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
Ruben Portugues is a Professor of Brain Circuit Function and Dysfunction at the Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is a full member of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), an associate and advisory board member of the Munich Center for Neurosciences (MCN), and leads a research group focused on understanding the neural basis of behavior. His lab uses larval zebrafish as a model organism to investigate sensorimotor control, decision-making, and motor learning through whole-brain imaging and circuit analysis. His research interests lie at the intersection of systems neuroscience and behavior. He investigates how brain circuits process sensory information, integrate it with motor output, and enable adaptive and flexible behavior. Key areas include the function of the cerebellum, heading direction networks, sensorimotor transformations, and the neural mechanisms of decision-making. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including custom-built microscopes, behavioral assays, and computational analysis. The recent publications and preprints from his lab demonstrate a strong trend in decoding distributed neural circuits underlying navigation and decision-making in zebrafish. There is a clear focus on identifying specific brain regions (e.g., interpeduncular nucleus, cerebellum) and cell types involved in processing visual, motor, and spatial information. The work increasingly emphasizes whole-brain functional imaging and the emergence of cognitive-like representations such as allocentric heading direction. FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) PhD Thesis Prize (awarded to student Luigi Petrucco) Ruben Portugues actively mentors PhD students, including current advisees Luigi Petrucco, Ot Prat, and Shuhong Huang, and has successfully graduated Dr. Elena Dragomir and Dr. Vilim Štih. His lab engages in extensive collaborations, hosts visiting researchers, participates in teaching (e.g., CSHL Imaging Course, Cajal Course), and secures resources for advanced research. The lab is known for building its own microscopes and software, fostering technical innovation. The Portugues Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines experimental neuroscience with computational and engineering approaches. They regularly hold retreats, participate in scientific events, and contribute to community initiatives like the Munich Brain Day. The lab is preparing to relocate to the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, marking a new phase in its research trajectory.
Ralf Zimmer is a Full Professor for Practical Informatics and Bioinformatics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) since 2001, affiliated with the Department of Informatics in the Faculty of Mathematica, Informatics and Statistics. He concurrently serves as Head of Section III and Head of the Research Group Network Regulation and Modeling / Machine Learning at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at TUM (Leibniz-LSB@TUM) in Freising, Germany. His academic foundation includes a Diploma with distinction in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Operations Research from the University of Bonn (1981-1986), followed by a summa cum laude Doctorate in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from CAU Kiel in 1990, where he received dual honors: the CAU Dissertation Award and Best Dissertation Award. Zimmer's research pioneers the integration of bioinformatics, systems biology, and machine learning to decode molecular food-consumer interactions. His group develops causal system models for biological networks, validated through in silico simulations and multi-omics perturbation experiments (transcriptomics/proteomics). Core methodologies include network regulation modeling, algorithmic bioinformatics, and database construction linking food compounds to biochemical networks and cellular phenotypes, with translational goals for food and biotech innovation. His 14 most recent publications (2012-2024) reveal dominant trends in multi-omics immunology and cardiovascular research, featuring computational innovations for high-throughput data analysis. Key themes include host-pathogen dynamics (viral infections), inflammatory disease mechanisms (atherosclerosis), and methodological advances in proteomics/transcriptomics, consistently bridging fundamental bioinformatics with clinical applications. Major scientific recognitions include: CAU Dissertation Award and Best Dissertation Award (1990) Director of LMU's Informatics Department (2010-2012) DFG Review Board membership for biomedical foundations (2008-2016) Leadership of the DFG Bioinformatics Munich Center (2001-2008) Academic Senate election at LMU München (2011) Zimmer directs LMU/TUM's joint B.Sc./M.Sc. bioinformatics programs since 2001 as founding architect of the DFG-funded Bioinformatics Munich initiative. His educational leadership spans spokesperson roles for international training groups (IRTG RECESS), collaborative research centers (SFB1123 Atherosclerosis), and elite programs (Data Science, Munich Center for Machine Learning). Grant stewardship includes directing the DFG Bioinformatics Munich Center and shaping national funding policy via the DFG review board. At Leibniz-LSB@TUM, his research group pioneers databases connecting food compounds to cellular phenotypes through molecular networks, collaborating with Munich universities, clinics, and biotech partners to develop high-throughput sequencing/proteomics applications for future food and health innovations.
