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This page was translated automatically using artificial intelligence (DeepL). The German version is binding. More information about automatic translation
When someone goes on a trip, they’ve got a story to tell. In this case, seven people – namely the Biophotonics Working Group, led by Professor Richard Börner – travelled to Leipzig at the end of September to attend the conference of the German Society for Biophysics, and they certainly have plenty to tell.
The conference focused primarily on the work of academic talent. Mara Henschel comments: “Taking part in the DGfB conference showed me just how diverse research in the field of biophysics is, and has motivated me in my work to explore new approaches and establish interdisciplinary links.” Paul Lehmann says: “The conference offered a good opportunity to apply the knowledge I’ve learnt during my degree and to gain insights into current research developments.”
Spotlight on early-career researchers
Felix Erichson presented his paper, “FRET-based integrative modelling for the characterisation of a ribosomal RNA tertiary contact”, in a talk that was shortlisted from among all submissions and for which a separate invitation was issued. Felix commented: “I gave my first talk to a specialist audience at the conference, and it was a very exciting experience.”
Vanessa Schumann, Josephine Meitzner, Mara Henschel, Paul Lehmann and Mirko Weber presented their research findings in poster presentations, which attracted a great deal of interest and led to lively discussions. It is particularly worth mentioning that Josephine and Paul also presented their outstanding Bachelor’s theses – supervised by Vanessa Schumann – in a poster on the thermodynamic high-throughput characterisation of nucleic acids. Vanessa Schumann comments: “At the DGfB, I had the opportunity to attend interesting specialist talks that introduced me to various research areas within biophysics; I was also able to present my own research findings during the poster session.” Josephine Meitzner adds: “At the German Biophysical Society Meeting 2024 in Leipzig, I was able to gain my first conference experience, gain insights into various areas of biophysics research and present a poster together with a fellow student.”
Young researchers receive awards
One of the highlights of every conference is the awards ceremony. It provides not only an opportunity to recognise research projects that are often lengthy and labour-intensive, but also to put early-career researchers in the spotlight. The poster entitled ‘Comparison of different de novo modelling approaches for the FRET prediction of structural ensembles of ribonucleic acids’ by HSMW researcher Mirko Weber impressed the specialist audience and was awarded the 1st Poster Prize, comprising a certificate and a cash prize of 500 euros. We offer our warmest congratulations!
Researchers in positions of responsibility
Professor Richard Börner has been elected spokesperson for Section I (Molecular Biophysics) of the DGfB e.V. Together with Professor Charlotte Uetrecht (Chair 2024–2027), he will represent the Section initially as Co-Chair and then as Chair (2027–2029). Highlights of his term of office include the International Biophysics Congress 2027, to be held in Berlin by the DGfB in collaboration with the IUPAB and the EBSA, and the Section meetings in 2026 and 2029 at Hünfeld Abbey. Richard Börner will represent Biophotonics and integrative structural modelling, with a particular focus on FRET. For him, it is not only “an honour to be able to actively represent his field of research within the DGfB” but also a priority to firmly establish Mittweida University of Applied Sciences as a centre of excellence in biophysics and Biophotonics on the German research landscape. We offer our warmest congratulations and wish him a successful term of office!