Prof Jörg Vogel is founding director of the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), a site of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). His research group “RNA biology of bacterial infections” investigates how RNA molecules regulate processes in pathogens. To this end, the researchers are developing sequencing methods at the single cell level and are looking for ways to combat bacterial pathogens in a targeted manner. In January 2021, Vogel will take over the presidency of the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM).
In addition to Vogel, who was already honoured in previous years, the bioinformatician Prof Alice McHardy is on the list this year. Her research group “Computational Biology of Infection Research” at BRICS (Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology), a joint institution of the HZI and the Technical University of Braunschweig, analyses large biological and epidemiological data sets using computer-assisted methods. The researchers analyse molecular data of pathogens and microbial communities and develop methods for predicting properties such as antibiotic resistances and how effective immune responses against a pathogen can be elicited.The researchers are investigating the development of diseases, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and how effective immune responses are formed. For example, McHardy is coordinating a project to develop a universal influenza vaccine that does not need to be administered every year.
The complete list of “Highly-cited researchers” can be found here.
© Yamel Photography and HIRI
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