News
latest group seminars
Mo. 27.07.2026 - Kathery Pisfil Colchado (progress report)
Mo. 10.08.2026 - Siwei Pang (progress report)
Mo. 17.08.2026 - Theresa Uhlig (progress report)
Mo. 24.08.2026 - Lia Kunz (progress report)
all talks are given at 9 a.m. in our seminar room (room 03, ground floor, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38)
Another great graduation!
On 1st of july time had come...Julian ended up his doctoral program with his defense. Julian was part of our research group ICIPS and part of our working group for the past 4 years.
All the best for your future!
Let the sunshine in - works outing 2026
A few days ago we left the offices and labs for this years works outing to the lake at Niederweimar! 
There was a lot of sun, swimming and icecream with a nice picknick at the lake...having a nice time together!
#EuroEvoDevo in Glasgow
Le-Han Rössner and Theresa Uhlig presented well-received poster at the EuroEvoDevo meeting in Glasgow. Annette Becker is the president of the EuroEvoDevo society and was heavily involved in organizing the meeting.
Impressive science at the meeting, a growing community and a marvelous venue!
All the best for retirement!
In early May, we had to say goodbye to our TA, Andrea, who retired after more than 40 years of service.
We'll miss you very much!
The evolutionary secret of the California poppy
There´s a new exciting paper from our group published at "The Plant Cell"! Find out more...
Le-Han Rössner, Clemens Rössner et al. (2026) Gene and genome duplications have contrasting impacts on biosynthetic and flower developmental pathways in California poppy. The Plant Cell. https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koag039
Friday the 13th—not an unlucky day!
Congratulations :)
Visit from Italy
At the beginning of February, we welcomed Prof. Lucia Colombo from the University of Milan, who gave us a fascinating insight into her research. We look forward to seeing her again :)
(photos to follow)
Funding for the ICIPS research group continues!
At the end of September, we received the good news that the ICIPS research group can start a second round. The DFG approved the extension for another 4 years. More information
MBP 2025
We are very pleased that two PhD students from our research group recently participated in the Molecular Biology of Plants (MBP) conference 2025 and made valuable contributions there.
Clemens Rössner presented a poster titled "How California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) helps to understand the evolution of Plant Metabolites Pathways," while Le Han Rössner gave a talk on "The Eschscholzia genome provides insights into evolutionary dynamics across gene families."
Bachelor thesis finished!
Our two bachelor students Melina and Annika can now justifiably claim that. After 3 months at our working group, the two of them handed in their final thesis at the end of August! We wish you continued success in your careers. We will not only miss your delicious cakes and tarts ;)
International Botanical Congress (IBC) 2024 - Madrid
In addition to the head of the working group, Annette Becker, two of our PhD students, Doudou and Julian, traveled to this year's IBC. Despite the heat in Spain, they were able to present their posters, listen to interesting talks and have some nice conversations.
doctoral examination
On 18.09.2023 Anna Barbara Dommes completed her doctoral with the defense of her thesis. The entire working group was there to celebrate with her!
Plant Biology Europe (PBE) 2023 – Marseille
Our three PhD students Doudou Kong, Julian Garrecht and Linus Wegner (from left) were represented at this year's PBE with poster contributions and were thus able to present their projects to a larger audience.
In addition to the scientific program, the three were also able to explore the city. With them our master student Siwei Pang.
Molecular Biology of Plants (MBP) 2023
Meeting Molecular Biology of Plants of the German Botanical Society in Hennef, Feb. 6-9, 2023.
New year, new conference!
The PhD students Dominik, Clemens and Linus (from left to right), had the opportunity to present their work with a poster and to meet other exciting projects and scientists at this year's MBP.
Botanists meeting 2022
At the this years conference of the German Botanical Society (DBG) in Bonn most of the AG Becker was present to present the current research of the group and to review interesting results of other scientists. Here our PhD student M.Sc. Julian Garrecht presenting his poster:
“Dynamic genome evolution in a model fern” - new paper out
With the participation of our research group, an exciting new paper has been published in Nature Plants -> find more here
D. Blaine Marchant et al. (2022), “Dynamic genome evolution in a model fern”; Nature Plants 2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01226-7
Euro Evo Devo 2022
At the biennial meeting of the European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Euro Evo Devo), two of our PhD students were represented and presented their work:
Doudou Kong at here poster
Dominik Lotz was able to present the results and progress of his work to the audience in a lecture.
(Bilder: Annette Becker)
PhD
On March 30, 2021, our doctoral student Kimmo Kivivirta successfully completed his doctorate.
Congratulation and all the best!