CRC 1279 Student Retreat 2024: A Two-Day Journey of Skills, Science, and Community

The 3rd CRC 1279 student retreat offered students of the CRC 1279 two-days for networking and professional development.

Helene Hoenigsperger | November 4th, 2024

Exciting Advances at the 2024 Symposium of CRC 1279

Scientists present new data and innovative ideas

Dan Albers | October 21st, 2024

Science Communication: Let’s talk about proteins

CRC member Dr. Fabian Zech and alumni Dr. Annika Röcker welcomed many people in their “Prot:Space”: A room for science communication and discussion.

August 20th, 2024

Follow the light: Laser-activated nanorobots for tissue engineering and temperature sensing.

The CRC thanks Prof. Dr. Berna Özkale for her fascinating seminar on nanorobotics

Dan Albers | May 16th, 2024

Strong presence of CRC1279 at the Spring meeting of the German Society for Virology (GfV)

Four selected talks by students and the Loeffler-Frosch-Prize for Jun.-Prof. Konstantin Sparrer

Dan Albers | May 15th, 2024

Dr. Mirja Harms awarded with a stipend by the Novartis Foundation to explore therapeutic CD3-Fab-peptide conjugates for cancer treatment

Dr. Mirja Harms has been awarded the graduate stipend program of the Novartis Foundation.

Sofya Novikova | April 25th, 2024

Ulm University awarded the Cooperation Prize for Science and Industry 2023 to Prof. Dr. Jan Münch and AATec GmbH.

New data published in “Nature Microbiology” helps explain preferential bloodborne transmission.

Dan Albers | March 27th, 2024

Ulm University awarded the Cooperation Prize for Science and Industry 2023 to Prof. Dr. Jan Münch and AATec GmbH.

In recognition of their outstanding collaboration in developing new therapeutics for respiratory infections.

Dan Albers | March 07th, 2024

Virus against virus: Members of the CRC developed an agent directly targeting both SARS-CoV-2 particles and infected cells

Members of the CRC 1279 in cooperation with the Institute of Pathology at Ulm University, show that Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSVΔG) particles carrying the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), allow specific targeting of both SARS-CoV-2 virions and infected cells.

Bad Schachen: Scientists discussed latest findings at the annual CRC 1279 meeting

About 70 researchers from Ulm and beyond met in Bad Schachen to discuss new data, current developments, and future perspectives of the peptide CRC.

Sofya Novikova | September 08th, 2023

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance: Exploring Novel Antimicrobial Peptides as Alternatives to Antibiotics in a Collaborative Indo-German Study

For her proposal to utilize endogenous peptides in the fight against antimicrobial resistance Dr. Puja Yadav received the Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) grant.

Dan Albers | June 01st, 2023

Getting away from the labs: CRC 1279 Student Retreat Highlights Diverse Post-Graduate Career Paths

Alumni of the CRC were invited as speakers from both academia and the private sector to showcase the large variety in possible career paths after graduation.

Dan Albers | May 26th, 2023

Expanding Research Capacities: Ulm's New BSL-3 Laboratory will Facilitate Studies of High-Risk Viruses


Supported by funding of the European Union and the Medical Faculty of Ulm a new state-of-the-art facility for the safe study of highly pathogenic viruses is currently being built next to the Center of Quantum BioSciences (ZQB)

Dan Albers | May 24th, 2023

Ultrasensitive virus diagnostics: Ultrasens-Vir

A collaboration between the Institute of Quantum Optics, Institute of Molecular Virology and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research receives close to five million Euros from the Carl-Zeiss foundation for the development of a new ultrasensitive and rapid approach to respiratory virus diagnostics.

Dan Albers | May 15th, 2023

Young scientists associated with CRC 1279 honored for outstanding doctoral theses during the annual meeting of the Society for Virology

For their work on innate immunity and antiviral restriction factors, Dr. Rüdiger Gross and Dr. Rayhane Nchioua received the Bernhard-and-Ingrid-Fleckenstein and DZIF doctoral award, respectively.

