic therapies and biomarker discovery.

Sidney BeckerView profile

Professor

• Prebiotic Chemistry
• Molecular Evolution
• Nucleic Acid Chemistry
• +2 more

Sidney Becker serves as a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund, affiliated with TU Dortmund University's Chemical Biology department within the Dortmund Life Science Center. His research bridges prebiotic chemistry and molecular evolution. His primary research focuses on the chemical origins of life, particularly the formation of RNA building blocks on early Earth and the development of novel sequencing methods for DNA modifications. Becker's work integrates organic chemistry with molecular biology to explore fundamental questions about life's emergence. NRW Postdoc Return Program (2021) Max-Planck Research Group Leader (2021) Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (2020) Travel Award, Center for Nanoscience, Munich (2017) Poster Award, Orchem (2016) Becker previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge with Sir Shankar Balasubramanian (2019-2021) focusing on modified bases in the genome, and at LMU Munich with Prof. Thomas Carell (2018-2019) as subgroup leader for prebiotic chemistry. His doctoral work at LMU Munich investigated the origin of RNA building blocks. His laboratory at the Max Planck Institute operates within the Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 facility in Dortmund, collaborating closely with TU Dortmund University's research infrastructure.

• Paleoecology
• Paleoethnobotany
• Central Asia
• +5 more

Kseniia Boxleitner (Ashastina) is a Scientific Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany, specializing in paleoecology and paleoethnobotany with regional expertise in Central and Northeast Asia. She contributes to the FEDD Project (Fruits of Eurasia: Domestication and Dissemination) and DAE Research Group, analyzing archaeological macrofossils from Central Asia, Europe, and the Caucasus Mountains. Education: Diploma in Physical Geography and Ecology (2011), St. Petersburg State University, Russia Dual MSc in Polar and Marine Research (2013), University of Hamburg, Germany & St. Petersburg State University, Russia PhD in Quaternary Paleoenvironments (2018), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany Her research focuses on reconstructing Pleistocene vegetation dynamics through permafrost-preserved macrofossils, particularly at the Batagay megaslump site in West Beringia. She investigates interactions between climate, vegetation, and megaherbivores during the Late Quaternary, with significant contributions to understanding mammoth steppe ecosystems and plant domestication processes. Her analytical work combines paleobotanical methods with archaeobotanical data to trace human-environment interactions across Eurasia. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes in permafrost paleoenvironmental reconstruction (60%), archaeobotanical domestication studies (25%), and highland Central Asian archaeology (15%). Key methodological approaches include macrofossil analysis, multiproxy environmental reconstruction, and integration of archaeological with paleoclimatic data. Scientific Recognition: Nature's 'Science on Camera' work photo competition winner (2017) Featured in Science magazine for Batagay megaslump research (2020) BBC documentary coverage of permafrost research (2020) Boxleitner actively contributes to public science communication through media engagement and translation work, including leading the Russian translation of the 'Frozen Ground Cartoon' educational comic. Her research connects paleoenvironmental studies with contemporary climate change impacts through permafrost degradation observations.