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Prof. Dr. Klaus Mayer serves as Director of the Plant Genome and Systems Biology (PGSB) research group at Helmholtz Zentrum München and holds an Honorary Professorship at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Life Sciences since 2015. His work bridges environmental health research and academic instruction, focusing on genomic solutions for global food systems under climate stress. His academic foundation includes: PhD in Plant Developmental Biology from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen (1994-1997) Postdoctoral research at Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry (1997-1999) Mayer's research decodes genomes of staple crops (wheat, rye, barley, sorghum) to develop climate-resilient varieties, enhance food security, and investigate plant allergen-human health interactions. His team employs advanced bioinformatics and big data analytics to study genetic diversity in orphan crops and plant-microbe ecosystems, prioritizing translational applications for sustainable agriculture under extreme environmental conditions. Scientific Recognition: IWGSC Outstanding Leadership Award (2015) for wheat genome sequencing leadership Leading the PGSB group, Mayer coordinates international consortia including the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium. His current DFG-funded projects explore plant-microbe interaction genomics and virtual research data infrastructure, demonstrating commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration for planetary health solutions.

• Plant Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Crop Science
• +3 more

Adam Runions is a researcher in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, leading the MPG Partner Group in computational analysis of leaf development through collaborative work with Miltos Tsiantis. His group is embedded in the Graphics Cluster, focusing on interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of computer science and developmental biology. University of Calgary - Department of Computer Science MPG Partner Group (2022) Graphics Cluster affiliation His research explores computational modeling and analysis of plant form and development across multiple scales, integrating geometric modeling, physically-based simulation, and computer-aided design. Key themes include plant morphogenesis, self-organization of natural forms, and cross-disciplinary applications in computer graphics and animation. Recent publications emphasize plant development (leaf shape, bark patterning), mathematical modeling (auxin-driven patterning), and geometric techniques (subdivision surfaces, PUPs). Collaborations span institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. Scientific Awards Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Best Paper Award (International Conference on Cyberworlds 2015) Best Student Paper Award (Computer Graphics International 2011) The group actively recruits BSc, MSc, and PhD students with backgrounds in computer science and mathematics for projects on plant form simulation and digital content creation. Research integrates evolutionary biology, biomechanical modeling, and computational techniques.

• Computational Modeling
• Developmental Biology
• Computer Science
• +4 more

Dr. Gregor Schuhknecht is a Researcher and incoming Max-Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Starting December 2025, he will lead the Brain Algorithms and Circuits Group, focusing on computational neuroscience and neuronal circuitry in larval zebrafish. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches to understand brain algorithms enabling flexible behaviors. Education PhD in Neuroscience (2014–2019), Institute for Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich MSc in Biology (Neuroscience) (2012–2019), ETH Zurich BSc in Biosciences (2009–2012), Heidelberg University His research investigates how synaptic circuitry implements computational algorithms for sensorimotor processing, evidence accumulation, and behavior. Experimental approaches include functional imaging, optogenetics, connectomics, and computational modeling. The group will explore neuronal circuits across scales, from synapse to behavior, with a focus on biophysical properties and dynamic environmental adaptation. Recent publications highlight correlative light/electron microscopy, developmental activity-free circuit formation, and neocortical synapse analysis. Scientific Awards Meselson Prize (2024) Aspirational Neuroscience Award (2023) Best Publication Award (2021) Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowships (2021, 2019, 2018) Gregor Schuhknecht's lab will welcome graduate and postdoctoral researchers starting December 2025, focusing on experimental and computational systems neuroscience. He previously collaborated with Harvard University's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Department of Moritz Helmstaedter for connectomic analyses.

• Computational Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Neuronal Circuitry
• +4 more

Dr. Pascal Syren is a **Researcher** and **Resident** at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), affiliated with the **Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pulmonology** and the **Heidelberg Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias**. His academic role includes contributing to the **Group of Molecular and Translational Cardiac Electrophysiology**, focusing on epigenetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. He holds a PhD from Heidelberg University (2021) on histone deacetylases' influence in cardiac electrophysiology. **Research Interests**: Cardiac electrophysiology, epigenetic regulation (HDACs), ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, echocardiography, and translational cardiology. His work spans basic science to clinical applications, emphasizing ion channel remodeling and therapeutic targets for heart rhythm disorders. **Awards**: Recipient of the **Ernst & Berta Grimmke Foundation Research Grant (2023–2024)** and **Otto-Hess Scholarship (2017–2018)** from the German Cardiac Society. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical cardiology, with contributions to understanding HDAC2's role in action potential dynamics. **Publications**: Over 8 peer-reviewed articles (2016–2025) in journals like *Basic Research in Cardiology* and *Cells*, focusing on histone deacetylase pathways, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmia models. Recent work explores neonatal cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and TREK-1 potassium channels in heart failure. **Affiliations**: Active member of the **German Cardiac Society (DGK)** and **European Society of Cardiology (ESC)**, contributing to interdisciplinary cardiac arrhythmia research at Heidelberg's medical faculty.

• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Histone Deacetylases
• Ventricular Arrhythmias
• +3 more

Qiaowei Pan is a Researcher at the University of Lausanne , focusing on Evolution and Ecology . They have held a Guest Researcher role at the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB) in Mainz, Germany since 2023, and a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the University of Lausanne since 2018. Education: PhD in Molecular and Evolutionary Biology (2014-2018), INRAe, University of Rennes II, France Erasmus Mundus Master in Evolutionary Biology (MEME) (2012-2014), University of Groningen (Netherlands) & University of Montpellier II (France) BSc in Biology (2008-2012), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA Research Interests: Qiaowei Pan's work centers on the intersection of molecular genetics , evolutionary biology , and developmental biology , particularly in sex determination mechanisms across diverse animal models. Their studies span non-coding RNA regulation , sex chromosome evolution , and signal transduction pathways like TGF-β in reproductive systems. Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight expertise in sex determination systems (5/12 publications), genomic approaches (6/12), and fish developmental evolution . Collaborative work includes computational methods ( RADSex workflow ) and comparative studies across ant , goldfish , catfish , and cavefish models. Labs & Teams: Currently affiliated with the Keller-Valsecchi group at IMB and the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of Lausanne.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +7 more

Benedict King is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, where he contributes to the Comparative Oceanic Linguistics (CoOL) team. His research focuses on constructing phylogenetic trees of language relationships using Bayesian methods to explore language origins, spread, and evolutionary dynamics. He holds a BA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge (UK), a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Flinders University (Australia), and previously worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands). King’s research interests bridge evolutionary biology, paleontology, and linguistics. He investigates evolutionary transitions in early vertebrates (e.g., placoderms, coelacanths) and applies computational models to study language evolution. His work emphasizes improving phylogenetic methodologies and integrating fossil evidence with statistical frameworks. Notable projects include analyzing Philippine language migrations and reconfiguring actinistian phylogenies through Devonian fish fossils. His publications reflect interdisciplinary strengths, combining vertebrate paleontology with linguistic phylogenetics. Recent work supports rapid Austronesian expansions and hybrid Indo-European language origins. Awards include the Oxford University Press Prize for Biosciences and recognition for his PhD publication. King actively engages in public science communication through platforms like The Conversation and GitHub repositories.

• Phylogenetic Analysis
• Evolutionary Biology
• Paleontology
• +4 more

Maude Baldwin is the Director of the Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates, particularly in birds. Education : Ph.D. from Harvard University (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 2007-2014); B.A. from New York University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 2005). Research Interests include: Evolution of taste receptors, such as the repurposing of savory receptors for sweet detection in hummingbirds. Convergent evolution in sensory systems across vertebrates. Integrative approaches combining molecular methods, cell culture, and behavioral studies. Impact of dietary shifts on ecological and physiological adaptations. Publication Trends reveal a focus on comparative genomics , protein evolution , and sensory system adaptation , with specific attention to bird taste receptors , gene loss , and echolocation genetics . Labs & Teams : Baldwin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Max Planck Institute, recruiting researchers in comparative genomics , organoid technology , and vertebrate natural history . The group investigates sensory-diet coevolution and physiological trade-offs.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Sensory Systems
• Molecular Evolution
• +3 more

Prof. Karen Alim is a Professor of Biological Physics and Morphogenesis at the Department of Physics, Technische Universität München (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences. She holds a PhD from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2010) and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University (2010–2015) before leading a Max Planck Research Group in Göttingen. Her research focuses on non-neuronal information processing in living systems, particularly using Physarum polycephalum to study physical principles of network adaptation, fluid dynamics, and morphogenesis. Education: PhD in Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2010) Studies at Universität Karlsruhe, LMU München, and University of Manchester Research Interests: Prof. Alim explores how biological systems process information without neurons, emphasizing adaptive flow networks, mechanical signaling in plants, and collective behavior in active matter. Her work combines theoretical modeling with experimental systems like slime molds and plant tissues. Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2020) Elisabeth-Schiemann-Kolleg Fellowship (2013–2018) DAAD Stipendium (2011–2014) John Birks Award (2004) Advising & Grants: While specific grant details beyond the ERC award are not listed, her research has been supported by major funding bodies. No student advisees are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Labs/Teams: Leads the Biological Physics and Morphogenesis group at TUM, focusing on interdisciplinary studies of living systems' physical principles.

