Following the established concept of the previous Sulfur Workshops, researchers from the areas of the molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry mingled with crop researchers, ecotoxicology and atmosphere experts. This striking comprehensiveness is a consequence of the multitude of functions of sulfur in its different oxidation and binding states in the living and non-living environment. 

Topics and thematic focuses

Important topics during the conference were the role of signaling processes including transcription factor networks and sulfur-based protein modifications, the novel metabolic link to epigenetic DNA methylation, the requirement of high-resolution analyses at cell level, emerging findings from the sulfur perspective of so far under-investigated monocot crops, biotechnological approaches and the increasing influence of changing sulfur supplies in natural and agro-ecosystems. As an emerging theme the central role of sulfur and its manifold functions in networks of nutrient and stress signaling was recognized. At the same time, the necessity of more intense research in crop model plants and interaction with the environment from microbiome to ecosystem became evident.

Awards sponsored by the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG) went to the PhD students Büsra Elkatmis (Cologne) and Susan Yee (Canberra) for the best oral presentations and Suvajit Basu (Cologne) and Jan-Ole Niemeier (Münster) for the best posters. 

The poster sessions were powered by snacks and drinks, fostering extensive career-promoting discussions between junior and senior researchers. The high share of presenting young researchers (i.e. not having a permanent position yet) emphasises the relevance and actuality of the topics and predicts a strong showing at the next Sulfur Workshop to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2028.

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In December 2025

Markus Wirtz and Rüdiger Hell, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Germany 

The scientific programme featured 39 oral presentations and 47 poster contributions, showcasing the latest research on tetrapyrroles in photosynthetic organisms and their diverse roles spanning signal transduction and photosynthesis. In addition to leading experts, the conference was particularly enriched by the participation of many early career researchers and PhD students from a total of 16 different countries.

Thanks to generous support from the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG), six international doctoral students received assistance with registration fees, and funds were also used to support two participating international families.

Topics and research focusses 

The conference program encompassed a wide range of topical sessions, including photoreceptors (phytochromes and cyanobacteriochromes), photosynthetic complexes, and tetrapyrrole metabolism. Particular attention was given to recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy, which have unveiled increasingly complex protein structures involved in light perception and photosynthetic electron transfer. Equally fascinating were presentations on engineered phytochromes and novel phytobilin-based systems developed for emerging biotechnological applications. The poster sessions provided ample time for detailed discussions and exchange of ideas, facilitating valuable interactions among scientists at all career stages.

Keynotes

Among the highlights of the conference were the keynote lectures by Professor Neil Hunter (University of Sheffield, UK), who reviewed his extensive and pioneering work on tetrapyrrole metabolism and photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes, and Professor Roberta Croce (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands), who presented groundbreaking insights into the dynamics of photosynthetic light reactions, combining advanced biophysical approaches with molecular genetics.

Skills and awarded posters 

A memorable cultural highlight was the afternoon excursion to Hambach Castle, followed by the conference dinner, offering participants an opportunity to experience local history and exchange ideas in an informal setting. Continuing a beloved tradition first introduced at the 2007 ICTPPO meeting in Kyoto, participants once again engaged in the Japanese skill game Kendama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendama), with younger attendees competing against elder players and international participants challenging the ever-confident Japanese team. In addition to the prizes for the best Kendama team, awards were given this year for the best scientific posters, with the grand prize being awarded to Dr. Thomas J. Oliver (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam).

After three stimulating and enjoyable days of scientific exchange and collegial interaction, participants reflected on a highly successful meeting and now look forward to the next ICTPPO conference, to be held in 2027 in Kaifeng, China.

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In November 2025

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Grimm, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Biologie, AG Pflanzenphysiologie

und Prof. Dr. Nicole Frankenberg-Dinkel, RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Abteilung Mikrobiologie

Topics ranged from interorganismic recognition of organisms and processes of organelle evolution, to peculiarities of RNA homeostasis and protein biosynthesis, to plastid-nucleus signaling, thylakoid biogenesis, photosynthesis regulation, and biotechnological aspects. A special feature of the conference was the breadth of subjects from pre-endosymbiotic organisms to highly developed red and green plastids, mitochondria and secondary endosymbioses and experiments on the stability of artificially generated endocytobioses.

