Here we present the current cohort of the Pre-Doc Award with the doctoral projects. There is also information for the Awardees - Predocs as well as Postdocs.
Insight into the Kick-Off event on 20.10.2023
Cohort 2023/24
Developing Genetically Encoded Sensors for Single-Cell Nitric Oxide (NO) Bioimaging
Einrichtung: Institute of Biology
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) is a multi-tasking signal molecule during plant development and stress response. However, its dynamics within cells remain challenging to study due to the limitations of NO detection methods. To address this gap we aim to develop genetically encoded NO biosensors (GreeNOs). This allows real-time subcellular NO detection under control and stress conditions such as flooding, where NO is a major signal molecule. GreeNOs will facilitates gene function analysis particularly with focus on NO biosynthesis and scavenging. An additional aim is to track NO localization in different cellular compartments. Eventually we will be able to integrate GreeNOs to investigate the NO signalling during plant response to its environment. GreeNOs promises to advance our understanding of the interaction between plants and their environment. This knowledge can eventually be beneficial for improving crop stress resilience in the context of climate change.
Conspiracy Beliefs from a Religio-Sociological Perspective
Einrichtung: Institute of Practical Theology
Abstract:
The belief in the existence of hidden powers that have conspired is a well-known phenomenon in modern societies. Especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems to have spread in recent years. The conspiracy belief and its followers are extremely diverse; esoteric and far-right milieus sometimes overlap. Content-wise, there is a vast array of specific delusions. This phenomenon is relevant in that for many followers, their belief becomes a guiding principle for action. In my project, I aim to identify and elucidate the connections between conspiracy beliefs and political attitudes.
Peptide dendrimers as innovative drug delivery systems
Einrichtung: Institute for Drug Discovery
Abstract:
During the development of novel therapeutic agents, especially the achievement of sufficient bioavailability is a challenge of promising drug candidates.
In our research project, we aim to establish peptide dendrimers as innovative drug delivery systems that shield promising drug candidates from the endogenous environment and enzymatic degradation. We plan on synthesizing macrocyclic structures that host certain therapeutic agents like small organic molecules or siRNA. The outer surface of the dendrimers includes functional groups to ensure a controlled drug release.
The main focus of this work includes the development of a reliable strategy for macrocyclic peptide dendrimer synthesis and model experiments for a controlled drug release.
The results of our research will open new possibilities for drug design facilitate by enlarging the pool of considerable drug molecules and therefore.
Developing enhanced enzymes for PET degradation with the help of artificial intelligence
Institution: Institute for Drug Discovery
Abstract:
Currently only 10% of plastics are recycled worldwide, posing threats to the environment and human health. Therefore, we are engineering enzymes capable of degrading plastics. Enzymatic recycling circumvents the need for costly technical processes and allows for the recovery of raw materials, which facilitates the transition from a linear, unsustainable to a circular, environmentally friendly economy. Artificial Intelligence holds promise in revolutionising enzyme engineering by learning enzyme fitness landscapes and predicting beneficial amino acid mutations which increase the enzyme’s robustness and activity for its application in the industry.
We seek to establish an automated workflow whereby an AI-algorithm predicts enzyme libraries, which will be tested by high‑throughput screening. This bears the potential of laying the groundwork for finding future biocatalysts.
Functional Retinal Organoids as Therapeutic Approaches for Retinal Diseases
Einrichtung: Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital
Abstract:
According to the WHO, more than one billion people globally suffer from vision impairment, including retinal diseases. This research is critical for the effective development and understanding of human retinal models in the treatment of retinal diseases. This study aims to generate the human retina from stem cells called retinal organoids. Then, enhance human retinal organoid maturation and functionality using herbal small molecules to activate vital signaling pathways—Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and Notch. This includes scrutinizing molecular impacts on pathways, characterizing effects on electrical activity and light responsiveness of retinal organoids. The overarching objective is to advance the development of retinal organoids, thus providing profound insights into retinal diseases and their prospective therapeutic remedies.
Seasonality patterns in the past: A case study on corrals from the middle Miocene Vienna basin
Institution: Institute for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing
Abstract:
One of the biggest stress factors for modern ecosystems, in addition to direct human interventions, is global climate change. A key to understand the current climate change and its consequences for the geo- and biosphere is the reconstruction of past climate changes. Suitable study intervals are the Miocene Climate Optimum (MCO, ~ 17-14 Ma BP) and the subsequent Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT, ~ 14-13 Ma BP). The latter represents a stepwise cooling interval after the global warmth of the MCO. In our project we will measure oxygen isotope ratios in corrals from the MCO and MMCT and use the results to reconstruct the development of the climate and the degree of temperature and rainfall seasonality in Central Europe (Vienna Basin).
