DOMPS Symposium
01.04.2025 - 03.04.2025 | Freiburg im Breisgau
Guest speakers
Prof. Dr. Ute Höcker
Research in my group focuses on light signaling in the seed plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the moss Physcomitrium patens. To this end, we are using approaches of genetics, molecular biology and protein science.
A number of years ago, we identified a family of repressors that suppress light signaling in darkness. We found that these repressors (SPA proteins) act in a complex with the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 to cause degradation of positive regulators of photomorphogenesis, such as the CONSTANS, HY5 and PAP1/PAP2 transcription factors in darkness. In light-exposed plants, photoreceptors inactivate the COP1/SPA ubiquitin ligase, thereby causing stabilization of these transcription factors and photomorphogenesis. Currently, we are identifying novel substrates of COP1/SPA. Also, we have been investigating the molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor-mediated inactivation of COP1/SPA.
Prof. Dr. Michael Hothorn
Michael Hothorn is head of the Laboratory of Structural Plant Biology at the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. His group combines structural biology, quantitative biochemistry and genetics in Arabidopsis and in Marchantia to characterize plant-unique signal transduction cascades. The team is currently investigating how membrane receptor kinases sense brassinosteroid and peptide hormones to orchestrate plant growth and development. A second line of research is aimed at characterizing the biosynthesis and signaling mechanisms of inositol pyrophosphate nutrient messengers in plants, and how these molecules regulate developmental processes.
Workshops
Reflecting on prejudices, recognising bias, countering discrimination: An anti-bias workshop
Felix Wittenzellner
We live in a diverse society and work in a diverse environment. This diversity is increasingly recognised as an opportunity, but it also makes issues such as prejudices and discrimination more prevalent in everyday interaction and cooperation. Therefore, we have to learn to deal with diversity and to identify prejudice and discrimination.
The workshop aims to raise consciousness for prejudices and unconscious biases as well as for different forms of discrimination. The participants will get to know the anti-bias approach and sharpen their awareness for their own perceptions, ideas, norms and values. The aim is to develop prejudice-conscious and non-discriminatory behaviour both in life and at the work place.
Insights from an editor
Dr. William Teale
William is a Scientific Editor at The EMBO Journal, where he focuses on selecting manuscripts for publication and overseeing the peer review process.
In his workshop, he will provide an overview of the scientific publishing process, highlighting recent developments and future directions. He will cover key topics such as effective strategies for reading manuscripts, structuring research papers, and maintaining research integrity. Additionally, he will introduce EMBO Press journals' guidelines on ethical publishing practices.
Hands on workshop - MadLand Tools
Dr. Saskia Hiltemann
Saskia Hiltemann is a bioinformatician and currently works as a data steward for the University of Freiburg and the DataPLANT project. Additionally, she develops pipelines for the Galaxy project and leads the Galaxy Training Network.
Dr. Deepti Varshney
Deepti Varshney is a bioinformatician working as Research Assistant with Prof. Stefan Rensing and the Freiburg Galaxy team at the University of Freiburg. Her research focuses on plant and algal genomics. Additionally, She contributes to integrating new tools into the Galaxy platform.
Hands on workshop - Scientific illustrations
Michal Roessler
more info coming soon