Numerous contributions were presented by early career scientists. Marie Karstens from Ruhr University Bochum received the award for the best poster presentation on "Molecular analysis of the biogenesis pathways of thylakoid membrane proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana" from a grant provided by the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG). Further prizes went to Leonora Peters (Universität Halle, granted by the ISE) for the talk „The PPR protein PPR596 is important for splicing of nad2 and assembly of Complex I in mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana“, Yoji Okabe (University of Tokyo, sponsored by Agrisera) for the talk „Potential for photosymbiosis: Algal survival and acclimation in fish embryos“ and Alain Gervasi for the best bioinformatic presentation „Modular microscopy platform to study microalgae motility, photophysiology and photoprotection“ (Université de Liège, Belgium; sponsored by Granger Institut, Chicago). The symposium concluded with an invitation from Prof. Dr. Marek Eliaš to the next International ISE Conference in September 2026 in Ostrava (Czech Republic). The meeting was supported by the DBG.

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In October 2025

Prof. Dr Margarete Baier, Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, research group Plant Physiology, Berlin 

From 25^th to 29^th August 2025, 270 scientists met in Münster, Germany, for the 21^st International Conference on the Cell and Molecular Biology of Chlamydomonas. Over two-thirds of the participants came from abroad, mainly from Europe, but also many from the USA, China, and Japan. Thanks to the support of the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG) for the conference, the participation fees for several doctoral students could be kept low. 

The lectures were held in the Fürstenberghaus, lunch was served in the cafeteria at the Aasee, and dinner, poster presentations, and the party took place in a large tent directly in front of the Prince-Bishop's Palace. We walked up to 10 km every day between the locations and didn't even notice it, thanks to the lively scientific exchange along the way! Here, everyone had to get used to the typical Münster view over their shoulders so as not to overlook any of the many cyclists in the town.

Topics

The 86 presentations and 122 posters focused on topics such as photosynthesis, organelles, responses to environmental changes, biotechnological applications, structural biology, cilia, and new methods and tools. Since Chlamydomonas is primarily used in Europe for the study of photosynthesis, there were three large photosynthesis sessions. One highlight was the new barcode-labeled mutant library from the Jonikas lab (Princeton, USA) with 71,700 new mutants covering 80% of the genome. It was also striking how routinely CRISPR/Cas9 is used. The particular suitability of Chlamydomonas for cryo-ET-based structural biology also became clear, beautifully illustrated by the mitochondrial respirasome in the presentation by Florent Waltz (Biozentrum Basel). 

Well renowned Chlamydomonas scientists  

Highlights included the plenary lectures by Peter Hegemann (Berlin) and Nathan Nelson (Tel Aviv, Israel). Peter Hegemann, who has pioneered optogenetics thanks to his groundbreaking work on channelrhodopsin, reported on how a heterodimeric protein complex with two chromophores can absorb blue and red light. 87-year-old Nathan Nelson showed us how it is possible to remain at the forefront of research even at an advanced age! In his razor-sharp lecture, he showed us structures of photosystem II assembly intermediates in Chlamydomonas, from which the two new assembly factors Psb1 and 2 emerged.

Lecture and poster prizes went to England and China

The first prize for the best lecture by a young scientist went to Ousmane Dao from the University of York, UK, for his contribution Photorespiration is essential for acclimation to low CO₂ in Chlamydomonas. The first prize for the best poster by a young scientist went to Lian Ye from the Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan, China, for his contribution RNA-based transient expression and cell-wall surface display expand the synthetic biology toolbox of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Conclusion

In summary, this conference was a great success: the beautiful city of Münster and the wonderful castle provided an unforgettable scenery. The conference was supported above all by the many early career scientists from all over the world who, with their enthusiasm for this extraordinary model organism, predict a long life for the scientific “Chlamy community”. 

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In October

Prof. Dr Michael Hippler, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität (WWU) Münster, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Biology, Münster, Germany 

Prof. Dr Michael Schroda, RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau University of Technology, Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, Kaiserslautern, Germany

The new generation of plant scientists from Munich, Kaiserslautern, Münster, Kiel, and Rostock, who participated in the summer school, benefited from lab courses and hands-on experience in analyzing photosynthesis, photosynthetic complexes, carbohydrates, targeted gene expression, and the analysis of antioxidative enzymes. During the courses, the students were trained in new techniques, including non-toxic RNA extraction, quantitative gene expression analysis, gas chromatography, photosynthetic gas exchange, and automated protein complex purification, which were previously unfamiliar to them. Through intensive discussion of the protocols and procedures, the participants deepened their understanding of the quantitative extraction and analysis of plant-derived biomolecules essential to cellular functions. 