Developing Next-Gen Complement Inhibitors: A Computational-Experimental Approach to Cyclic Peptide Design for C5 Inhibition
Institution: Institute for drug discovery
Abstract:
The complement system is vital for innate immunity and host defense, but also implicated in diseases including rare hematological, and more recently shown inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Despite its importance, only few therapies have been approved targeting the complement system for rare diseases. Addressing novel disease areas is challenging due to limited availability of cross-species pharmacological tools for in vivo disease models. This study aims to develop broad species complement C5 inhibitors. Using structural insights from compstatin and CirpT1, we aim to design novel cyclic peptide C5 inhibitors. A computational approach will define the CirpT1-C5 protein interface, designing peptides akin to compstatin. Cyclic peptides will be synthesized, tested for complement inhibition, and optimized iteratively for human and rodent efficacy.
Development of an organotypic skin model for the blistering skin disease EBS
Institution: Institute of Biology
Abstract:
Our project is part of a therapy approach for the blistering skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS), caused by mutations in keratin genes KRT5 or KRT14. Such mutations trigger the collapse of the cytoskeleton into cytoplasmic protein aggregates, followed by skin fragility and blistering, diminished cell adhesion, inflammation and itch. We have recently identified a drug, already in clinical use for a different disease that reduces keratin aggregation and increases cell adhesion in cultured keratinocytes. Our project will establish an ex vivo, physiologically relevant, organotypic 3D skin model from EBS patient-derived keratinocytes. This allows for deeper mechanistic insight into the pathomechanisms of EBS as well as represents a crucial step toward drug validation and development of a clinical study.
SDDeurope: Standing Deadwood Detection at European Scale using Transformers
Institution: Institute for Earth system science and remote sensing
Abstract:
Climate change causes widespread tree mortality in forests around the world. It remains a challenge to obtain an accurate state of forest vitality at scale. The Sentinel satellites by the European Space Agency
(ESA) offer the first measurement platform that delivers global data at a spatial resolution of 10 meters per pixel every 5 days on average. We aim to train a model that is able to locate tree mortality from this satellite data. Using this mortality information and other data sources we additionally aim to infer the vitality of a forest and finally hope to gain insight into how climate impacts forest health.
Toward quantitative control of the surface temperature and adsorption rate on single nanoparticles in the gas phase
Einrichtung: Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Abstract:
Nanoparticles play an increasingly central role in our environment and in technical applications. Their properties differ significantly from those of larger particles and bulk materials due to shape, surface-to-volume ratio and quantum effects. Conventional experimental techniques rely on averaging over an ensemble of particles and are not capable of examining single nanoparticles without the influence of perturbing interactions with the environment. Our novel mass spectrometry instrument allows the characterisation of single nanoparticles in the gas phase. The absolute mass and charge of the particle are determined non-destructively, while the interaction with electromagnetic radiation is determined indirectly via the mass changes due to the desorption of surface adsorbates. This allows to draw conclusions about the surface properties of the nanoparticle.
Endometriosis: Sex/Gender-Specific Health and the Experience of Living With an Ignored Disease
Einrichtung: Institute of Anthropology
Abstract:
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease wherein tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere. This life-limiting condition is characterised by incapacitating pain, stigma, delays in diagnosis, and oftentimes, reproductive issues. Effecting around 10% of people with uteruses worldwide, it’s one of the most common diseases; albeit the aetiology and cure remain unknown. Insufficient biomedical investment into endometriosis is part of a broader constellation of historical, cultural, and political issues dealing with gender and health. Through these facets, our planned doctoral project aims to ethnographically analyse the relationship between the disease, infertility and assisted reproductive technologies. This research will offer a qualitative perspective on experiences of living with endometriosis, while shedding critical light on systemic aspects which contribute to its neglect.
