HOME | NEWS | MibiNet | TEAM | PROJECTS | PUBLICATIONS | OPEN POSITIONS | MibiNeⓍt | INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Success for Rudvi Pednker at the EMBL Symposium on Cellular Mechanics of Symbiosis
23.05.2026 We are thrilled to share that our team member, Rudvi Pednker, recently participated in the prestigious EMBL Symposium ‘The cellular mechanics of symbiosis: sensing friend from foe’. Rudvi represented our group outstandingly by both giving a quick talk and presenting a poster.
To top off this scientific highlight, she was awarded a Poster Prize for her exceptional work!
In her talk, Rudvi introduced a cutting-edge synthetic biology approach to retrace the complex history of endosymbiosis. Using mammalian cells as an orthogonal platform, her project bypasses the limitations of genetic manipulation in traditional models such as Angomonas deanei. By implementing advanced tools like optogenetics for light-controlled protein interactions and establishing a non-invasive PEG-mediated fusion protocol to deliver endosymbionts into HeLa cells, her work lays the foundation for creating synthetic symbiosis systems.
Congratulations, Rudvi, on this well-deserved recognition from the international scientific community!
Young Researchers Look Behind the Scenes: Girls’ & Boys’ Day at MibiNet
April 23,2026 For the third year in a row, MibiNet opened its laboratory doors on April 23rd for the nationwide Girls’ & Boys’ Day. Eight curious students took the opportunity to dive deep into the world of microbiology and experience daily research life firsthand under the guidance of Dr. Kerstin Schipper.
The program offered an exciting blend of hands-on experimentation and theoretical insights. The participants learned that microorganisms are far more than just "germs":
Using Penicillium camemberti, contact samples from actual Camembert, and classic baker's yeast, the visible side of fungi was explored. A particular highlight was the work with Ustilago maydis (corn smut). The students learned how this fungus can serve as a producer of palm oil substitutes and how molecular transport can be visualized using fluorescent proteins. The fascinating interaction between fungi and cyanobacteria was explained using the Peltigera lichen. In a DNS assay on sucrose metabolism, the students experimentally detected the breakdown of household sugar (Dextro Energy). The day was rounded off with an exclusive lab tour and an inspiring short presentation on pursuing a scientific career at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
By participating in Girls’ & Boys’ Day once again, MibiNet emphasizes its commitment to promoting young talent and is already looking forward to next year!
New Career Milestone: Dr. Kun Tang appointed Associate Professor in Wuhan
The MibiNet community congratulates Dr. Kun Tang on her prestigious new position.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Kun Tang, an associated Postdoc within MibiNet at the Institute of Synthetic Biology (HHU), will be embarking on a new academic chapter. Starting May 1st, 2026, she will join the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China, as an Associate Professor.
We wish Kun all the best for her future research!
Congratulations, Florian!
210,000 € Funding for MibiNet Researcher Dr. Florian Altegoer
A major success for Microbiology in Düsseldorf: Dr. Florian Altegoer has been awarded the prestigious "Exploration Grant" by the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation. With this funding, he will spend the next two years investigating how the corn smut fungus (Ustilago maydis) identifies the perfect moment to trigger an infection. An exciting project at the intersection of molecular sensing and pathogenicity.
read more here
Mastering Cellular Logistics: How mRNA Packages Reach Their Destination
Cells are complex logistics hubs. In a new "Breakthrough" study published in Nucleic Acids Research (NAR), a team led by Prof. Michael Feldbrügge has deciphered how the protein Rrm4 recognizes mRNA molecules and navigates them precisely through the cell. This discovery provides deep insights into the internal organization of fungal cells—a key element in understanding the complex microbial networks within MibiNet.
read more here
First MibiNext Doctorate Successfully Completed
Nora Zöllner Graduates with Honors
A reason to celebrate at MibiNet: Nora has not only successfully defended her dissertation but was also recognized with honors for her outstanding research. In doing so, she makes history within our network as the very first member of the MibiNext cohort to earn her doctoral degree.
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and extend our warmest congratulations to Nora on this excellent performance. Her success marks a significant milestone for the entire MibiNext program.
We wish her all the best for her future scientific career!
Award for associated MibiNet Researcher Dr. Eliza Loo
Excellence in early-career research at HHU: Dr. Eliza Loo has been awarded a grant from the "Klaus Tschira Boost Fund." Her project focuses on targeted programming of plant microbiomes—a key topic for sustainable agriculture and for MibiNet.
read more here
Welcome on board, Johannes!
MibiNet is growing: We are delighted to welcome Johannes Rebelein to our team. He has been appointed W3 Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology at HHU and will bring his extensive experience to our network. We look forward to our journey together and many exciting projects!
read more here