The practical work was accompanied by lectures on the mission of the NFDI initiative ‘dataPLANT’ FAIR digital objects and research data management, presented by Prof. Dr. Timo Mühlhaus (RPT University Kaiserslautern-Landau). Prof. Dr. Iris Finkemeier (University Münster) introduced the students to the field of plant proteomics, the theoretical principles and the application of quantitative mass spectrometric analysis for plant research. 

The organizers are grateful to all supporters and the lively contributions of all participants, which will undoubtedly transform the gained experience in cellular plant biology into a valuable contribution to the field of science, providing solutions to modern life's most pressing societal questions and challenges, particularly those related to plant biology and crop performance. 

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In September 2025

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jennifer Selinski, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU), Plant Cell Biology Group, Kiel 

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Richter, Universität Rostock, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Pflanzliche Stoffwechselphysiologie, Rostock 

The symposium of our Section took place from 27th to 30th August 2025 at the Centre for Organismal Studies at Heidelberg University. The symposium was organized by Prof. Marcus Koch and his team (Heidelberg University) and comprised three keynote talks, five symposia with altogether 33 talks (15 student talks), and two poster sessions with 34 posters. The symposium had 92 participants coming from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovakia. 

Scientific highlights

The keynote talks were highlights of the symposium and covered a broad range of topics, starting with an evening lecture by Prof. Herbert Hurka on “Florogenesis of the Eurasian steppe belt – a comprehensive interpretation”. The keynote talk by Kirsten Bomblies “Adaptation to cellular challenges in polyploid Arabidopsis arenosa” reported about progress in cytogenetics, while the talk by Yvonne Willi “Elevational range limits and the role of trait integration” bridged the field of evolution and ecology by reporting adaptations of alpine plants.

Five symposia focused on various aspect of plant evolution, phylogenetics and morphology:

• Symposium I, From populations to species (chaired by E. Hörandl/B. Gemeinholzer) had a focus on population and species level studies
• Symposium II, Plant reticulate evolution at different evolutionary scales (chaired by C. Oberprieler/N. Wagner) presented research on hybridization and polyploidy in plants
• Symposium III, Progress in plant systematics and taxonomy (chaired by G. Kadereit/A. Zerdoner Calasan) focused on phylogenomics and morphology in modern taxonomy
• Symposium IV, Plant life at its environmental limits (chaired by M. Koch/C. Bechteler) focused on plant evolution in deserts, steppe and on heavy metal soils
• Symposium V, Omic’s in systematics and evolution (chaired by N. Walden/C. Kiefer) presented progress of whole genome sequencing studies and phylogenomics in various genera of vascular plants.

All 33 talks were given mainly by early career researchers (ECRs) in front of the full audience, and the two poster sessions allowed also a personal presentation of authors by short “flash talks”.

Awards

The Catherine Dörrien student prizes of the Section were given to the best student and poster presentations. The poster prize was awarded to Lara Iaboli (LMU München) for her work on plant diversification and disperser communities in Aglaia (Meliaceae), and the oral presentation prize to Tina Kiedaisch (LMU München) for her study of reticulated evolution in Amaranthaceae sensu stricto using herbariomics.

Social events

In the lunch breaks we enjoyed guided tours through the Botanical Garden of Heidelberg University and the exhibition “timeline of evolution” at COS. The coffee breaks and the dinner on Friday, served at the conference location, provided ample opportunity to network, relax, and exchange scientific ideas. 
Annual assembly of the section 

The annual section’s meeting included reports of the spokespersons, and the election of the new spokespersons team: Dr. Anze Zerdoner Calasan (Bavarian State Collection for Botany) was elected as the new speaker. Dr. Tim Böhnert (Bonn University) and Dr. Natalia Tkach (Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg) were elected as deputy speakers. 

Altogether the symposium was successful to report scientific progress of our research field and represented a broad range of topics of plant evolution. It was a nice get-together of young and experienced scientists, and a good opportunity for ECRs to present and discuss their work. We, the former speaker, Prof. Dr. Elvira Hörandl, and our new speakers, thank Prof. Marcus Koch and his team for the organization of this wonderful event and the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG) for support.

