Leopoldina News 3|2018

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Leopoldina news 3|2018

Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina – German National Academy of Sciences

Halle (Saale), 21 June 2018

‘Brain power’ for sustainability

EDITORIAL P 2 SYMPOSIUM P 4 SCIENCE COURSE P 12

The Leopoldina Scientific exchange Welcome at the celebrates its anniversary in Class II Stanford University Dialogue between Feeding the world: risks Robotics attract attention academia and society caused by climate change of German media 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 2

Dialogue between academia and society

We must recognise such seminal forms of collaboration between disciplines at an early stage in their development if we want to help the public and politicians to assess their consequences for the worlds of life and work. That is why there is a need for scientists who are truly late- ral thinkers – who recognise no boundaries between the disciplines in which they conduct their outstanding research. The future success of the Leopoldina will be Jörg Hacker, XXVI. President of the Leopoldina. Photo: Karsten Möbius bound up more than ever before with their dedicated work. Renewable energies – artificial intelligence to the fact that socially-relevant progress That is why I should like to ask you, – genome surgery: dig a little deeper, and in pure and applied research is increasin- our readers, to look beyond the well-trod- hiding behind catchphrases like these you gly the result of interactions between spe- den paths of dialogue between academia will find scientific discoveries and tech- cialist areas and fields of technology. One and society, and to join us in striking out nological innovations which have already example is to be found where digitalisati- in a new direction with a view to making started to rattle the foundations of our so- on meets the life sciences: we are able to early insights into the future lines along ciety. But if these developments are to help use genome surgery to alter the genetic in- which research and research applications shape our future, what objectives should formation of living creatures quickly and will develop in the future. This is the only they serve, and what methods should they efficiently. This is opening up completely way of ensuring that an academic hub employ? Before being able to discuss these new potential applications, including in such as the Leopoldina can successfully questions in an informed way and reach medicine, but an essential prerequisite is live up to its role in the highly integrated responsible conclusions, it is important the ability to make an automated analysis scientific community of the 21st century. to have a wide range of the latest research of complex volumes of data. Thus (bio) findings readily available at your finger- informatics has assumed a vital role in ad- tips. That is why we have every right to vancing our knowledge in the field of the expect science not only to make new dis- life sciences. coveries, but to pass on this knowledge in a way which we can understand, and to es- tablish reliable means by which the scien- Federal President tific world can enter into dialogue with the Frank-Walter Steinmeier public and politicians. on 10 Years National Academy Since being designated the National Academy of Sciences ten years ago, the „Reason and enlightenment are more im- Leopoldina has assumed a pivotal role in portant than ever in the search for answers the dialogue between academia and socie- to the great questions of the present and the ty. The Leopoldina tackles a wide range of future. We must turn to experts in the fields evidence-based issues which have serious of science and research for this. For over ten repercussions for society, and will con- years, the Leopoldina – the German Nati- tinue to do so – on a national and inter- onal Academy of Sciences – has been pro- national level and in close collaboration viding the political and social realms with with other academies and organisations. I expert advice on numerous issues that are would like to thank every scientist, whose of great importance for the future. I would dedicated voluntary work makes such ac- like to express my deepest gratitude to the tivities possible in the first place, as well Leopoldina members, as well as to all those as the partners and sponsors who promo- who have supported the Leopoldina in this te our dialogue with society. demanding work.“ Photo: In addition to expressing my gratitude, German Federal Government/Steffen Kugler ALL VOICES I have a request to make, which is related 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 3

Action to assist traumatised refugees Position paper by the Leopoldina and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences

