First digital LCI Summer School with the topic "Molecular biology of pathogens"

From June 3-4, 2021, LCI PhD students learned about the research priorities of the various institutes and the research of their colleagues. In "Speed Talks", 22 PhD students presented their research to each other in lively, well-prepared short talks, of which the three best talks were awarded prizes at the end of the event: The first place went to Pit Engling from the FZB, the second place to Konstantin von Stromberg from the HPI and the third place to Cari Lehmann from the BNITM.

In addition, experienced scientists from the respective institutes presented their research in lectures. Volker Heussler from the Institute of Cell Biology at the University of Bern was recruited for the keynote lecture, reporting on molecular approaches to malaria.

Finally, the participants of the Summer School were asked to become active themselves in workshops: Together they worked on various scientific questions and then presented their results.

Away from the scientific programme, there were many opportunities for further exchange, getting to know each other and developing new ideas at a digital joint dinner on the first evening:

For example, there was a virtual pub where keynote speaker Volker Heussler as well as renowned scientist Marylyn Addo and junior research group leader Maria Rosenthal reported on their own scientific career paths. Finally, a selection of online games, such as an Escape Room, a Chocolate Tasting and the game "Code Names", brought the day to a convivial close.