Rainer Böckmann is a Professor of Computational Biology in the Department of Biology at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany, where he leads the Group for Theoretical and Computational Membrane Biophysics. His research integrates molecular dynamics simulations with biophysical analysis to study membrane structure, dynamics, and function. Research Interests: His work focuses on computational biophysics, particularly lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, molecular dynamics, and structural bioinformatics. He investigates how lipid composition, cholesterol, and embedded peptides influence membrane organization, curvature, and permeability, with applications in antimicrobial strategies and mRNA vaccine delivery systems. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), particularly their phase behavior, pH-dependent protonation, and structural transitions relevant to mRNA vaccines. He also explores antimicrobial peptides, membrane domain formation, and the role of cholesterol in modulating membrane properties. His group develops and applies advanced simulation techniques, including constant-pH MD and coarse-grained modeling. Member of Editorial Board, Biophysical Journal (2024–present) Elected Member, DFG Review Board for Biophysics (2020–present) Chairman, Molecular Biophysics Section, German Biophysical Society (2011–2012) Leadership and Service: Böckmann is actively involved in academic governance, serving on editorial boards, DFG committees, and as a guest editor for special issues in Frontiers journals. He contributes to graduate education and high-performance computing initiatives at FAU, including the NHR@FAU and Life@FAU Graduate School. He has organized major conferences and workshops in biophysics and membrane modeling. Laboratory and Collaboration: He leads a research group focused on biomembrane physics, collaborating with experimentalists and theorists. His lab develops and applies simulation tools to study membrane systems, bridging computational insights with biological function.
Professor Sabine Eming is a Principal Investigator at the Department of Dermatology & FMNS at the University of Cologne, affiliated with the CMMC and collaborating with CECAD. Her research focuses on the molecular basis of age-related skin pathologies and regenerative responses. Investigates tissue regeneration, immunometabolism, and TOR signaling Develops therapeutic strategies for injured/aging tissues Uses cross-species models (mice, zebrafish, Drosophila, humans) Her work bridges basic science and clinical expertise to translate findings into therapeutic approaches, particularly examining: Metabolic reprogramming in wound healing Immune system's role in regeneration vs. scarring Lipid synthesis and filaggrin processing in skin barrier formation Scarless repair mechanisms in zebrafish vs. mammals She leads research into molecular control systems including: Cell death regulation (FADD-RIPK3 pathways) Nutrient-sensing TOR pathway in skin aging Glutamine metabolism in stem cell maintenance Her group develops genetically modified mouse models and collaborates on clinical trials for impaired healing conditions.
Professor Erez Raz serves as Director of the Institute of Cell Biology at the University of Münster and is affiliated with the Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE). He is a prominent member of the Cluster of Excellence "Cells in Motion" and serves on the board of the CiM-IMPRS graduate program. His research group "AG Raz: Cell biology in vivo - Germ-cell development" investigates fundamental mechanisms of cell migration in living organisms. Professor Raz's research focuses on cell migration, cell-fate maintenance, and organogenesis within live vertebrate embryos. His laboratory primarily employs zebrafish as a model organism due to its transparent embryos that develop externally, enabling high-resolution live imaging of cellular processes. His work has revealed critical mechanisms of how cells navigate within developing organisms, with significant implications for understanding pathological conditions like cancer metastasis and inflammatory processes where cell migration becomes dysregulated. His recent publications demonstrate a sustained focus on molecular mechanisms controlling germ cell migration, including the roles of RNA-binding proteins like Dnd1, bleb formation dynamics, mitochondrial regulation of germ cell fitness, and tissue microenvironment influences on cell protrusion types. His research uniquely integrates approaches from cell biology, biophysics, genetics, and mathematical modeling to gain comprehensive insights into cellular migration dynamics. Over 100 publications spanning two decades Extensive collaborations across disciplines Methodological innovations in cell imaging and manipulation Professor Raz has successfully mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between biologists, physicists, mathematicians, and clinicians. His laboratory has developed innovative techniques for cell ablation, mRNA labeling, and in vivo manipulations using optical tweezers, contributing significantly to methodological advances in the field. His laboratory participates in the Multiscale Imaging Centre and the "Cells in Motion" research network, providing access to state-of-the-art imaging capabilities for studying cellular dynamics at multiple scales, from molecular interactions to whole-organism development.
