Location
The Research Group Microbial Immunology (MI; head Prof. Ilse Jacobsen) and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms (MPM; head Prof. Bernhard Hube) at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI) in Jena, Germany, will host this FEBS course. In addition, further groups located at the HKI (Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Prof. Axel Brakhage, the Fungal Septomics Research Group of the Centre for Innovation Competence SEPTOMICS, headed by Prof. Oliver Kurzai, and the Research Group Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, headed by Prof. Reinhard Guthke) will actively contribute to the course by supervising experiments.
The HKI consists of five scientific departments, four Research Groups, three Junior Research Groups and a Bio Pilot Plant. The research within the institute is focused on two areas: natural products produced by microorganisms and infection biology of pathogenic fungi. Of particular interest for the course is the focus on infection biology of pathogenic fungi. The HKI takes a comprehensive approach to study fungus-host interactions at all levels, including transcriptome, metabolome, proteome, cell biology, novel genetic analysis and systems biology of fungal pathogens.
The HKI is located at the Beutenberg Campus which provides excellent local infrastructure and technical facilities for innovative and cutting-edge research. The hosting groups are located in a new building (opened 2012) with spacious fully equipped state-of-the-art laboratories and animal facilities; additionally, a special teaching laboratory, seminar and conference rooms and a canteen are available on site for the course.
Jena provides a unique combination of a beautiful setting, strong cultural and philosophical traditions, high-tech industry, world-renowned non-university research institutions, and, above all, a modern, state-of-the-art university. With about 100,000 inhabitants, Jena is comparatively small, yet it is the largest town in the central Saale valley. Situated in Thuringia, the "Green Heart of Germany", Jena is famous for its beautiful surroundings and natural setting. Limestone slopes on both banks of the river Saale are responsible for a mild climate. There are even vineyards planted on the hills around the town, and a large variety of wild orchids grow in the surrounding area.
Participants and lecturers will be accommodated in the center of Jena – due to Jena’s small size, the historic city center, restaurants and museums are all within walking distance from the hotels. The HKI can be reached with frequent public transport in approx. 10 min from the city center. Jena is also an excellent base for short trips and excursions, e.g. to Berlin or Dresden.