Dan Albers| April 25th, 2023

CRC 1279 well represented at the Society for Virology's 32nd Annual Meeting

Scientists from CRC 1279 presented their latest research findings and use opportunities for networking during brakes and a social evening.

Dan Albers| April 20th, 2023

Adapting to compromises – Attenuation of Omicron BA.1 in human cardiomyocytes is contrasted by efficient replication of the BA.5 subvariant

A collaboration of CRC 1279 members led to novel insights into differences between SARS-CoV-2 variants and their potential consequences for cardiac injury.

Dan Albers| January 23rd, 2023

Leading an international effort in the fight against Morbus Waldenström

Prof. Dr. Christian Buske receives the Jan Gösta Waldenström lifetime award for his achievements in improving the treatment of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

Dan Albers| December 20th, 2022

Elite Program of the Baden-Württemberg foundation awards Dr. Mirja Harms

For her proposal to unravel the interplay between SARS-CoV-2, aberrant T-cell activation, and endogenous CXCR4 ligands.

Dan Albers| December 08th, 2022

Back to Lake Federsee and direct interaction

After numerous online meetings, almost 70 CRC 1279 members, as well as scientific advisors and guests, clearly enjoyed to meet in-person to present and discuss science at the symposium in Bad Buchau (Oct. 17 and 18).

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff | November 11th, 2022

Double success including a double mechanism

Researchers of CRC 1279 made two interesting discoveries published almost simultaneously in Cell Host and Microbe and Cell on October 14th and 15th, respectively.

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff | September 19th, 2022

CRC 1279 well-represented at the Peptide Therapeutics Forum 2022

Eight members of CRC 1279 participated at the Peptide Therapeutics Forum 2022 of the Swiss Chemical Society at August 25th and 26th in Basel

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff | September 12th, 2022

Science award of the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation for Dr. Konstantin Sparrer

For his studies on how viral pathogens evade immune control, Dr. Konstantin Sparrer received the prestigious 2021 Science Award for Basic Medical Research from the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff | July 26th, 2022

ERC Advanced Grant for viral traitors

Good news: Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchhoff and his team will receive 2.3 million euros from the European Research Council for uncovering antiviral defense mechanisms.

Dr. Annika Röcker | May 09th, 2022

On the cover: Improving potency and plasma stability of EPI-X4 derivatives

We are happy to announce that our newest cooperative publication made it on the cover page of Bioconjugate Chemistry.

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff & Dr. Mirja Harms | May 04th, 2022

What it takes to cross borders

Members of CRC 1279 show that a single T403R amino acid change allows the Spike protein of the Sarbecovirus RaTG13 to interact with the human SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2.

Prof. Frank Kirchhoff & Fabian Zech | December 10th, 2021

Ulm Peptide Researcher participate in Global Health Center for Pandemic Prevention

Members of the CRCR1279 obtained a grant from the DAAD to participate in a Global Health Center for Pandemic Prevention from 2021 to 2025.

Dr. Ludger Ständker | October 10th, 2021

Improving AMPs: Gran1 inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Gran1 against the major human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and a panel of clinically relevant non-tuberculous mycobacteria which are notoriously difficult to treat.

By Reiner Noschka | August 10th, 2021

Surprise: SARS-CoV-2 hijacks usually antiviral factors for efficient infection

IFITMs are well-known to restrict numerous viral pathogens. A new study of CRC 1279 members shows that the opposite is the case for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic.

By Dr. Annika Röcker | July 21th, 2021

First general meeting to prepare for the second funding period

On Monday, June 28th, the first general meeting to prepare for the second funding period of SFB 1279 took place.