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In September 2025

Prof. Dr. Elvira Hörandl, University of Göttingen, Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants 

 

As this was the first time the workshop had been held jointly by the two sections, the contributions represented a wide range of scientific topics, but had many points of contact, particularly in terms of methods. Natural products also often play an important role in the quality and stress management of numerous crops.

Scientific Topics 

The programme included contributions on plant stress responses to nematode infestation, drought, salinity and climate change, on the biosynthesis and regulation of specialised metabolites such as terpenes, phenols, glucosinolates and alkaloids, and on the role of various volatile compounds. Other focal points were enzyme characterisation, metabolic engineering and ecological integration perspectives. Many presentations highlighted the increasing relevance of climate-related issues and application-oriented research, particularly in the fields of plant-derived natural products, synthetic biology and enzyme engineering.

Emerging Research Focus 

Despite the very different project phases, the quality of the presentations was consistently impressive. In addition to lively discussions on the content, the workshop promoted networking and visibility among this group through a format specifically designed for young researchers. Overall, the event highlighted both the continuity of natural product research and new thematic emphases in stress physiology, biotechnological applications and ecological integration. Some pictures give an impression of the event.

The organisers, Prof. Dr. Dietrich Ober, University of Kiel, and Prof. Dr. Christian Zörb, University of Hohenheim, would like to thank all participants for their commitment to the event and everyone involved in the organisation, not least the team at Michaeliskloster in Hildesheim, who made it possible to run the event in a relaxed and professionally organised manner. They both also thanked the sponsors of this event, i.e. the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG), and the companies Bionorica (Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany), and PhytoLab (Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany) for financial support.

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In September 2025

Prof. Dr. Dietrich Ober (Deputy Speaker Section Natural Products), head of the Botanical Garden and head of the research group Biochemical Ecology and Molecular Evolution, Kiel University, Germany

Prof. Dr. Christian Zörb (Speaker Section Applied Botany), Hohenheim University, Quality of Plant Products (340e) | Viticulture

This symposium was the first to focus on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of signaling and development in plant reproduction from an evolutionary perspective, including various morphological comparisons. A focus was on the evolution of pollen, carpels, ovules, fertilization mechanisms, multicellular embryos and endosperm as well as seeds and fruits. The event, which took place from 25^th to 28^th March 2025 in Berlin, was attended by 101 scientists showcasing the impressive diversity of emerging model organisms spanning major land plant lineages, allowing research into plant reproduction beyond the well-established model plants and crops. This focus included cross-lineage comparisons of reproductive systems and co-evolution of signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks. 

The species studied included the bryophytes Marchantia polymorpha (a liverwort), Anthoceros agrestis (a hornwort), and Physcomitrium patens (a moss); the fern Ceratopteris richardii; the gymnosperms Ginkgo biloba and Cycas revoluta, but also diverse angiosperms such as Eschscholzia californica, Cannabis sativa, Phlox longifolia, and Torenia crustacea and of course model plants such as Arabidopsis and maize. These comparisons were used, for example, by William Friedmann (Harvard University, USA) to discuss the origin of the endosperm and by Madelaine Bartlett (Cambridge University, UK) to report on sex determination, which is highly complex in the grasses. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools have been described that are being developed to facilitate comparative analyses of gene regulatory networks and signaling pathways. 

Regulatory processes seem to be older than previously thought

It became evident that many signaling pathways and gene regulatory modules are more ancient than the traits they specify. Additionally, the frequently held view that gymnosperms are too difficult for experimental approaches was challenged: Tetsuya Higashiyama and Yukiho Toyama (both University of Tokyo, Japan), for example, reported about chemotactic behavior and evolution of male reproductive cells in Cycas revoluta, while Silvia Moschin (University of Padova, Italy) aims to elucidate pollen-ovule cross-talk in Ginkgo biloba.

In conclusion, this event marked the first symposium organized by the DFG Research Unit Innovation and Coevolution of Plant Sexual Reproduction (ICIPS, FOR 5098) and provided a platform for ICIPS researchers and other participants to present and discuss their data with international experts. It brought together plant scientists from diverse parts of the world (from Europe to the USA, Japan and China), and from diverse fields, including cell biology, developmental biology, comparative morphology, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution, to collaboratively explore the origin and evolution of the fascinatingly complex process of plant sexual reproduction.