Dr. Friedrich Longin is an Adjunct Professor and Group Leader of the Wheat Research Group at the State Seed Breeding Institute of the University of Hohenheim, Germany. He leads research on wheat breeding, alternative wheat varieties, and increasing biodiversity in wheat cultivation. University of Hohenheim: Habilitation in Plant Breeding (2016), Adjunct Professor (2019) University of Hohenheim and China Agricultural University in Beijing: Doctorate in a German-Chinese graduate program University of Hohenheim: Studied agricultural biology, specializing in biotechnology and plant breeding Dr. Longin's research focuses on breeding alternative wheat varieties, pre-breeding in wheat, processing and nutritional quality of wheat varieties, nutrient use efficiency in wheat species, and increasing biodiversity and sustainability in wheat cultivation. His breeding research into alternative crops has led to the resurgence of traditional varieties such as spelt, emmer, and einkorn. His work bridges fundamental plant breeding science with practical applications for sustainable agriculture and food systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of wheat quality traits, disease resistance, and nutritional properties. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on genomics-based approaches to wheat improvement, with particular attention to grain quality, nutritional properties, disease resistance, and the relationship between wheat varieties and human health. There is a clear trend toward integrating molecular breeding techniques with traditional approaches, and an increasing emphasis on understanding the health implications of wheat consumption, particularly regarding inflammatory responses and food sensitivities. Active participant in numerous national and international research projects related to wheat breeding and genetic resources Regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences on wheat breeding and sustainable agriculture Volunteers on several professional committees related to plant breeding and agricultural research Dr. Longin heads the Wheat Research Group at the State Seed Breeding Institute of the University of Hohenheim, which focuses on developing improved wheat varieties with enhanced nutritional quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. His team works closely with farmers, millers, and bakers to ensure that new varieties meet the needs of the entire production chain from farm to fork.
Professor Axel Roers serves at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Medicine within the Institute of Immunology at Heidelberg University Hospital. His research program focuses on mast cell biology and immune regulation, particularly examining how these cells monitor blood flow and protect against pathogens and toxins. Dr. Roers' research interests center on immunological mechanisms in skin tissue, with particular expertise in interleukin-10 regulation, mast cell functions in inflammatory processes, and NF-kappaB-dependent proinflammatory responses. His work bridges fundamental immunological research with clinical applications, especially in understanding autoimmune conditions and skin barrier function. His current research portfolio demonstrates strong activity across multiple funding mechanisms including Research Groups, Transregional Collaborative Research Centers, and Clinical Research Groups. Notably, he serves as speaker for FOR 2599: Tissue type 2 responses: Mechanisms of induction and regulation, indicating leadership in this specialized field. Dr. Roers has secured substantial research infrastructure through completed projects including a cell analysis and high-speed cell sorting system and a 2-photon laser scanning microscope for intravital applications, demonstrating his commitment to advanced methodological approaches in immunological research. His collaborative approach is evident through numerous sub-project management roles in Transregios and Collaborative Research Centers, focusing on molecular dynamics of nucleic acid-driven immune responses, immune cell interactions in barrier-defective skin, and cellular plasticity in myeloid malignancies.