June 6th, 2021 | Prof. Frank Kirchhoff

Preventing infection without harming: New antiretroviral peptide discovered in human hemofiltrate

Members of the CRC 1279 identified a peptide that blocks HIV and SIV infection without interfering with the physiological function of the cellular entry cofactor.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | January 21, 2021

The ‘CRC 1279 and beyond’ seminar series goes virtual

We are delighted that the ‘CRC 1279 and beyond’ seminar series is continuing virtually. In fact, two recent interesting virtual seminars have proven that the virtual format still allows exciting scientific discussion.

by Kristina Hopfensperger | January 7, 2021

How to ZAP the coronavirus – a host protein prompts degradation of viral RNA

Upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, human cells produce proteins that restrict viral replication. One of them, called ZAP, has now been characterized by members of the Institute of Molecular Virology.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | October 14, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 blocks protein synthesis and innate immune activation
The novel pandemic Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is known to effectively evade human immune defenses. In a close collaboration, the team of Prof. Roland Beckman from the LMU Munich and the labs of Dr. Konstantin Sparrer and Prof. Frank Kirchhoff at the Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm now revealed the molecular details on how the accessory protein Nsp1 of SARS-CoV-2 shuts down the ribosome and consequently major anti-viral defense systems.

by Dr. Konstantin Sparrer | July 23, 2020

HIV-1 manipulates DNA repair to avoid immune sensing and superinfection

Manipulation of the host cell is essential for replication and spread of HIV-1, the causative agent of AIDS. In a collaborative study, the Wiesmüller and Kirchhoff labs specialized in DNA repair and HIV/AIDS, respectively, now discovered that HIV-1 utilizes its accessory factor Vpu to suppress the accumulation and sensing of nuclear viral DNA species as well as superinfection.

by Prof. Frank Kirchhoff | July 22, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 detected in breast milk

The CRC1279 congratulates Prof. Dr. Jan Münch and his team at the Institute of Molecular Virology Ulm on the first publication of the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human breast milk 1.

by Kristina Hopfensperger | June 19, 2020

Fighting SARS-CoV-2 – Establishing the basis for future therapeutic strategies

Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchhoff and Jun.-Prof. Dr. Daniel Sauter from the Institute of Molecular Virology receive over 900 000 Euro funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for two new SARS-CoV-2 research projects. Congratulations!

by Kristina Hopfensperger | June 12, 2020

No risk, no breakthrough

Congratulations to CRC 1279 project leader Prof. Dr. Martin Plenio! The ‘Deutsche Forschungs-gemeinschaft’ (DFG) recently awarded Prof. Plenio with a Reinhart Koselleck project and will thus support him with about 1.5 million Euro funding within the next five years.

by Kristina Hopfensperger | August 01, 2019

Simply the best

Prof. Dr. Holger Barth wins students teaching award for ‘best lecturer’ for his toxicology lecture within the study program of Molecular Medicine at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen.

by Kristina Hopfensperger | June 19, 2019

CRC1279 Students went to Lindemberg

At the feet of the Bavarian Alps and right outside the town of Lindenberg in the Allgäu, the first CRC 1279 student retreat took place on May 16th-17th.

by Mattheo Bosso | June 30, 2019

And the Poster Award goes to … Dr. Janis Müller

Dr. Janis Müller received one of two Poster Prizes at the 29th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Virology (GfV) in Düsseldorf, Germany.

by Kristina Hopfensperger | March 28, 2019

Time to say goodbye… and hello Kristina!

Annika Röcker, so far responsible for Public Relations and Event reports of the CRC homepage, will leave us by the end of March 2019. Luckily, Kristina Hopfensperger will take over.

by Dr. Annika Röcker, Kristina Hopfensperger and Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchhoff

Much more than Amyloid β

From February 19^th to 21^th, CRC1279 board member Prof. Dr. Marcus Fändrich, director of the Institute of Protein Biochemistry, chaired the 3^rd Meeting on Biophysics of Amyloid Formation.

by Dr. Annika Röcker & Kristina Hopfensperger | March 05, 2019

Online now: Konstantin Sparrer’s research objective

Dr. Konstantin Sparrer had been awarded with a „Young Investigator Fund for Innovative Research Ideas“ of the Schering Stiftung and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 21.02.2019

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

An interdisciplinary team at Ulm University analyzed the DNA binding behavior of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) at single-molecule resolution.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 04.02.2019

About dream teams: Scientist couple explores Host-Microbe interactions

Prof. Hinterleitner and Prof. Meisel from the University of Pittsburgh gave a lunch seminar addressing the topics: “Woman in academia: Transitioning from a postdoc to group leader/professor”

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 14.01.2019

With Bachelor’s degree straight towards PhD

Due to her exceptional performance, she was allowed to start her PhD directly after her undergraduate studies. Lisa is a perfect example for a young, ambitious woman in science!

