Guido Grossmann

Prof. Dr. Guido Grossmann serves as Head of the Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), joining CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences) in October 2020. His research program investigates biological interactions from protein-level organization to organism-level symbioses, with particular focus on plant cell dynamics and root-microbe relationships.

His academic journey includes:

• Doctoral research with Widmar Tanner at University of Regensburg studying plasma membrane organization
• EMBO postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford with Wolf Frommer and David Ehrhardt
• Independent research group leadership at Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University (2013-2020)

Grossmann's laboratory specializes in developing advanced imaging technologies for plant science, most notably pioneering the RootChip microfluidic platform that enables quantitative microscopy of metabolite dynamics in living plant roots. His research explores how biological systems develop functionalities beyond the sum of their parts, from signaling clusters of membrane proteins regulating cellular growth to root-soil microbe interactions shaping diverse microenvironments. The lab develops soil-inspired cultivation devices for high-resolution imaging of root colonization processes and investigates cell polarization, growth regulation, and intercellular communication in plant roots.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent innovation in plant imaging technologies alongside fundamental discoveries in root biology, calcium signaling, and plant stress responses. His work bridges theoretical plant biology with practical technological applications, particularly through the development of microfluidic systems that enable precise environmental control for plant studies.

Key recognition:

• EMBO Fellow

As head of his institute, Grossmann oversees research programs spanning plant metabolism, metabolomics, and advanced imaging. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes maintaining scientific curiosity while upholding rigorous research integrity. The laboratory maintains specialized facilities including the Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Facility and Imaging Platform, supporting quantitative approaches to plant science.

His current research initiatives within CEPLAS focus on optimizing plant performance through understanding development-metabolism interfaces, plant microbiota networks, and synthetic biology approaches to plant science.