Caroline Gutjahr

Caroline Gutjahr is the Director of the Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam-Golm, Germany. She previously held academic positions including Associate Professor (Fast Track) and Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Plant Genetics at TU Munich. Her research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis, and plant hormone physiology. She earned her PhD from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) after studies at the University of Freiburg and a fellowship at the University of Turin.

Education:

• PhD in Biology (2009), University of Geneva/Lausanne, Switzerland
• Diploma in Biology (2003), University of Freiburg, Germany
• Exchange studies at University of Aberdeen, Scotland (1999-2000)

Research Interests:

• Arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis mechanisms
• Plant hormone signaling pathways (e.g., strigolactones, karrikins)
• Root development and nutrient acquisition strategies
• Genetic regulation of plant-microbe interactions

Awards:

• ERC Starting Grant (2017)
• Adam Kondorosi Award (2021)
• Emmy Noether Grant (2014)

Leadership & Mentoring:

• Currently supervises 8 doctoral students and 5 postdocs
• Guided 5 completed doctoral theses and 18 MSc theses
• Teaching responsibilities at TU Munich since 2011

Laboratory Focus: Her lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying plant symbioses, particularly lipid exchange in arbuscular mycorrhiza and signaling pathways regulating root development.