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 11.01.2019

Biofilms- more than nasty tooth deposit

For the last Monday seminar in November, CRC1279 had the pleasure to welcome Prof. Knut Drescher from the Max-Planck-Institute (MPI) in Marburg.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 29.12.2018

Janis Müller received the Hans-Heinrich Niemann prize

Congratulations to Dr. Janis Müller for getting the Hans-Heinrich Niemann prize 2018!

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 20.12.2018

Boosting autophagy and career- Konstantin Sparrer awarded with Young Investigator Fund

Dr. Konstantin Sparrer is granted a Young Investigator Fund starting in January 2019 to support his projects.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 26.11.2018

CRC1279 goes public- “studium generale” and international students

This has been an eventful week for CRC speaker Frank Kirchhoff: he presented HIV/AIDS as well as CRC1279 to the broad audience of “studium generale” and a group of international students.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 23.11.2018

About knights, progress and construction - our first CRC1279 retreat

Typical weather for a day in November in Ulm- foggy, rainy and a little chilly. Nevertheless, Prof. Frank Kirchhoff warmly welcomed all PIs, PhD students and postdocs involved in CRC1279.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 13.11.2018

Shpol’skii-Rebane-Personov medal and prize for Prof. Fedor Jelezko

In August this year, the first Shpol’skii-Rebane-Personov medal and prize were awarded to Prof. Fedor Jelezko.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 19.10.2018

Plant-derived antibiotics against multi-resistant bacteria

Pleasant news for Prof. Dr. med. Steffen Stenger (Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene)! The state Baden Württemberg approved funding of a collaborative projects.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 18.10.2018

Prof. Holger Barth supports NBC protection

We congratulate Prof. Dr. Holger Barth to his appointment to the scientific advisory panel of the research institutes for NBC protection of the medical academy of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces)!

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 04.10.2018

Clarissa Read obtains UUG graduation prize

Every year, the Ulmer Universitätsgesellschaft (UUG) awards prizes to outstanding graduates from Ulm University. We congratulate Dr. hum. biol. Clarissa Read (formerly Villinger) to this excellent achievement.

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 20.09.2018

Young researchers realizing innovative ideas

We congratulate Dr. Konstantin Sparrer (Institute of Molecular Virology) and Dr. Stephanie Wehrstedt (Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene) on the approval of 10,000€ (each) for their proposals!

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 20.09.2018

Can a peptide cure chronically infected hepatitis B and D patients?

Although the weather was rather non-inviting, CRC 1279 warmly welcomed Prof. Stephan Urban from Heidelberg University to the first Monday seminar...

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 03.09.2018

New study reveals structural basis of tetherin counteraction

A collaborative study between James H. Hurley's lab in Berkeley and researchers from the Institute of Molecular Virology in Ulm published in volume 174, issue 3 of Cell....

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 18.08.2018

Combining tools to improve anti-cancer activity

Targeting and combating tumors in a more specific and efficient way is a central goal in modern cancer therapy...

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 15.08.2018

Prof. Dr. Guido Silvestri in the CRC Monday Seminar

It has been a special pleasure for CRC 1279 to welcome the respected HIV/AIDS researcher Prof. Dr. Guido Silvestri from the Emory Institute in Atlanta for the last Monday seminar in July...

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 23.07.2018

CRC on board with Nobel laureate

A glamorous touch inhered in the morning of Friday, June 29th when the “MS Sonnenkönigin” took off from Lindau...

by Dr. Annika Röcker | 29.06.2018