News from the Institute

As announced today by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) on selective autophagy has successfully made it into the 3rd funding period and will be funded for another four years. The CRC 1177 was established in 2016 under the lead of IBC2 Director Ivan Đikić. It is the first consortium in Germany systematically addressing several challenging questions in selective autophagy. In the previous two funding periods, research focused on mechanistic, molecular and functional aspects of selective autophagy networks and led to detailed insights into the molecular basis of autophagy, its regulation and functions of individual selective autophagy pathways. In addition, CRC 1177 became an internationally recognized technology hub for autophagy research in Germany. Together with an exceptional culture that supports independence and mentoring of young scientists, CRC 1177 attracted the most promising talents to initiate their careers in this field in Frankfurt

IBC2 group leader Christian Münch have been awarded with a Consolidator Grant of the European Research Council (ERC). The ERC Consolidator Grant is one of the EU's most prestigious funding programmes for individual researchers who are in an intermediate career stage after obtaining their doctorate. In addition to scientific excellence, applicants must demonstrate the groundbreaking approach of their project and its feasibility in order to receive funding.

Researchers around IBC2 Vice Director Stefan Müller have uncovered a mechanism driving the accelerated growth of leukemia cells with a prevalent genetic mutation. The study focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a life-threatening blood cancer prevalent in adults, with a specific mutation in the NPM1 gene. The investigation revealed that leukemia cells carrying this mutation activate specific genes vital for cellular recycling. Published in Cell Reports, the findings present promising therapeutic possibilities, offering fresh insights into combating AML.

For the sixth year in a row, IBC2 Director Ivan Đikić is recognized for his exceptional impact by publishing multiple highly cited papers in two categories, “Biology and Biochemistry” and “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. His papers in these fields rank in the top 1% by citations based on Web of Science records from 2012 to 2022. A total of 7,125 highly cited researchers worldwide are listed this year, from which only 238 were named in two disciplines.

IBC2 Director Ivan Đikić is awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Rijeka. The Senate of the University of Rijeka decided in accordance with the expert committee for the evaluation of proposals on awarding Ivan Đikić the GRADUS DOCTORIS HONORIS CAUSA for his outstanding contribution to science, scientific education and popularization of science, as well as an exceptional contribution and advices for the development of the University of Rijeka.
The honorary doctorate acceptance ceremony was held at the University of Rijeka on July 4th 2023.