News
Making biomolecules glow: new dye solves problem
Biomolecules include sugars, proteins and lipids and are the building blocks of all life. They play a role in the structure and metabolism of all living organisms. To make them visible under a microscope, researchers use special dyes to make them glow. A research team has now developed a new method to do this better. Unlike conventional approaches, the luminescent dye is not added to the sample as a ready-made product. Instead, it only begins to glow as it binds to the target molecule. more…
Professor Johannes Wessels to be President of Göttingen University
Physicist, Professor Johannes Wessels, is to become President of the University of Göttingen. The University Senate decided this today unanimously. The University Foundation Committee also unanimously approved this proposal. Wessels succeeds Professor Axel Schölmerich. Wessels’ six-year term is expected to begin towards the end of the year. more…
Revealing hidden diversity of algae in farmland
Intensive agriculture poses a significant threat to global biodiversity. However, one aspect of biodiversity in farmland is little studied: algae. Most people have seen algae growing in streams, lakes or the sea. However, algae have also adapted to survive in dryer, harsher conditions on land. In fact, soil algae are thought to be responsible for about 6% of the vegetation production on Earth. This led researchers to investigate the algae in the surface soils of farmland. more…
Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?
Soils are home to some of the most diverse animal communities on Earth. These animals – including nematodes, springtails, mites, earthworms, spiders and other arthropods – drive decomposition, regulate microbial communities and contribute to nutrient cycling. However, little is known about how the variety of their feeding activities is affected by land use and climate. An international research team set out to find out. The results were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. more…
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Further news
Frontiers Planet Prize: Göttingen biodiversity researcher one of three German candidates
The Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities has nominated three German candidates for the global final round of the Frontiers Planet Prize 2026, which is endowed with one million US dollars. Among them is ecologist and biodiversity researcher Dr Gustavo B. Paterno from the University of Göttingen. Paterno has been nominated for an article published in the journal Science in November 2024, in which multiple researchers from the University of Göttingen and from two Indonesian universities were involved. more…
Dorothea Schlözer Programme for female postdocs: Call for new positions in 2026
In 2026, the University again offers three positions for female postdocs in the Dorothea Schlözer Postdoctoral Programme. Those eligible to apply are female postdocs from faculties of Humanities, Theology, Law, Economic Sciences and Social Sciences as well as the medical center, in their early postdoc phase who plan to conduct a research project at the University of Göttingen (including the Medical School). Applications will be accepted through 20 April 2026, with positions beginning 1 October 2026. more…