A shining star of research: Prof. Lill's farewell to the University of Marburg

A shining star of research: Prof. Lill's farewell to the University of Marburg

On October 14, 2025, an important farewell lecture by Prof. Dr. took place at the Philipps University of Marburg. Roland Lill, who has been working at this institution since 1996. The event, held as part of a research symposium entitled “Mitochondria Meet Metals,” gathered around 100 guests. Prof. Dennis R. Winge gave the laudatory speech, while Lill was recognized for his impressive contributions to science, particularly in research on mitochondria and their role in metabolic processes.

Prof. Lill is particularly known for his pioneering work on the biogenesis of iron-sulfur proteins (Fe/S proteins), which have an essential function in cells. These proteins are involved in cellular respiration and the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Discoveries made by his group in 1999 have contributed to the elucidation of mechanisms that are crucial for iron-sulfur protein biogenesis. This is particularly important because disruption of these processes can lead to serious illnesses such as Friedreich's ataxia.

Iron-sulfur proteins and their role

Iron-sulfur clusters are crucial cofactors in many biological processes, localized in mitochondria, chloroplasts, cytosol and nucleus. Among other things, they play an important role in enzymatic catalysis, electron transport and gene regulation. The synthesis and insertion of these clusters into target proteins is a highly complex process that requires at least 30 proteins and involves various machine complexes such as the ISC assembly machinery and the CIA machinery. Failure in the biogenesis of these proteins can lead to serious neurodegenerative and hematological diseases, underscoring the relevance of Lill's research.

During his career, Lill received numerous awards, including the Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation in 2003 and the Euricius Cordus Medal, which was awarded to him by Prof. Dr. Michael Hertl was presented. His research achievements are documented in over 250 publications in international journals. He has received several awards for his excellent teaching. He was also head of a special research center at the DFG for 12 years and is an active member of EMBO and the Leopoldina.

Future prospects and legacy

After reaching the age limit, Lill will move to a visiting professorship. His institute, which moved to the Lahnberge in 2021, is now part of the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO). This ensures that the research he initiated remains relevant and new avenues are found in biochemistry and cell biology. It is clear that Prof. Lill's work will have had a significant impact not only on the scientific landscape in Germany, but also internationally. His research into understanding molecular processes in cells will continue to be of central importance in the future.