Best science posters and talks awarded 

Thanks to the generous sponsoring of the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG) two prizes for the best posters were awarded to Camille Salaün (Max Planck Institute, Potsdam, Germany) and Nicholas Desnoyer (University of Zürich, Switzerland). The award for the best PhD talk went to Melanie Trupp (University of Osnabrück, Germany). Three travel grants were awarded to Siwei Pang (Justus Liebig University Gießen), Nicola Babolin (University of Milan, Italy) and Emanuela Talarico (University of Calabria, Italy). 

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Prof. Dr. Annette Becker, Dr. Romain Scalone, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Institut für Botanik, AG Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen

Opening and introduction to the scientific program

The conference opened with a welcome address by Dr. Maike Lorenz and Prof. Dr. Claudia Büchel, speaker of the Phycology Section. Dr. Lorenz highlighted the University of Göttingen’s long-standing tradition in algal research and set the tone for an exciting scientific program, engaging all attending phycologists.

Immediately afterward, the first scientific session kicked off with presentations on algal genetics. These talks covered topics such as genetic manipulation of algae, including nuclear genome editing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to enhance light tolerance, and the use of cis-regulatory elements to investigate gene functions. Additional presentations explored photoprotective mechanisms in diatoms and the identification of the genetic basis for the three sexual phenotypes in the green alga Pleodorina starrii.

Following the talks, the first poster session took place. As with the oral presentations, this session provided a platform for several early-career researchers—PhD students and postdocs in particular—to present and discuss their findings with conference attendees.

High School Student Prize presented for the third time

The Phycology Section is committed to fostering young talent and, as part of the conference, awards its biennial High School Student Prize to inspire early interest in algal research. This year, the prize was awarded to Maddox Srey-Ouch and Witalij Plett from the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium and the Student Research Center (Schülerforschungszentrum) in Tuttlingen (Baden-Württemberg) for their biotechnology project “Photopower – Energy from Algae.” Their project focused on the production of energy carriers using the green alga Chlamydomonas. In a 20-minute presentation, Maddox confidently showcased not only the project results but also the experimental design, the diverse application of methods, and a creative approach to experimental challenges.

Keynote lecture by Dr. Susana M. Coelho 

The first day of the conference concluded with a highlight: the keynote lecture by Dr. Susana Coelho (Director, MPI for Biology, Tübingen) on The curious world of brown algal mating rituals. She presented her research on reproductive mechanisms in brown algae and their evolutionary significance. In her talk, Dr. Coelho illustrated how the journey from the earliest morphological descriptions of brown algal reproduction to genome sequencing of model algae such as Ectocarpus has led to fundamental insights into the regulatory mechanisms of their sexual life cycles.

Day 2 – Diverse scientific topics

Day 2 once again offered a high-quality program featuring three sessions of oral presentations and the second poster session. The schedule was lightened by guided city tours. In the evening, the general assembly of the Phycology Section took place, followed by the traditional auction of "phycological treasures." Sen. Prof. Christian Wilhelm, with support from Dr. Vivien Hotter, led the auction with great humor, further fueling the spirited bidding contests. Proceeds from the auction will be used by the Phycology Section to support early-career researchers.

Day 2, Session 2: Stress responses and adaptations in algae

Presentations in this session examined how photosynthetic efficiency in brown algal populations changes with warming, the protective mechanisms employed by diatoms under stress, and the role of phenolic compounds in the stress resistance of Zygnematophyceae. Other talks focused on the light-stress protection mechanisms in conjugating green algae and the activity of benthic diatoms in complete darkness.

Session 3: Algae in extreme environments and applications

This session opened with a presentation on the potential use of stranded algae as a nutrient source for coastal plants. Further topics included the adaptations of glacier algae to extreme light conditions and metabolic shifts in darkness, as well as studies on the impact of nutrient uptake on algal pigmentation. Applied research covered the use of native algal proteins as a serum replacement in cell culture and cyanobacteria-driven biocatalysis as a sustainable method for producing chemical precursors in synthetic biology.

Session 4: Algae in biotechnology and environmental management

Talks in this session provided an overview on the current status of industrial microalgae biotechnology in Germany, the carbon storage potential of red algae, and the role of algae-bacteria consortia in bioremediation and wastewater treatment. One presentation on the green alga Botryococcus braunii showcased a scalable method for extracting extracellular oils for use in biofuels.

