—Outstanding junior researchers in immunology from all over the world gathered in Maria Laach, Germany, this September. The monastery was the venue of the 4th ImmunoSensation2–IFReC International School on Advanced Immunology. The series was successfully launched in 2022 in Japan as a joint endeavor of ImmunoSensation² and our partner IFReC in Osaka, Japan. It is held annually, alternating between Germany and Japan, connecting the next generation of interdisciplinary immunologists and offering a new educational opportunity for outstanding PhD students and junior postdocs.
—On Sunday, September 14th 2025, the NeuVa Art Lab started its Mandala workshop series at Bonn University’s Impulse - House for Innovation and Creativity. The event brought together scientists, artists, and the public to explore the connections between brain research and artistic expression. Together, complex brain structures are resembled in form of mandala artworks, that will be presented in an exhibition by the end of the project. NeuVa Art is a joined project by Prof. Carmen Ruiz de Almodóvar of the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn and textile artist Paula Urrutia.
—With the "Femmunity Café", a new Science Communication format opened its doors in Bonn on September 5th. The series offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage with scientists on the menstrual cycle, immunity, and women’s health. The event blends a relaxed café atmosphere with expert knowledge, creating a space where curiosity and conversation around topics mostly not publicly discussed are welcomed and current scientific insights are made excessible to everyone.
—Too much fat can be unhealthy: how fat cells, so-called adipocytes, develop, is crucial for the function of the fat tissue. That is why a team led by researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn investigated the influence of primary cilia dysfunction on adipocyte precursor cells in a mouse model. They found that overactivation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway causes abnormal development into connective tissue-like cells instead of white fat cells. Their findings have now been published in The EMBO Journal.
—Prof. Dr. Kaan Boztug from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) receives the Novartis Prize for Therapy-Relevant Immunological Research 2025. The expert in rare diseases of the immune system and blood formation conducted most of the research work that has now been honored in Vienna. His work was supported by an ERC Starting Grant (ImmunoCore, 2012-2018) and an ERC Consolidator Grant (iDysChart, 2019-2025), among others. The science prize, worth 10,000 € is divided into two parts this time and also goes to Prof. Dr. Evelyn Ullrich.
—Activating the body's antiviral defense system: A novel RIG-I ligand developed at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) helps the body to recognize and fight off certain viruses at an early stage. This molecular structure has potential for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. Based on the research results, there are now plans to develop and market an antiviral nasal spray to protect against viral respiratory infections.
—Three days of scientific exchange, workshops, and new impulses: Until July 2, 2025, members of the Bonn-Cumming Host-Directed Pandemic Therapeutics Program are gathered at University Hospital Bonn (UKB) for a symposium to reflect on the current state of their research and discuss further steps. The joint program of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics at the University of Melbourne and of the University of Bonn aims to combat future pandemics with novel therapeutics.
—Children born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, even if they follow a healthy diet themselves. A new study from the group of Elvira Mass at the University of Bonn offers an explanation for this phenomenon. In obese mice, certain cells in the embryo’s liver are reprogrammed during pregnancy. This leads to long-term changes in the offspring’s metabolism. The researchers believe that these findings could also be relevant for humans. The study has now been published in the journal Nature.
—PD Dr. Niklas Klümper was honored with the prestigious Johann-Georg-Zimmermann Research Prize. The €10,000 award is presented annually to young cancer researchers for their current scientific contributions.
