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Christine Selhuber-Unkel is a Full Professor (W3) for Molecular Systems Engineering at the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) at Heidelberg University. She serves as co-chair of the Executive Board of the Flagship Initiative 'Engineering Molecular Systems' and is a spokesperson for the 'Cellular Biophysics' section of the German Biophysical Society. Additionally, she is a member of the executive board of the Cluster of Excellence '3D Matter Made to Order'. Education: Studied physics at Heidelberg University (2000-2002) M.Sc. degree in Physics from Uppsala University (2003) PhD in Physics from Heidelberg University (biological adhesion on nanopatterned substrates) Professor Selhuber-Unkel's research focuses on functional interfaces and their interactions with biological systems, including responsive interfaces, micro-/nanostructured interfaces (including 2-photon laser printing), and biofunctionalized hydrogels. Her work specifically targets controlling cellular properties such as parasite migration, with potential applications in soft robotics and biomaterials. She also experimentally studies biophysical properties of cells including mechanosensing, cellular force generation, adhesion forces, and statistical properties of intracellular motion and migration. Her research group is involved in multiple projects related to parasite physics, including studies on Giardia adhesion, Plasmodium infected erythrocytes, and Toxoplasma gondii. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on hydrogel engineering, cellular mechanics, and microfluidic systems for studying cell behavior. The research spans from fundamental biomaterials development to applications in ophthalmology, tissue engineering, and parasite mechanics. Scientific Awards: European Research Council Consolidator Grant (PHOTOMECH) European Research Council Starting Grant (CELLINSPIRED) Feodor Lynen Fellow for research stay at Cornell University Emmy Noether postdoctoral fellowship Otto Hahn Medal from the Max Planck Society Professor Selhuber-Unkel has received significant research funding, including multiple ERC grants and DFG funding. She previously served as spokesperson for the DFG research training group 'Materials for Brain' at Kiel University (2017-2020). Her research group maintains strong collaborations across multiple institutions focused on biophysical approaches to understanding cellular and parasite mechanics. Her laboratory develops advanced techniques including traction force microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microengineered systems for studying cellular mechanics in confined environments. The group's work bridges materials science, biophysics, and parasitology to develop novel approaches for understanding and controlling cellular behavior.

• Biophysics
• Parasite mechanics
• Functional interfaces
• +8 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

Dr. Stephanie Spahr is a Research Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany, where she leads the Organic Contaminants research group within the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry. Previously, she served as a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Tübingen's Center for Applied Geoscience (2019-2021) and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2016-2019). Dr. Spahr earned her PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine during water disinfection with chloramine. She completed her MSc in Geoecology at the University of Tübingen in 2012, with thesis work on carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of benzotriazoles conducted at Eawag, and her BSc in Geoecology/Ecosystem Management at the same institution in 2010. Dr. Spahr's research focuses on trace organic contaminants in aquatic systems, with particular expertise in transformation processes of contaminants in natural and engineered systems, advanced oxidation processes for water treatment, urban blue-green infrastructure, and compound-specific isotope analysis. Her work bridges environmental chemistry, engineering, and ecology to address water quality challenges in urban and natural water systems. She employs advanced analytical techniques to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways, with a strong emphasis on practical applications for water treatment and environmental protection. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on biochar-based water treatment technologies, particularly for stormwater management. She investigates how biochar amendments can remove trace organic contaminants from urban runoff, with recent work examining persulfate activation mechanisms, the role of chloride in reactive species formation, and the performance of engineered media filters under dynamic conditions. Her research also extends to understanding contaminant transport in rivers, the ecological impacts of pollutants, and developing analytical methods for environmental monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of her work connects chemical processes with ecological outcomes. Outstanding Review Paper Award 2023 in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Selected for the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2023 Selected mentee in the Leibniz Mentoring Programme 2022-2023 Best poster award (1st prize) at the Wasser 2022 of the Water Chemistry Society Selected fellow in the Postdoc Academy for Transformational Leadership 2020-2022 (Robert Bosch Stiftung) Selected fellow in the Athene Program for early female career researchers at the University of Tübingen, 2020-2021 As a Research Group Leader, Dr. Spahr supervises multiple research projects including 'POllution in UrbaN ponds, eco-evolutionary Dynamics, and Ecosystem Resilience (POUNDER)', 'Dynamic hyporheic zone', 'NYMPHE', and the 'Incident-related special investigation programme for the environmental disaster in the Oder River'. She serves on the Executive Board of the German Water Chemistry Society and heads its Expert Committee on 'Oxidative Processes'. Her collaborative work spans numerous institutions across Germany and internationally, addressing critical water quality challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Spahr leads the Organic Contaminants research group at IGB Berlin, which focuses on understanding the fate and treatment of organic pollutants in water systems. Her team employs advanced analytical techniques including compound-specific isotope analysis to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways. The group collaborates extensively with other departments at IGB and with international partners on projects addressing urban water challenges and ecological impacts of pollution. Current research emphasizes innovative water treatment technologies, particularly biochar-based systems for stormwater management, and investigating the complex interactions between contaminants, aquatic ecosystems, and human activities.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Water Quality
• Contaminant Hydrology
• +7 more