Following Session 4, participants enjoyed city tours, poster presentations, and the attended the general assembly of the Phycology Section and auction.

General assembly and board elections

The board of the Phycology Section is elected by its members every two years. This year, three long-standing board members did not stand for re-election: Dr. Thomas Leya (2nd Chair), Prof. Severin Sasso (1st Assessor), and Dr. Charlotte Permann (Graduate Representative). During the general assembly held on March 10, 2025, a new board was elected for a two-year term: Prof. Andreas Holzinger – 1st Chair; Jun.-Prof. Karin Glaser – 2nd Chair; Dr. Maike Lorenz – Treasurer; Jun.-Prof. Klaus Herburger – Secretary, Prof. Claudia Büchel – 1st Assessor; Prof. Peter Kroth – Representative of FEPS and 2nd Assessor; Dr. Vivien Hotter – Graduate Representative.

Day 3 – Extensive scientific program and Conference dinner 

Day 3 featured 4 sessions with oral presentations, interspersed with the third poster session. In the evening, the conference dinner was held in the halls of the “Alte Mensa”.

Day 3, Session 5: Cyanobacteria and algae in ecosystems

This session covered topics such as nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria under far-red light and their ability to remain active in saline soil crusts through specialized chlorophylls. Further presentations discussed changes in the biodiversity of soil algae in agriculturally used land areas. Additional talks explored interactions between marine Chlamydomonas species and beneficial bacteria, as well as the isolation and characterization of chemically resistant extracellular polymers from the zygospores of this algal group and their importance for the biomechanical properties of the cells.

Session 6: Algal evolution and biodiversity

Progress in DNA metabarcoding for freshwater red algae was presented, along with new species delineations within the Achnanthidium minutissimum complex. Taxonomic revisions of the Prasiolaceae were also discussed, alongside phylogenomic insights into charophyte algae. One talk critically examined the discovery of new Streptofilum strains and their phylogenetic positioning. Another presentation focused on the Alga of the Year 2025, Draparnaldia, and explored how this organism could become a model system for studying the colonization of land by algae.

Session 7: Algal pigments and photoreceptors

This session covered the role of specific glycolipids as diagnostic tools for the phylogeny of cyanobacteria, the metabolic plasticity of algae under stress, and photoprotective mechanisms such as the diadinoxanthin cycle. Other talks addressed carotenoids in the deep red reproductive structures of Charophyceae and the function of aureochromes as photoreceptors in diatoms.

Session 8: Algal culture collections, computational approaches in phycology, and historical excursions in algal research

The final session opened with a talk on Nathanael Pringsheim, who was the first to directly observe the fusion of male and female algal cells, demonstrating the universal importance of sexuality in life. Other presentations focused on the historical and taxonomic significance of algal collections and the use of deep learning for the classification of microalgae based on their morphology, with the goal of developing a species identification app. This session closed with a tribute to the influential phycologist Klaus Lüning, who spent a significant part of his research life on the island of Helgoland, which remains an important site for algal field research.

Conference dinner and awards for scientific presentations and posters

The conference dinner kicked off with a fun activity, where small groups were formed to answer creative questions about algae in an app-based quiz. The highlight of the dinner was the awarding of prizes to early-career scientists:

The Pringsheim Prize for the best presented PhD thesis was awarded to Yuliia Lihanova, MSc (University of Leipzig), for her outstanding talk titled Using the power of cis-regulatory elements to study gene function in green algae. (PhD thesis topic: Elucidation of gene function in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: from forward to reverse genetics).

The Student Award for the best Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis was awarded to Mimoza Dani, BSc (University of Duisburg-Essen) for her presentation on the topic: Species delimitation within the Achnanthidium minutissimum complex, based on morphological, molecular, and ecophysiological approaches.

The prize for the best poster by a PhD student was awarded to Cäcilia Kunz, MSc (University of Göttingen) for her poster: Investigating the phenylpropanoid pathway in Zygnematophyceae.

Day 4 – Excursion to the Algal Culture Collection at the University of Göttingen (SAG)

A final highlight of the conference was the visit to the Algal Culture Collection at the University of Göttingen on the last day of the conference. Over 70 participants took part in the tours, gaining valuable insights into the preservation and research of algae – including those that begin to glow when shaken.