POSITRACK: Promoting Positive Attitudes Torwards Aging and Active Lifestyles with Activity Trackers for Older Adults
Institution: Exercise Psychology
Abstract:
This research addresses the promotion of positive attitudes towards aging and physical activity among older adults who make up a significant proportion of the world's population. Older adults face many negative views regarding their physical abilities and technological competence. These stereotypes may hinder them from being physically active and from using technology to support their engagement in physical activity, whereas a positive attitude towards aging is associated with higher activity levels. The project centers on utilizing technology, particularly activity trackers, and investigates how these devices can shift perceptions and boost engagement in physical activity. The ultimate goal is to develop, implement, and evaluate a technology-driven intervention that motivates older adults to stay active by cultivating positive views on aging.
Existentialism on the Modern Screen
Einrichtung: Institute of Philosophy
Abstract:
This project delves into the enduring relevance of the philosophical movement called existentialism by examining its subtle presence in contemporary films and series. It scrutinizes central existentialist themes like freedom, choice, human existence, consciousness, and interactions with artificial intelligence. While previous studies have explored existentialist 20th-century cinema, this project uniquely addresses existentialist themes in 21st-century cultural productions. It also grapples with the intriguing question of whether Artificial Intelligence might be capable of self-consciousness and therefore what it means to be a human being. The project aims to unveil how existentialism continues to shape our modern culture and how we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition through existentialism.
Digital training for AI-related competences among vocational teachers
Einrichtung: Institute for Business & Economics Education
Abstract:
Teachers are confronted with digitalization- and AI-related challenges on at least two levels:
1. the content of vocational education is affected by AI-related changes in work and business processes.
2. AI holds potential for instructional design and can be used as a tool in teaching and learning processes.
Recent publications and projects show an increasing interest in AI in vocational education. It is therefore our goal to develop, test and evaluate a digitally supported training course for (in-service) teachers in vocational education on the topic of AI. For this purpose, a theoretical framework model for AI-related competences as well as a test instrument for their assessment will be adapted.
Theresia Wöbke & Dr. Berit Streubel
The impact of an emotion-specific language skill training on both emotion understanding and emotion regulation abilities within preschoolers
Institution: Institute of Educational Sciences
Abstract:
Emotional self-regulation (ER), i.e., the ability to regulate one's emotions and related action tendencies to align them with personal goals and social demands, is related to children’s social and academic development. Research suggests that language skills (LS) and particularly emotion-specific LS predict children's ability to understand and handle emotions. These findings raise the question of whether targeted training of emotion-specific LS might promote children's emotion understanding and ER skills. In this project we will develop and evaluate an experimental emotion-specific vocabulary training for both typically developing children and children at risk to gain a better understanding of the interplay between LS, emotion understanding and ER skills in order to contribute towards intervention strategies for professionals within a special educational context.
Information for the Awardees
Here we have compiled information that can support you during your Pre-Doc Award sponsorship.
There are various ways to finance your doctorate. In addition to your own position, which is financed by third-party funds raised by your postdoc, you can also apply for funding yourself. You will find a number of possibilities on the following pages.
The website Stipendiumplus provides information on foundations that also award doctoral scholarships. You can find a further overview of scholarships and study support through foundations on the website Stiftungssuche.
On the basis of the Saxon Higher Education Freedom Act and the Saxon State Scholarship Ordinance, scholarships for doctoral funding are awarded at our university as state postgraduate scholarships.
You can also find further important information on the following pages of our university:
- PhD Funding
- Consulting and organisation
On our homepage we inform you about the possibilities of a doctorate at Leipzig University and provide documents such as doctoral regulations.
You can also find a comprehensive range of information and advice on your doctorate on the website of the Graduate Academy Leipzig.
Predocs
The international doctoral initiative warmly welcomes all new as well as future doctoral students. Find them on Facebook.
Information about the ProRat (PhD Council) can be found on the Intranet or on Facebook.
Postdocs
The interdisciplinary and international Postdoc Club meets regularly and offers space to help shape events and topics
We also offer you the opportunity to network with other postdocs via the LinkedIn group Postdocs in Leipzig.
We provide a wide range of further information for doctoral researchers on the Leipzig Researcher Development Programme page.
The Career Service supports you with questions about your career prospects.
The continuing education database of our university bundles all continuing education offers from various offices. In addition, you can obtain further information, e.g. on the further education centre of the Free State of Saxony in Meißen, where you can take advantage of all further education offers free of charge.
The Graduate Academy Leipzig is the central institution for the promotion of young academics at the University of Leipzig. Among other things, you will find a comprehensive workshop programme there.
The foreign language offers of the Language Institute are aimed at all those who want to expand and improve their foreign language skills for professional or private reasons.
Further information for postdocs is available here.