Prof. Friederike Ebner holds the Chair of Infection Pathogenesis at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 2023, within the TUM School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on the immunobiology of parasite infections, particularly studying gastrointestinal helminths like Ascaris suum and their interactions with host immune systems to design novel intervention strategies. She also develops biomedical models for studying infectious diseases. Educational Background: Friederike Ebner earned a biotechnology degree from TU Berlin and Dongseo University (South Korea). She completed her PhD in biology at Humboldt University Berlin (2014), followed by postdoctoral research in immunology at Freie Universität Berlin, where she became an assistant professor before moving to TUM. Research Interests: Her work spans helminth-host immune dynamics, vaccine development, microbiome interactions in parasitic infections, and translational models for human diseases. Key topics include Th2/Th1 immune balance, helminth-derived immunomodulators, and xenotransplantation safety. Notable Contributions: Her recent studies address diagnostic methods for ascariasis, microbiome roles in helminth survival, and immunotherapeutic applications of parasite products. Current efforts emphasize bridging fundamental immunology with clinical and veterinary applications. Professional Activities: Prof. Ebner teaches immunology and parasite biology at TUM while maintaining active collaborations in global health and infectious disease research. She advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to address knowledge gaps in parasitology and vaccinology.

• Immunobiology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Disease Research
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• +13 more

Martin Kaltenpoth serves as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena since 2020 and Professor for Evolutionary Ecology at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz since 2015. Previously, he led the Research Group Insect Symbiosis at the MPI for Chemical Ecology from 2009 to 2015. Education: PhD in Biology (summa cum laude), University of Würzburg, 2006 Diploma in Biology (with honors), University of Würzburg, 2003 His research centers on insect-bacterial symbioses , investigating evolutionary, ecological, and chemical dimensions of host-microbe interactions. Key foci include nutritional and defensive symbiosis in beetles, genomic adaptations of symbiotic bacteria, and chemical mediation of symbiotic relationships. His work bridges entomology, microbiology, and chemical ecology to unravel coevolutionary mechanisms. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant trends in beetle-microbe systems, emphasizing symbiont roles in cuticle synthesis, antifungal defense, and host-plant adaptation. His studies frequently employ genomic, biochemical, and experimental approaches across diverse insect lineages. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. While specific advisees and grants remain unlisted, his leadership of research groups and dual academic appointments indicate active supervision of graduate researchers and externally funded projects in symbiosis evolution. Currently directing research at the Max Planck Institute, Kaltenpoth advances understanding of symbiotic systems with implications for evolutionary theory and sustainable pest management strategies.

• Insect Symbiosis
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Chemical Ecology
• +2 more

Niels Dingemanse is a tenured Professor of Behavioural Ecology at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany, and leads the Evolutionary Ecology of Variation research group at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. His academic journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Groningen and the University of Wales, Bangor. He holds a PhD in natural sciences from Utrecht University (2003) and an M.Sc. in Ecology from the University of Groningen (1997). His research focuses on evolutionary and behavioural ecology, particularly the ecological and evolutionary significance of individual variation in behaviour, physiology, and life-history traits. Key themes include personality evolution, indirect genetic effects, and the integration of genomic approaches with ecological field studies. Dingemanse has contributed to projects like the Great Tit HapMap initiative, exploring genomic variation across continental scales. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining field experiments with genomic and statistical tools. His work addresses topics such as mate choice evolution, the role of environmental fluctuations in shaping social plasticity, and the genetic basis of vocal rhythms in birds. Grants and fellowships include the Veni Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and ALW open competition grants. He has advised numerous postdoctoral researchers and leads collaborative projects across Europe.

• Behavioural Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Animal Personality
• +4 more

