Professor reveals secrets of brain plasticity: This is how astrocytes control flexibility!

Professor reveals secrets of brain plasticity: This is how astrocytes control flexibility!

On April 4, 2025, the appointment of Prof. Dr. Ruth Beckervordersandforth-Bonk announced as Heisenberg Professor of Molecular Neuropathology at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). FAU is one of the 15 largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany with an impressive number of over 39,000 students and more than 6,000 employees. This provides a solid environment for Beckervordersandforth-Bonk's innovative research, which focuses on identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that astrocytes use to control plasticity in the adult brain.

Beckervordersandforth-Bonk aims to understand the role of astrocytes in brain plasticity. Her research aims to uncover how these glial cells influence neuronal plasticity in the healthy brain and which processes can potentially lead to neurological diseases. Early findings show that not only neurons, but also astrocytes play an essential role in the brain's adaptability.

Scientific career

Before her time at FAU, the scientist completed her doctorate at the University of Mainz, where she worked on glial cell diversity in fruit flies. She then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, where her focus was on neural stem cells and brain plasticity. In 2013 she moved to FAU, where she set up her own research group in the Institute of Biochemistry in 2017.

Beckervordersandforth-Bonk earned her diploma in biology at the University of Münster, with a focus on neuroscience. She also has a passion for scientific events, which will include the International Comic Salon in Erlangen in 2026. Her favorite place at FAU is the Meilwald, which offers an inspiring backdrop for her research work.

Research and new findings

The discoveries in the area of ​​brain plasticity are important not only for Beckervordersandforth-Bonk, but also for the scientific community in general. This plasticity refers to the brain's potential for structural change, particularly in response to environmental conditions. Early experiences have a lasting impact on brain development, and recent research has shown that the brain remains plastic even into adulthood. However, the course of structural change is complex and varies widely, requiring new theoretical approaches and study designs.

A study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development shows that when new skills are acquired, the brain's structure initially increases and then decreases again. This shows that classic study designs may not be able to capture all aspects of brain plasticity. Examples from studies show that younger adults who learned to juggle showed significant changes in gray matter. Such experiences highlight the dynamic and nonlinear nature of neuroplasticity.

Personal aspects and inspiration

Beckervordersandforth-Bonk is known for her curiosity and enthusiasm, which she considers to be her most useful tools in science. She has a childhood dream that revolves around biology, inspired by her mother, who was a biology teacher herself. Cooking is one of her secret talents. She also dreams of visiting Nazaré, Portugal, to watch the massive waves without surfing them herself.

The combination of personal interests and scientific curiosity makes Prof. Dr. Ruth Beckervordersandforth-Bonk on an exciting new addition to the FAU academic environment that will continue to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of brain plasticity.