Department of Natural Sciences
CytoTransport Research Retreat: Early-Career Researchers Take Centre Stage
In his opening remarks, Prof. Mike Althaus, spokesperson for the CytoTransport research cluster, highlighted the central role of early-career researchers. Alongside doctoral and postdoctoral researchers working within the cluster, this group includes bachelor’s and master’s students who carried out thesis research projects in its research groups. These students also presented their findings at the retreat, particularly through poster presentations. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers additionally served as session chairs, skilfully guiding scientific discussions and leading participants through the programme.
Research Through Interdisciplinary Exchange
Four thematic sessions reflected the breadth of the consortium’s research: “Structure and Function of Transport Proteins”, “Structure and Function of Transport Nano-Materials”, “Transport Processes and the Immune System”, and “Dysfunction of Cellular Transport Processes”. They provided opportunities to bring together findings from different disciplines and discuss new perspectives on transport processes.
Three external keynote speakers enriched the programme with excellent talks: Prof. Angelika Lampert from RWTH Aachen University, Dr. Camilo Aponte-Santamaría from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, and Prof. Eran Edri from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
A new addition to the programme were the “Meet the Keynote Speaker” sessions. Moderated by doctoral researchers, these discussions gave early-career researchers the opportunity to engage directly with the invited guests. Alongside scientific questions, the conversations explored career paths and advice for professional development.
Outstanding Contributions from Early-Career Researchers
With a total of 19 posters and 13 talks, contributions from bachelor’s and master’s students, doctoral researchers, and postdocs shaped the programme and showcased the diversity of research undertaken across the cluster’s research groups.
Four poster prizes were awarded to Lil Klaas, Anna Brazhnik, Chamoda Nilukshi Alankara, and Kim Joquina Ziese. Sarah Shoushrah and Mariana da Silva also received awards for their excellent talks.
Supporting the University’s Strategic Development
In his welcome address, Prof. Johannes Steinhaus, Vice President for Research and Transfer, emphasised the particular importance of CytoTransport to the university. He expressed the university leadership’s considerable pride in the consortium’s success in the very first funding round of the DFG’s “Forschungsimpulse” programme. This milestone would not have been possible without the tireless commitment of everyone involved in preparing the proposal.
With the project now running for almost two and a half years, the university leadership sees its success reflected both in its research findings and in its wider impact across the institution. CytoTransport connects disciplines, contributes to the work of multiple institutes and departments, and helps shape the strategic development of the university’s research focus on Life Sciences & Health.
A Successful Retreat
In his closing assessment, Prof. Althaus described the retreat as a great success, highlighting in particular the outstanding achievements of the consortium’s early-career researchers. The student contributions also demonstrated how bachelor’s and master’s students are already advancing the consortium’s research through their thesis projects. The two days in Bonn provided a valuable setting for scientific exchange, fresh ideas, and continued collaboration within CytoTransport.
CytoTransport Research Retreat: Focus on early-career researchers
Kontakt
Research fields
Location
Rheinbach
Room
E008
Address
von-Liebig-Straße 20
53359, Rheinbach
Telephone
02241 865 9541