• Biological Physics
• Morphogenesis
• Non-neuronal Information Processing
• +4 more

Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788

• Molecular Immunology
• Cell Signaling
• Signal Transduction Pathways
• +4 more

Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Omer Bayraktar is a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute , leading research in the Cellular Genomics Programme. His work focuses on decoding human brain cellular diversity using spatial transcriptomics , imaging , and functional screening to study neural complexity in health and disease. Bayraktar's educational background includes a PhD from HHMI under Chris Doe, investigating neural diversity development in Drosophila , followed by postdoctoral work at University of California, San Francisco and University of Cambridge as a Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellow. He developed a spatial transcriptomic pipeline during his postdoc to analyze astrocyte heterogeneity in the cerebral cortex. His research explores neural cell type mapping , glial-neuronal interactions , and cellular pathways in neurodevelopmental disorders . Recent publications emphasize 3D tissue mapping , multi-omic integration , and computational tools like Cell2fate and WebAtlas. His work bridges neurogenetics and computational biology to advance understanding of human tissue ecosystems. Bayraktar's lab collaborates with the Human Cell Atlas initiative and develops technologies such as automated histology pipelines and highly-multiplexed smFISH for molecular cell typing. His team also investigates glia-based therapies and astrocyte functional heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental contexts. Key scientific contributions include: Discovering astrocyte layer patterns independent of neuronal laminae Developing cell2location for spatial cell mapping Characterizing Drosophila neural stem cell models with human relevance Notable awards include the Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellowship during his postdoctoral training. His current group includes a PhD student , Senior Data Scientists , and Bioinformaticians .

• Neural Diversity
• Spatial Transcriptomics
• Glia Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Simon Schäfer leads the Schäfer Lab at the Technische Universität München , focusing on engineering advanced organoid systems to study human brain development, disease modeling, and repair mechanisms. His work bridges stem cell biology, gene editing, and bioengineering to develop personalized therapies for brain disorders. Stem Cell & Organoid Technology Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms Neurodegenerative Disease Models Gene Editing & Neuroimmune Interactions Translational Neuroscience Recent research emphasizes brain organoid development, microglia phenotypes, and neurodevelopmental timing anomalies in autism. His team’s work also explores zika virus interactions with glioblastoma stem cells and neuronal plasticity in psychiatric disorders. Scientific awards and funding include support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF), and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy). Collaborations span institutions like the TUM Center for Organoid Systems. Advises 6 students (2 PhD, 1 MSc, 3 associated) Labs include Schäfer Lab, COS@TranslaTUM Contact: simon.schafer@tum.de

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist at Bielefeld University 's Faculty of Biology , where he leads the Department of Animal Behaviour since 2013. His research spans avian and marine mammal systems, focusing on life history strategies, parasite-host interactions, and environmental adaptation. Education: Biology studies at Bielefeld University (1994-1996) MSc in Oxford (1996-1997) PhD at Bielefeld University with Fritz Trillmich and Jan Lindström (1998-2000) Research Themes: Behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and population dynamics across tropical and temperate ecosystems. Key projects include NC³ (Niche Choice/Construction) and studies on Galápagos sea lions, common buzzards, and pinniped species. Scientific Leadership: Spokesperson, SFB TRR 212 "NC³" (2018-2025) Advisory Board member: German Ornithologists Union, IUCN SSC pinniped group, German Primate Centre Peer review roles: Humboldt Foundation, DFG, HFSP, NSF Awards: Leopoldina Prize (2001) Niko Tinbergen Award (2008) DFG Heisenberg Professorship (2010-2015)

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Population Ecology
• +11 more

Prof. Dr. Markus Meissner is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, leading the Chair of Experimental Parasitology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion and modulation by Apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species. Research Group: Meissner Laboratory Location: Lena-Christ-Str. 48, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried Contact: markus.meissner@lmu.de His work investigates the secretory pathway of parasites, vesicular trafficking systems, and essential genes involved in host cell invasion and intracellular development. Toxoplasma gondii serves as a model organism for studying Apicomplexan biology, including nuclear division and CRMP complex functionality. Recent publications highlight the role of Rab GTPases in protein trafficking, chromatin remodeling in Plasmodium, and actin dynamics in parasite motility. Articles span topics such as egress factors, Golgi pathways, and lineage-specific organelle emergence, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary analysis. The Meissner Lab includes PhD students (Peipei Qin, Yuan Song, Ella Schadt, Vitoria Catschor dos Santos) and postdocs (Dr. Wei Li, Dr. Miriam Rafajlovic). Research is conducted in Lena-Christ-Str. 48, Planegg-Martinsried, with a focus on experimental systems for studying parasite mechanisms.

• Apicomplexan Parasites
• Host Cell Invasion
• Vesicular Trafficking
• +3 more

Anna Levina is an Assistant Professor for Computational Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the self-organization of neuronal activity, critical dynamics in neural networks, and the excitation/inhibition balance in cortical circuits. Current positions: Assistant Professor (since 2018), Group Leader (2017-2018), Equality Officer (Computer Science) Previous roles: IST Fellow (2015-2017), Associated Researcher (2011-2015), Postdoc/PI (2011-2015), Postdoc (2008-2011) Her research integrates mathematical modeling , statistical physics , and computational neuroscience to study criticality phenomena, neural avalanches, and adaptive network dynamics. Key interests include: Self-organized criticality in neural systems Excitation/Inhibition balance mechanisms Network topology and dynamics Timescale analysis in neural processing Stochastic modeling of neural activity Recent publications reveal trends in understanding critical dynamics across biological and artificial networks, with applications to memory systems, sensorimotor integration, and disease modeling. She has received recognition as an IST Fellow .

• Self-organized criticality
• Neuronal network dynamics
• Excitation/Inhibition balance
• +5 more