Summary Prof. Tim Kacprowski is a Professor and Head of Data Science in Biomedicine at the Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics (PLRI), jointly affiliated with TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School. His research focuses on integrating computational methods with biomedical challenges, particularly in network medicine, federated learning, and alternative splicing analysis. Key projects include the development of the NeDRex platform for drug repurposing and the FeatureCloud framework for privacy-preserving federated learning in healthcare. Research Interests His work spans multiple domains: Network Medicine: Leveraging molecular networks for disease module identification and drug discovery. Data Science: Advanced analytics for biomedical data, including ECG monitoring, microbiome studies, and flow cytometry. Federated Learning: Developing decentralized AI systems to protect patient data while enabling collaborative research. Alternative Splicing: Investigating splicing patterns in diseases like cancer and kidney disorders. Publications Trends Recent publications emphasize tools for drug repurposing (NeDRex-Web), ethical AI in clinical decision-making, and microbiome dynamics in chronic diseases. His work bridges computational methods with clinical applications, addressing challenges in precision medicine and healthcare technology. Labs & Collaborations As head of the Data Science group at PLRI, he leads interdisciplinary teams advancing biomedical informatics. Collaborations span institutions in Germany and internationally, focusing on translational research and AI-driven healthcare solutions.
Professor Marco Prinz serves as Principal Investigator leading the Innate Immunity research group at the Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine. His laboratory investigates the critical role of brain-specific innate immune cells, particularly microglia, in neurological health and disease. Dr. Prinz's research focuses on understanding how microglia—the brain's resident macrophages—contribute to both protective and pathological processes in the central nervous system. His work examines microglial function in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis using advanced mouse models including EAE and cuprizone models. A significant portion of his recent research employs single-cell analysis techniques to characterize the heterogeneity of microglial cells in various disease states, particularly in chronic active lesions and paramagnetic rim lesions in MS patients. The laboratory has made important contributions to understanding microglial development, showing how these cells emerge from specific precursors and establish themselves in defined niches within the CNS. Their work has revealed how microglia act as both guardians and potential contributors to neurological damage, with implications for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Prinz's research team includes multiple postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff who contribute to ongoing investigations into CNS immunity. His laboratory has pioneered techniques for studying microglia, including novel genetic tools and single-cell analysis approaches that have provided unprecedented insights into the cellular composition of brain lesions and the dynamic behavior of immune cells in neurological disorders.
Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117
Ulrich Klostermeier is a researcher at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His scientific work spans hemostasis, thrombosis research, and molecular mechanisms of coagulation disorders. Hematology Clinical Chemistry Stem Cell Research Translational Medicine His research focuses on thrombophilia , venous thromboembolism , and genetic regulation in both pediatric and adult populations. Key projects include investigations into protein C/S deficiencies , NOD2 interactions , and hemostatic biomarkers . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in translational thrombosis research , with significant contributions to understanding prothrombotic polymorphisms and stem cell applications in cardiac regeneration. Collaborative work includes international cohort studies and multicenter clinical research. Methodologically, he employs transcriptional profiling , mutation analysis , and animal models for studying blood coagulation dynamics. His scientific work has been published in journals covering hematology, molecular biology, and clinical chemistry. Key research trends: Thrombosis risk stratification Genetic basis of coagulation disorders Comparative pediatric/adult hemostasis Translational approaches to cardiac repair Computational transcriptional analysis Developmental biology applications
