Science, Snow & Detours: MtL Spring Days in Medieval Marburg

March 31, 2026

This year's MtL Spring Days took us to the medieval city of Marburg – and delivered everything from surprise snowfall to inspiring keynotes and lively poster sessions. From synthetic photosynthesis and heart patches to collective cell behavior, our Fellows and guests shared science at its finest. We left with new friendships, fresh collaborations, and our eyes firmly set on MtL Fall Days in Heilbronn.

A diverse group of individuals stands in a lobby area with modern decor, name tags visible, and tables with refreshments nearby.


This year, we had the opportunity to visit the beautiful medieval city of Marburg during our MtL Spring Days. Marburg awaited us with many non-scientific adventures: Deutsche Bahn delays proved right those who decided to cycle from Heidelberg to Marburg (well done, MtLers!). Construction sites gave us a nice city tour via bus detours and our participants the opportunity to walk up the Lahnberge to the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology - and proved lucky those who did not end up in the woods.The weather, too, had its surprises, switching from sun to snow. Our Fellow Benoît Ladoux almost didn’t make it out of the forest, but finally found his way in time to give the keynote lecture on active nematic forces in collective cell behavior.

Two individuals are at a podium labeled synmikro, preparing for a presentation. Behind them, a screen displays a talk on synthesizing molecules using synthetic biology and AI.
A group of four people, seated in a glass-walled lobby, engaged in conversation. Two are holding cups, and boxes labeled "Max Planck School Matter to Life" are visible.
Four people are gathered in a contemporary space with colorful lighting, holding a discussion. One person holds a white mug.
The illuminated historic Marburg City Hall on a cobblestone square with flags at dusk.
Symposium participants during a coffee break in a modern interior: People are chatting at tables; some are wearing name tags, while others are holding drinks.
A person stands in a contemporary room, wearing a blue shirt with orange stripes featuring "Max Planck School" and "Bike to Marburg" text.
Matter to Life Fellow Benoît Ladoux at a podium gesturing during a presentation, with a slide titled "From physics to mechano-hydraulics: understanding collective cell behavior" visible on the left.

Our Fellow Tobias Erb welcomed us at the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro) - an impressive building that hosts research groups from the university and the  Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology. After Tobia’s great opening lecture on synthetic photosynthesis, we had the pleasure of learning about the biological side of matter-to-life: Andrea Musacchio gave us an insight into cell division and the complexity of the spindle apparatus, as well as his work determining and reconstituting the function of individual proteins within the spindle apparatus. Martin Jechlinger then explained what a residual disease is and how it influences cancer remissions. Later that day, we were impressed by the results of Wolfram Zimmermann's lab and his heart patches. These patches, developed in Zimmermann's lab, are used worldwide in heart surgeries, showing us that small steps in fundamental research can have a significant impact on the world without the need for big pharma.

For the first time, our collaboration partner from Birmingham visited us during Spring Days. Tim Albrecht from the University of Birmingham and Davide Calebiro from the COMPARE Center not only shared their science with us, but also deepened our relationship by fostering further connection points, such as joint lab rotations. We are very happy that they have joined us and look forward to a fruitful cooperation between our institutes.

In a lecture hall, several people are seated, while one individual stands and gestures with a raised hand, possibly asking a question.

The poster sessions provided an excellent platform for sharing and discussing the research of our PhD candidates with their peers and our faculty. The research presented was as diverse as our faculty and was further nurtured by the different disciplines of our Fellows. We learned more about protein-based lanthanide harvesting, artificial metabolism in synthetic cells, and the new technology of pore-spanning lipid membranes, as well as the differences between free-standing and supported bilayers.
Did you know that cell internal structures can affect cell behavior as demonstrated by Franziska Lautenschläger, but also bring out the most beautiful colors in marine organisms? The pictures of the sea slug collection by Vera Titze from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces was truly beautiful.

Several individuals are gathered near a presentation poster, discussing its content.
Several individuals are gathered near a presentation poster, discussing its content.
Several individuals are gathered near a presentation poster, discussing its content
A reception desk decorated with banners from the Max Planck School Matter to Life and the Center for Synthetic Microbiology, where two Matter to Life program coordinators are seated. On the desk are a laptop, a camera, pens, and brochures.
Four people in a casual discussion in a modern room with large windows.
Attendees in a conference room focused on a presentation on a large screen.
Several individuals in a laboratory, focusing on a large piece of scientific equipment, with one person explaining something.

The Spring Days concluded with an impressive visit to the MAXGenesys biofoundry at MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology, where Candice Jones, head of the facility, and MtL PhD candidate Nitin Bohra gave us a guided tour showcasing the many ways in which automation is transforming science.
Thank you, Richard Wombacher, for your inspiring closing talk, which perfectly rounded off our MtL Spring Days.

We had an amazing time in Marburg, enjoying not only great science and inspiring discussions, but also the beautiful city and crazy weather. We look forward to meeting again at our MtL Fall Days in September at the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.

Thanks to our friendly hosts in Marburg for having us!

 

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