We started with a lecture by Professor Jahns, who explained the differences between the various research organizations and introduced us to the world of NFF, PTB, HZI, and BRICS. We gained insight into how the interdisciplinary and internationally oriented Research Center for Systems Biology works and what advantages Braunschweig offers as a location—or, in other words, how life sciences work.
The event continued with an introduction to systems biology: from DNA to mRNA to proteins and metabolites—a world of terminology that is not familiar to the Frankfurt School alumni, who are socialized in economics and finance. But Professor Jahns succeeded in inspiring his audience, and we would not be surprised if some of them are now considering pursuing further studies in systems biology.
Afterwards, Dr. Anita Remus and Professor Dieter Jahns took us on a tour of the various areas of the research center, and we were impressed by the technology and opportunities available to researchers here. How does a cell work? What begins as basic research leads to the modeling of the immune system and the development of new antibiotics. It became clear that every person is different, every immune system is different, and every drug should be different. There is still a long way to go. But we feel that here, gently but with passion, commitment, and determination, the boundaries of research are being pushed.
Author: Sandra Fuchs, FS Alumni e.V.