GRK 2566:  Interfacing image analysis and molecular life-science (Imol)

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine ; Computer Science ; Neurosciences
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 414985841

The ‘Interfacing image analysis and molecular life science’ (Imol) Research Training Group (RTG) is committed to educating PhD students in advanced microscopy methods and cutting-edge image analysis. Recent developments in light and electron microscopy have been instrumen- tal to understand biological processes at multiple spatio-temporal scales and resolutions. Edu-cational training programs on image analysis to support the understanding and interpretation of microscope-derived data are absolutely essential. Image sets are gigantic in size, extremely rich in content, heavily dependent on sample preparation and recording conditions, and challeng- ing in their analysis. Image data mining is currently in a systemic deadlock: computer scientists do not receive adequate training in the life sciences until late in their careers, while biologists lack data-processing expertise. Central to Imol RTG are hypothesis-driven life science applications that challenge textbook knowledge. We will emphasize on neuroscience and analyse the cell-cell junctions that affect the blood-brain barrier, the interplay of vascular with neuronal structures during organogenesis, the neurodegeneration processes, and the amyloid plaque formation. To enable these applications, we will create a novel research program that interfaces image analysis with life sciences and facilitates synergistic work of PhD students with degrees in physics, computer science or biology. We will optimize the design, construction and automated usage of cutting-edge microscopy tech- niques using interdisciplinary efforts. By working with cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), super-resolution and light sheet-based fluorescence microscopy, Raman microscopy and multi-photon microscopy, our efforts will span the complete range of scales and resolutions, from tissues to macromolecules. To interpret the resulting images, we will investigate and further develop state-of-the-art computational methods and implement them on dedicated processing units and super- computers for semi-autonomous image analyses and interpretations. The teaching curriculum of Imol RTG is essential for high-impact research. It will provide the specific interdisciplinary educational support and the generic skills that are necessary for a co- herent, effective and successful PhD project. We will start with a well-defined hiring procedure to ensure the recruitment of good candidates who will form a cohesive group. Imol RTG will focus on close supervision, structured scientific interaction and a finely tuned set of courses and work- shops. Our goal is to offer PhD students optimal training in microscopy as well as in computer science. This will provide them with a solid scientific foundation for broad career options in aca- demia and industry.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Participating Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Achilleas Frangakis
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Amparo Acker-Palmer; Professor Dr. Mike Heilemann; Professor Dr. Matthias Kaschube; Professorin Dr. Franziska Matthäus, until 8/2024; Professor Dr. Ernst H.K. Stelzer; Professorin Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko, until 2/2024; Dr.-Ing. Beata Turonova, since 4/2024; Dr. Florian Wilfling, since 3/2024; Professorin Dr. Maike Windbergs