Professor Marcus Conrad serves as Director of the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death at Helmholtz Munich and holds the Chair of Translational Redox Biology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 2024. His research bridges basic science and translation through the identification and pharmacological targeting of key nodes in cell death and necro-inflammatory processes. Conrad earned his PhD from Helmholtz Zentrum München and Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich with highest honors (summa cum laude), focusing on selenoproteins in transgenic mice. His academic journey includes research positions at Karolinska Institute, Yamagata University, and leadership roles at Helmholtz Zentrum München before his current directorship. Conrad's research primarily focuses on ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway dependent on iron and lipid peroxidation. His work explores how understanding these molecular mechanisms can prevent neurodegenerative diseases and combat cancer. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of GPX4, FSP1, and other key regulators in ferroptosis, with implications for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. His publication record shows a strong focus on ferroptosis mechanisms, with recent work exploring novel ferroptosis suppressors, metabolic connections to cell death pathways, and implications for diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and kidney disease. His research demonstrates the growing recognition of ferroptosis as a critical pathway with therapeutic potential across multiple disease areas. Galenus-von-Pergamon-Price (2024) European Cell Death Organisation (ECDO) Honorary Award 2024 Multiple ISI Highly Cited Awards (2020-2024) ERC Advanced Grant "IRONDEATH" (2020) m4 Awards for Personalized Medicine (2012, 2017) Conrad has secured significant research funding including an ERC Advanced Grant and coordinates the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Priority Programme on Ferroptosis (2021-2026) involving 25 centers. He co-founded ROSCUE THERAPEUTICS GmbH in 2020, translating his research into potential therapeutics. Conrad actively mentors researchers through his institute and has organized multiple international conferences on ferroptosis, including EMBO workshops and Cold Spring Harbor Asia conferences. His institute at Helmholtz Munich serves as a hub for ferroptosis research, bringing together experts in redox biology, cell death mechanisms, and translational medicine. Conrad's leadership has positioned his team at the forefront of understanding how regulated cell death pathways can be targeted for therapeutic benefit in multiple disease contexts.
Dr. Florian Sicklinger is a Physician-Scientist and Assistant Doctor in the Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pulmonology at Heidelberg University Hospital. He has been working at the Medical Clinic of Heidelberg University Hospital since 2021 and has been a Physician-Scientist in the Immunocardiology Research Group under Prof. Dr. med. Florian Leuschner since 2022. Education Medical studies at Heidelberg University (2013-2020) Doctorate at Heidelberg University Hospital (2016-2022), supervised by Prof. Dr. med. Florian Leuschner Research Interests Dr. Sicklinger's research focuses on the role of the immune system in ischemic heart disease and heart valve diseases, as well as the therapeutic modulation of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. His work bridges clinical cardiology with immunological mechanisms to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cardiac conditions. He has published extensively on immune cell interactions following myocardial infarction, including studies on basophils, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Publication Trends Dr. Sicklinger's publications demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of immunology and cardiology, with a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated methodologies. His early work established standardized approaches for cardiac research models, while his more recent publications employ cutting-edge techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and high-throughput screening. His research consistently addresses the immune mechanisms underlying cardiac injury and repair processes across multiple model systems from mice to pigs. Awards and Recognition Postdoc Start-up Grant from the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (2022-2023) DZHK Paper of the Month (2021 and 2020) Otto-Hess Doctoral Scholarship from the German Cardiac Society (2017-2018) Scholarship from the German National Academic Foundation (2013-2020) Research Leadership As a key member of the Immunocardiology Research Group at Heidelberg University Hospital, Dr. Sicklinger has contributed significantly to developing novel methodologies for cardiac research, including minimal-invasive techniques for inducing myocardial infarction and high-throughput echocardiography-guided approaches. His work on immune cell dynamics after cardiac injury has provided important insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving cardiac recovery following myocardial infarction.
Professor Andreas Schlitzer leads the Quantitative Systems Biology research group at the Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) , University of Bonn. His work focuses on myeloid cell development, particularly dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, using single-cell sequencing and computational approaches. Institution: University of Bonn Research Unit: LIMES Institute, Unit 2 (Molecular Immune & Cell Biology) His research investigates how immune cells acquire tissue-specific adaptations and functional specialization through transcriptomic and functional studies. Recent projects include spatial-omics techniques for gastrointestinal analysis and understanding macrophage heterogeneity in inflammatory contexts. Key article trends highlight innate immunity , metabolic reprogramming , developmental cell biology , and computational immunology . Awards include the Postdoktorandenpreis der Robert-Koch-Stiftung . The lab employs cutting-edge flow cytometry , in vivo assays , and multiplexed tissue imaging to map myeloid cell systems.