Conclusion and outlook

The 21^st Phycology Section Conference was a great success, also due to its excellent organization, and showcased the broad, vibrant and interdisciplinary research in this field in Germany and beyond. The presentations, both in the form of talks and posters, were of very high scientific quality. This made the conference an excellent platform for scientific exchange and the support of early-career researchers. The next Phycology Section Conference will take place in 2027 in Rostock, Germany.

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in April 2025, Jun.-Prof. Dr Klaus Herburger Uni Rostock, Secretary of the Phycology Section

Almost 60 scientists participated this year in the Central German Plant Physiology Conference ("Mitteldeutsche Pflanzenphysiologie-Tagung") to present and discuss current research going on in this field at the participating universities. The vast majority of participants, not only the attendees but also the presenters and chair persons, were ECRs, i.e., doctoral, master's and even bachelor's students at an advanced stage, about half of them international students. However, the overall high quality of the presentations and discussions and the perfect adherence of all speakers to the given time schedule could have suggested that the program would instead have featured quite experienced and established scientists in the field.

Range of organisms and topics

The presentations addressed a whole range of plant species (cyanobacteria and unicellular algae, monocots and dicots, model plants and crop plants) and research topics (e.g., regulation of gene expression, membrane transport of proteins and metabolites, plant hormones, biosynthetic pathways, organelle biogenesis, plant adaptation to environmental stresses, biotic interactions, ....), which were examined with a wide variety of methods and approaches. Despite or perhaps even because of this diversity, each presentation was intensively discussed, and it happened more than once that the discussion led to "wow effects", new ideas, and approaches. It would be unfair and inappropriate to single out individual presentations as particularly noteworthy, as the enthusiasm and enjoyment of all speakers in their own work was evident without exception. We would like to make just one exception: Prof. em. Christian Wilhelm, on whose initiative the whole conference series came into being more than 20 years ago, clearly demonstrated in his talk that retirement does not mean that the interest in actively shaping science disappears, quite the opposite.

A further and not to be underestimated component for the desired scientific exchange were, of course, the coffee breaks, which were deliberately scheduled to last 40 - 60 minutes each, somewhat longer than usual. Together with the traditional conference dinner and the shared breakfast, which was made possible by the joint accommodation of all conference participants in the Leucorea, this resulted in a relaxed atmosphere that was very much stimulating scientific exchange and discussions, quite similar to that of major EMBO conferences.

All in all, we as the organizers hope that all participants enjoyed the conference as much as we did and are already looking forward to the 24^th edition of the conference, which will take place in Dresden next year.

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March 2025,
Bationa Bennewitz & Ralf Bernd Klösgen, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Keynote Lectures

Originally, the keynote lecture was scheduled to be given by Dominique Bergmann (Stanford University). However, due to illness, Rüdiger Simon (University of Düsseldorf) stepped in and delivered a remarkable presentation on "Combining single-cell RNAseq with spatially resolved gene expression data to explore plant development." His engaging talk captivated the audience, setting the stage for an overall inspiring event.

This year’s meeting also featured a new highlight: a talk by Katherine Denby, York University and Editor-in-Chief of The Plant Journal, offering insights into scientific publishing and manuscript submission. She also highlighted why it makes sense to publish in society-owned scientific journals. An added bonus of Kathy’s attendance was that she could personally present the certificate for the Plant Journal Talk Award.

Before the conference dinner and the subsequent, legendary and indispensable party, the Reinhold-von-Sengbusch lecture was given by Thorsten Nürnberger (University of Tübingen), who discussed "Pattern recognition in plant immunity – evolution and function." His lecture shed light on the evolutionary dynamics of plant immune responses, captivating both early-career researchers and senior scientists alike.

Scientific Programme and opportunities for ECR’s

In total, MBP2025 featured nine sessions covering the topics mentioned above, along with signal transduction, tools & resources, omics & evolution, organelles, and abiotic interactions. The programme included 46 talks and two dynamic poster sessions, where 95 posters were presented and actively discussed. Feedback from colleagues, both during and after the meeting, highlighted the consistently high quality and strong relevance of the talks and posters to their respective fields. Notably, 80% of the talks were delivered by early-career researchers (ECR), including independent group leaders (10), postdocs (9), and PhD students (18), showcasing a highly promising next generation of plant scientists.

