GRK 2062:  Molecular Principlas of Synthetic Biology

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 252961272

Synthetic biology aims at the de novo design and redesign of biological components and functional units up to the creation of artificial cells. This discipline is characterized by innovative ideas, which require for scientific materialization highly interdisciplinary collaboration. It is expected that synthetic biological approaches will accelerate scientific progress in understanding the complexity of individual cells, living organisms as well as ecosystems. A better understanding of biological processes is a prerequisite to decipher e.g., causes of diseases, methods to cure them or to operate biotechnological processes. This Research Training Group (GRK2062) will train doctoral researchers in this new way of thinking and research approaches. The research projects will range from synthetic cells, synthetic switches to synthetic proteins and cell-free synthetic systems. The GRK2062 will foster close collaboration between junior researchers from biology, chemistry and physics. The qualification concept is based on a modern credit point-based education and support programme that combines mandatory and optional activities. Core elements will be practical and theoretical methods courses to facilitate interdisciplinary projects. Students shall be able to individualize their curriculum according to their project requirements and personal needs. We believe that this GRK2062 will address future challenges in natural sciences in research and in training of junior researchers.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Spokesperson: Professorin Dr. Kirsten Jung
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Chase Broedersz; Professor Dr. Thomas Carell; Professor Dr. Erwin Frey; Professorin Dr. Anja Hoffmann-Röder; Privatdozent Dr. Jürgen Lassak; Professor Dr. Dario Leister; Dr. Sabine Schneider; Professorin Dr. Petra Schwille; Professor Dr. Friedrich Simmel; Professor Dr. Arne Skerra, Ph.D.