GRK 2290:  Crossing Boundaries: Molecular Interactions in Malaria

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 313717432

Malaria continues to be a major global threat to human health and the world’s economies. It is caused by five species of Plasmodium, arthropod-borne single-cell eukaryotic pathogens. Malaria is one of the most complex infectious diseases and many principles in disease dynamics and parasite-host crosstalk remain to be deciphered. Widespread tolerance against insecticides in the Anopheles vector population, the lack of an effective vaccine and observed resistance of the parasite against every approved antimalarial drug on the market instigates the need of innovative approaches and products to achieve sustained and large-scale malaria elimination. Molecular insights into Plasmodium infections can generate novel evidence-based strategies to develop curative and prophylactic drugs and create immunization strategies that elicit lasting protection. The Alliance Berlin-Canberra aspires to address fundamental problems in malaria through an international research training group (IRTG). The program covers four project areas, (A) Nutrient uptake and Metabolism, (B) Parasite Genetics and Adaptations, (C) Immune Responses, and (D) Host Genetics and Responses. Within these alliance researchers will have access to cultured Plasmodium falciparum parasites, the robust Plasmodium berghei murine malaria model, Plasmodium-infected Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, clinical samples from infected patients, and heterologous expression systems. Performing cutting-edge malaria research in a truly global partnership will be a pivotal experience and prepare all graduate students to solve complex problems and navigate international collaborations. This graduate program is exceptional since all research projects will be jointly performed at two prominent malaria research institutions in Berlin and Canberra. Enrolled students will spend one year at the partner institution, thereby benefitting from the synergy, expertise and technology at both sites. IRTG students will graduate with dual affiliation from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Australian National University. A customized training program will support the PhD students in acquiring critical skills to prepare them for increasingly globalized and competitive public and private job markets. Voluntary internships with non-academic partners and an innovative and continuous e-learning program will further promote an interconnected environment. Graduates will be independent, interdisciplinary, innovative researchers, who have substantially contributed to scientific knowledge and matured into sovereign intellectuals with profound analytical and problem-solving skills. The medical importance of malaria, research synergy, and international training program in two capital cities will act as a nucleus for future international collaboration and research networks.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Australia
• Applicant Institution: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• IRTG-Partner Institution: The Australian National University
• Participating Institution: Robert Koch-Institut (RKI)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Kai Matuschewski
• Participating Researchers: Dr. Benedikt Beckmann; Dr. Martin Blume; Dr. Nishith Gupta; Professor Emanuel Heitlinger, Ph.D.; Dr. Alyssa Ingmundson; Professorin Dr. Edda Klipp; Privatdozent Dr. Florian Kurth; Dr. Elena A. Levashina; Professor Dr. Frank Mockenhaupt; Professorin Dr. Simone Reber; Professor Dr. Leif Erik Sander; Professor Dr. Christian Schmitz-Linneweber; Professor Dr. Frank Seeber
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Gaetan Burgio; Professor Dr. Ian A. Cockburn; Dr. Giel van Dooren; Professor Dr. Simon Foote; Professor Dr. Kiaran Kirk; Professor Dr. Brendan McMorran; Dr. Melanie Rug; Professor Dr. Kevin Saliba
• IRTG-Partner: Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Alexander Maier