Industry Exhibition

Alongside the academic contributions, an industry fair with 14 participating companies provided insights into the latest technologies and resources available for molecular plant research—be it hardware, ranging from growth chambers to pipettes, or consumables, spanning sequencing kits to restriction enzymes. These interactions between academia and industry offered valuable networking opportunities for young researchers considering careers beyond academia. The industry representatives explicitly expressed positive feedback afterwards regarding the quantity and quality of communication with the young scientists. This is important for future organisers, as satisfied companies are more likely to continue supporting our meeting financially. Therefore, a big thank you to everyone who contributed!

Sports and Social Activities

Taking advantage of the sports facilities at the venue, attendees engaged in recreational activities during the traditional two-hour break on Wednesday afternoon. Football, badminton, table tennis, and hiking were popular choices, fostering informal discussions and strengthening professional networks. This year’s football match between PhD students/postdocs and group leaders saw the former claim victory with a narrow margin, reinforcing their dominance after last year’s triumph.

As always, the conference dinner and subsequent party were major highlights. DJs Stefan Rensing and Alexis Maizel provided a dynamic soundtrack for the evening, ensuring the dance floor remained packed late into the night. Those preferring quieter conversations gathered at the bar to enjoy drinks and exchange ideas in a more relaxed setting.

During the conference several awards were given: The Sengbusch-Awards to three graduate students for the best posters and the best talks, respectively, the Plant Journal (for the best junior group leader talk) and Agrisera Award (for the best talk for the best talk by a PostDoc to Gwendolyn K. Kirschner (Dundee): "Genetic control of the barley root angle". Also SPPMB’s award for science communication was given to Marc Somssich.

Looking Ahead to MBP2026

At the meeting's closure, Christopher handed the baton to Henning Kunz (LMU Munich), who will organise next year’s meeting again at the Sportschule Hennef, from 16^th to 19^th March 2026. Henning also revealed next year’s incoming co-organiser, Andrea Bräutigam from Bielefeld University. The community eagerly anticipates another stimulating conference, continuing the tradition of excellence in plant molecular biology research.

We look forward to seeing you at MBP2026!

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Prof. Dr. Christopher Grefen, Ruhr University Bochum (RUB)

Focus on plant responses to stresses

The conference brought together a diverse and dynamic community of scientists to explore the critical role of proteolysis in shaping the plant cellular proteome. With plant proteolysis impacting processes such as growth, development, stress responses, and disease, the conference provided a platform to address both basic and applied aspects of this vital biological function. In its 2025 edition, the conference focused on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly the interactions between plants and pathogens.

The conference attracted some 80 scientists from five continents, a slightly lower number than anticipated, but the community proved to be lively, active, and growing. Almost half of the participants were early career researchers, reflecting the conference's emphasis on fostering the next generation of scientists. With a program that included cutting-edge science and much unpublished work, the conference provided ample opportunities for early career researchers to present their results. Networking and discussions between junior and senior researchers were encouraged, and the interactive nature of the event facilitated meaningful exchanges.

Sessions focus on key areas in proteolysis

The program featured nine sessions, each tackling a key area of plant proteolysis, with discussion leaders drawn from top institutions across the globe. Session topics included immune signaling in plants, plant responses to biotic and abiotic environments, the regulation of autophagy, and new technologies in proteolysis research. Mechanisms by which pathogens manipulate host immunity and autophagy, and the latest advances in organellar proteolysis and endocytic degradation were also discussed.

A highlight of the conference was the inclusion of researchers from diverse geographical backgrounds, with a significant increase in attendees from Asia. The inclusive environment fostered by the meeting contributed to its success in promoting community building across different regions, a crucial outcome for the growing field of plant proteolysis.

Networking and establishing a vivid community

In conclusion, the 2025 GRC on Plant Proteolysis successfully brought together experts and researchers of all career levels, facilitating the exchange of ideas and identifying the key research priorities for the coming years. The conference not only advanced scientific knowledge in this field but also helped building a more inclusive and collaborative research community. With the rapid growth of the field and its practical implications for agriculture and biotechnology, the meeting set the stage for future breakthroughs in plant proteolysis research. The next Plant Proteolysis GRC in 2027 will be chaired by Libo Shan (University of Michigan) and Byung-Ho Kang (The Chinese University of Hong Kong).

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In March 2025, Prof. Dr. Andreas Schaller, Universität Hohenheim