Oliver Daumke

Oliver Daumke serves as Senior Group Leader at the Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC) in Berlin and S-Professor for Structural Biology at Freie Universität Berlin since 2013. His research focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of membrane-remodeling proteins critical for cellular processes.

Academic Background:

• 1995-2000: Diplom study of Biology, Universität Freiburg, Sussex (UK), and Köln
• 2001-2004: Dr. rer. nat. under Alfred Wittinghofer, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund

Professor Daumke's research centers on structural mechanisms of dynamin superfamily GTPases in mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and membrane fission. His work combines X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and biophysical approaches to reveal how proteins like Mgm1, Mic60, and Drp1 regulate mitochondrial architecture and cellular homeostasis. Key contributions include defining GTPase-driven conformational changes and protein-lipid interactions governing membrane remodeling events.

His publication record (2007-2019) demonstrates consistent leadership in structural membrane biology, with recurring themes of oligomerization mechanics, curvature sensing, and spatiotemporal control of cellular signaling. The work spans mitochondrial crista junction formation, autophagosome biogenesis, and endocytic machinery, frequently appearing in top-tier journals including Nature, Cell, and PNAS.

Scientific Recognition:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2014)
• Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award (2011)
• EMBO Young Investigator Award (2011)
• HFSPO Career Development Award (2009)
• Max Planck Society's Otto-Hahn Medal (2004)

As Vice Speaker of the Helmholtz Cross Program Activity 'Structural Biology' and board member of Collaborative Research Center 958, Daumke directs major initiatives in structural life sciences. His MDC laboratory, part of the SFB/TRR186 consortium on molecular switches, receives sustained funding through competitive grants including ERC and Helmholtz Association support. Current work explores therapeutic targeting of membrane-remodeling defects in neurodegeneration and infection.

Daumke maintains active leadership in the structural biology community through the Helmholtz Think Tank (since 2012) and editorial roles, with his research group providing advanced training in structural techniques for next-generation scientists.