Matthias Feige is an Associate Professor of Cellular Protein Biochemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He leads the Focus Group for Cellular Protein Biochemistry, previously serving as a Rudolf Mößbauer Tenure Track Assistant Professor. His research focuses on understanding cellular proteome integrity, particularly in the secretory pathway, combining protein biochemistry and cell biology. Key interests include protein folding, quality control mechanisms, and their biomedical applications. Education & Career: PhD in Biochemistry (2009), TUM under Johannes Buchner Postdoctoral Fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, USA) with Linda Hendershot Head of the Cellular Protein Biochemistry Lab at TUM since 2015 Research Interests: Feige’s work explores molecular mechanisms governing protein biogenesis, secretory pathway proteins, and their roles in immunity. His interdisciplinary approach targets fundamental biology and translational applications like protein engineering and therapy development. Scientific Contributions: His publications highlight advancements in cytokine assembly, ER quality control, and protein aggregation mechanisms. Notable recent work includes studies on KDELR3 signaling, helminth immune modulation, and engineered cytokines. Awards & Recognition: Leopoldina Fellowship (2011–2014) Fellow of the Daimler and Benz Foundation (2016) Rainer Rudolph Award (2012) Multiple honors from TUM and international institutions Labs & Teams: He directs a lab investigating protein biogenesis and proteostasis. Collaborations span biochemistry, immunology, and structural biology, with a focus on translational research.

• Protein Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Jürgen Groeneveld is a researcher at the Department of Ecological Modelling at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. His work focuses on agent-based modelling of ecological and socio-environmental systems, with a particular emphasis on pollinator conservation, climate change impacts, and biodiversity digital twins. He contributes to the BioDT Project and collaborates on initiatives like the BEEHAVE and BEE-STEWARD models for honeybee and bumblebee dynamics. His research integrates computational methods with ecological theory to address challenges in sustainable land use and environmental policy. Key projects include modeling land use transformations, analyzing the effects of pesticides on pollinators, and exploring risk-sharing mechanisms for smallholder farmers. Groeneveld has published extensively on topics such as metapopulation dynamics, forest fragmentation, and the application of standardized protocols (e.g., ODD) for simulation models. His work bridges theoretical ecology with practical applications, aiming to inform conservation strategies and climate adaptation policies. He participates in interdisciplinary collaborations across the UFZ’s research units, including the 'Smart Models / Monitoring' group. His contributions span publications in journals like Ecological Modelling, Ecosphere, and Nature, reflecting his expertise in both ecological and computational methodologies.

• Ecological Modelling
• Agent-Based Modelling
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +5 more

Jochen Wolf is Chair of the Evolutionary Biology Division at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and a Max Planck Fellow of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence since 2022. His research integrates evolutionary biology, genomics, and ecology to address fundamental questions about speciation, adaptation, and biodiversity across multiple biological systems. Dr. Wolf's research program applies an integrative approach to understand microevolutionary processes and genetic mechanisms underlying species divergence. His work combines large-scale genomic analyses with laboratory and field experiments to characterize genomic divergence across populations and species. Key empirical systems include natural populations of birds (particularly corvids, swallows, and cuckoos), marine mammals (pinnipeds and killer whales), plant communities, and experimental evolution in fission yeast. His research spans multiple scales from immediate microevolutionary processes to broader evolutionary patterns across time. His recent publications reveal a sophisticated integration of genomic, epigenetic, and ecological perspectives. A notable trend shows increasing focus on structural genomic variation, chromosomal rearrangements, and epigenetic mechanisms as drivers of evolutionary processes. His work demonstrates how these molecular mechanisms interact with ecological factors to shape patterns of biodiversity and adaptation. Dr. Wolf's research has gained significant recognition through publications in top-tier journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Ecology & Evolution. His groundbreaking studies on crow hybrid zones, killer whale ecotypes, and experimental evolution of speciation have been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, Scientific American, and Der Spiegel, demonstrating the broad impact of his work. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Wolf actively mentors doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of evolutionary biologists. His lab maintains strong international collaborations, particularly through affiliations with SciLifeLab in Uppsala. Research in his group is supported by multiple funding sources including German Research Foundation grants and European Union programs, enabling both fundamental research and applications to conservation biology. The Wolf lab operates within LMU's Division of Evolutionary Biology, which provides access to state-of-the-art facilities including the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre. The lab maintains strong connections with the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence and SciLifeLab in Uppsala, creating a rich collaborative environment for interdisciplinary research in evolutionary genomics. This network enables comprehensive studies spanning from molecular mechanisms to ecological and evolutionary consequences across diverse biological systems.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Speciation Genomics
• Genome Evolution
• +7 more

Dr. Thomas Spallek is a Junior Group Leader leading the Plant Biotic Interactions Group at Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany. His research focuses on functional genetics of parasitic plants, interspecific signaling, and haustoria formation mechanisms. Previously, he held roles as Project Leader (2019–2022) and Postdoc (2018–2019) at the University of Hohenheim, with postdoctoral experience at RIKEN (Japan) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (UK). Education: PhD in Plant Biology (Max Planck Institute, Cologne, 2011), Diploma in Biology (University of Konstanz, 2008). Research Interests: Parasitic plant genetics and host interactions Cytokinin signaling in plant-pathogen relationships Cellular and molecular mechanisms of haustorium development Publications span plant-parasite signaling, hormonal regulation, and genomic studies of parasitic weeds. Notable collaborations include work on Striga asiatica genome analysis and cytokinin-driven virulence factors. He is affiliated with the International Research Training Group 2172 - PRoTECT and coordinates the Plant Biotic Interactions research group. His work integrates molecular genetics, bioimaging, and computational tools to dissect plant defense and parasitic strategies.

