International scientific exchange: meeting of biologists in Kiel!

International scientific exchange: meeting of biologists in Kiel!

On August 1, 2025, an important summer meeting of the Biology Section, the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1182 and the graduate school “Translational Evolution Research” (TransEvo) took place at the Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU). Around 120 participants gathered to promote exchange on current research topics. A central part of the event were the scientific lectures by two Mercator Fellows, Professor Jessica Metcalf from Princeton University and Professor Brendan Bohannan from the University of Oregon. Both are among the renowned scientists who are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The Mercator Fellowships are designed to support exchange between DFG-funded research associations and leading international researchers. As part of this, Metcalf and Bohannan spend up to two months per year in Germany to build long-term collaborations with the CAU. Metcalf focuses her research on the evolution of pathogens and also examines how population immunity influences the spread of infectious diseases. Their goal is to develop a global system for predicting the spread of disease. Bohannan, on the other hand, studies microbial biodiversity and the effects of environmental changes on it. His concept of the biogeography of microorganisms particularly highlights the transmission of microbes between different hosts.

Importance of international cooperation

The importance of working with Metcalf and Bohannan was also highlighted by Professor Hinrichschulenburg and Professor Olivia Roth. These collaborations are of great importance for research at the CAU because they bring in new perspectives and ideas. The summer meeting thus represented a valuable platform for interdisciplinary exchange between Kiel life sciences researchers and international guests.

The Mercator Fellowship Program of the Mercator Foundation, which has existed since 2013, gives researchers the opportunity to pursue independent academic or practical projects. It is aimed at people with an academic or public profile who have substantial experience and relevant qualifications. Applications are possible at any time, with a deadline of 4-6 months before the start of the fellowship.

Fellowship details and support

The fellowship lasts from a minimum of three to a maximum of twelve months. Fellows can carry out their research either flexibly or at established host institutions in Germany or abroad. Financial support is provided in the form of a scholarship to cover living and material costs, as well as travel, publication and event costs. Up to six Mercator Fellows are selected every year, who have the opportunity to advance their projects in an international environment.

Another example of successful international collaborations is the “Dual Career Fellowship”, which offers research pairs like Prof. Dr. Antje Heese and Prof. Dr. Scott Peck from the University of Missouri-Columbia. They conduct research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and at the same time receive support for their individual projects.

Heese, an associate professor of biochemistry, works on plant defense mechanisms against bacterial infections. Peck, a professor of biochemistry, studies how plants respond to environmental changes. Together they conducted workshops for young scientists, which contributes to further strengthening scientific cooperation and the exchange of knowledge.

The diversity of the research projects and the international connections show how important the Mercator Fellowships are for the scientific community. In addition to supporting individual projects, they also provide a platform for creative collaboration and innovation on a global scale.