• Plant Biology
• Parasitic Plant Genetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +4 more

Matthias Weiss is a Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Bayreuth since 2010. Previously, he held roles including BIOMS Junior Group Leader at the German Cancer Research Center (2004–2010) and postdoc positions at EMBL Heidelberg and the MEMPHYS-Center in Denmark. He studied physics at Frankfurt and Heidelberg, earning a Diploma (1997) and PhD in quantum chaos (2000). His research bridges physics and biology, focusing on dynamic self-organization in living systems. Key areas include transport processes, organelle formation, embryogenesis, and parasite-host interactions. Techniques include advanced light microscopy and computational modeling. His work spans projects like the physics of Giardia adhesion and Trypanosoma motility, funded under SPP 2332 PoP. Notable publications explore anomalous diffusion in nuclei, ER network dynamics, and microtubule roles in Trypanosoma. Collaborations involve institutions like DKFZ, EMBL, and the University of Würzburg. He leads the Experimental Physics I department at Bayreuth and advises on biophysical methodologies.

• Biophysics
• Cellular Biophysics
• Dynamic Self-Organization in Living Matter
• +5 more

Iris Bruchhaus is a Professor and head of the 'Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions' research group at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg. She holds a doctoral degree from BNITM and habilitation from the University of Hamburg (UHH), becoming an extraordinary professor in 2007. Her research focuses on understanding host-parasite interactions, particularly with Entamoeba histolytica (amoebiasis) and Plasmodium falciparum (malaria). Key areas include the molecular mechanisms of pathogen invasion, cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes, and endothelial cell interactions. Her work employs comparative proteomics, transcriptomics, and organoid models to study virulence factors and disease progression. Her research group is part of the SPP 2332 PoP initiative, investigating projects such as cytoadhesion dynamics under febrile conditions (Project 3), parasite locomotion in viscoelastic environments (Project 12), and virtual parasite modeling (Project 14). Collaborative efforts include atomic force microscopy and laminar flow systems to analyze receptor-ligand interactions. Contact details: bruchhaus@bnitm.de, +49 40 42818472.

• Parasitology
• Molecular Parasitology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +3 more

Christoph G. Grevelding is a Full Professor of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases at Justus Liebig University Giessen since 2004. He holds leadership roles, including Deputy Chairman of the LOEWE Center DRUID (2020–present) and Chairman of Section-2, “Infection and Immunity,” at the International Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL, 2022–present). His career includes a Habilitation in Genetics (1999), Associate Professorship at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (1999–2004), and postdoctoral work at the Max Planck Institute. Education: Biology diploma from the University of Cologne (1988), Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Breeding Research (1991), and Habilitation in Genetics (1999). Research focuses on Schistosoma mansoni , exploring male-induced sexual maturation, drug targets, and parasite-host interactions. Notable projects include investigating mechanical forces in reproduction (Project 10 of SPP 2332) and links between schistosome infection and carcinogenesis. Research emphasizes transcriptomics, kinases, and genomic elements (e.g., Z-chromosome dosage, W satellite elements) to understand schistosome biology and evolution. His lab develops antiparasitics and studies immune responses to schistosome eggs. Advising and Grants: Extensive collaborations in drug discovery and basic science, with grants supporting projects on parasite biology and carcinogenesis. Laboratory: Grevelding Lab .

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

PD Dr. Klaus B. Tenberge is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Münster, Germany. His research focuses on molecular cytology of plant-pathogen interactions and cell wall biology , with a particular emphasis on Claviceps purpurea infections in rye and Botrytis cinerea interactions with tomato/bean plants. He has supervised numerous doctoral and state examination theses since 1992 and serves on the Münster State Examination Office for biology teaching positions. Education: Biology and Mathematics at University of Münster (First State Examination, Doctorate, Habilitation in Botany) Contact: Schlossplatz 7, Münster | tenberg@uni-muenster.de His research projects analyze host-pathogen dynamics using light/electron microscopy , immunogold labeling , and in situ hybridization , targeting mechanisms like cell wall degradation , active oxygen species , and scavenging enzymes . Key collaborations include work on Claviceps and Botrytis systems with DFG and EU funding. He contributes to scientific societies (German Botanical Society, German Society for Electron Microscopy) and peer-review for journals such as Molecular Plant Pathology and New Phytologist . Recent teaching includes modules on field biology , plant biodiversity , and electron microscopy .

• Molecular Cytology
• Plant-Pathogen Interactions
• Electron Microscopy
• +3 more