Refugees arriving in Germany have often issues and drawing up recommendations tunities for psychotherapists in the dia- experienced enormous levels of violence for politicians and society on how to pro- gnosis and treatment of trauma-related before and during their flight, and may vide more effective help to those affected disorders. have lived through life-and-death situa- in this way. Basically, it is a question of Overall, the care system in Germa- tions or witnessed traumatising incidents. tackling the mental suffering of refugees ny is only partly ready for the treatment The circumstances in which they find at an earlier stage and with more appro- which needs to be provided. We therefo- themselves and the difficulties they en- priate strategies. A series of measures was re propose that the current care model be counter once they reach their destination outlined. complemented: professional psychothe- can also cause psychological stress. Taken In order to identify more clearly who rapy should continue to be offered only together, these experiences can be so dif- is actually in need of help and what treat- by licensed psychotherapists or psychiat- ficult to cope with that a large number of ment might be required in individual ca- rists. Additional low-threshold assistance refugees suffer ill-health, both physical ses, the authors are calling for Directive could, however, be provided by specially and mental. The many refugees suffering 2013/33 of the European Union to be im- trained individuals: so-called peer ad- from serious psychological stress require plemented in full in Germany. This direc- visors. urgent help. Otherwise, this could lead tive requires people with a particular need These would normally be people fami- to serious negative consequences: for the for protection to be identified and given liar with both the language and cultural sufferers and their children themselves, the appropriate care. background of the affected party, but also and for society as a whole. Some of the refugees in question with life in Germany. They could support, Refugees suffering from psychological will require professional trauma thera- guide and advise refugees suffering from stress are often unable to cope with every- py adapted to their specific needs. But psychological stress as their ‘health pi- day life, enter into trusting social relation- for many others, more rapidly available, lots’, as well as liaising and interpreting ships, or learn a new language. However, low-threshold and easily accessible assis- for them, and explaining the German way these activities are crucial if they are to tance might make a crucial difference. In of life. Following additional training as integrate into society, work productively, particular, this includes the provision of trauma advisors, certain elements of their and lead a fulfilling life. psychosocial support, direct integration treatment could be delegated to them, so In April the Leopoldina published a into social networks, and making targeted that they could also support the recovery position paper on traumatised refugees efforts to alter their behaviour. of traumatised refugees. and the urgent need for assistance, with There is also a need for the develop- (hst, sw, kh) a view to drawing attention to the above ment and expansion of training oppor-

Position paper considers artificial photosynthesis

If one generates energy from wind methane, methanol or ammonia. power or solar cells, it can prove The stored energy could then be technically challenging to store the released again as it was needed. excess power during strong winds In this way, even more complex or sustained sunshine. Artificial substances – such as fossil fuels photosynthesis might be one way like coal, crude oil or natural gas of solving this problem. – could be substituted as energy In the middle of May, the Le- carrier. opoldina, acatech (the German The Academies regard artifi- National Academy of Science and cial photosynthesis as a suitable Engineering) and the Union of way – but by no means the only German Academies of Sciences one – of making energy and raw and Humanities presented a po- material systems more climate- sition paper on this very subject friendly. Pure research should be in Berlin. A recommendation was better coordinated and combined made to consider artificial photo- with industrial research. Methods synthesis in energy turnaround of artificial photosynthesis could scenarios to a greater extent in the be developed to the level of ma- future. The process enables solar jor technical applications, which energy to be stored in energy-rich would promise clear advantages Natural photosynthesis serves as a role model to store energy in chemical bonds such as hydrogen, over other alternatives. (ak) chemical compounds. Photo: Anthony Rossbach on Unsplash 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 4

Feeding the world: the threat caused by climate change Leopoldina lecture and a Class II Life Science Symposium cover a broad spectrum of disciplines

On Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 May, the members of Class II met for their annual scientific symposium at the The new members of Class II Leopoldina in Halle (Saale). After certi- ficates had been presented to the 18 new members, Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun ML delivered the evening lecture.

The Leopoldina lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun ML (Centre for Development Research, Bonn) put it in a nutshell: climate change represents a threat to our ability to feed the world. Cli- mate change is already a reality today, and Professor von Braun illustrated with great clarity how we can tell that it is man-made. Since 1750, some 2,000 billion tonnes of fossil carbon have been released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxi- On Wednesday, 23 May, the new members of class II received their membership certifi- de. At the same time, the population of the cates. From left: Prof. Dr. Volker Haucke ML (Berlin), Prof. Dr. Dario Leister ML (Munich), earth has grown in leaps and bounds, and Leopoldina Secretary-General Prof. Dr. Jutta Schnitzer-Ungefug (Halle), Prof. Dr. Bernd will probably number nine billion people Fleischmann ML (Bonn), Prof. Dr. Dirk H. Busch ML (Munich), Prof. Dr. Katayoon Dehesh by 2050. To feed them all, we would pro- ML (Riverside, USA), Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer (Göttingen), Prof. Dr. Dorothee Kern ML bably have to increase food production so (Waltham, USA), Prof. Dr. Helga Rübsamen-Schaeff ML (Wuppertal), Prof. Dr. Jens Brüning that it covered the needs of twelve billion ML (Cologne), Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun ML (Bonn), Prof. Dr. Bill S. Hansson ML (Jena), people – at least if today’s consumer beha- Prof. Dr. Erin Schuman ML (Frankfurt am Main), Prof. Dr. Julian Schroeder ML (La Jolla, viour, the present inequitable distribution USA), Leopoldina-Präsident Prof. Dr. Jörg Hacker ML (Halle), Baron Prof. Dr. Peter Piot ML of foodstuffs in the world, and current le- (London, UK), Prof. Dr. Michael Sattler ML (Munich). Photo: Markus Scholz vels of food waste remain unchanged. Extreme weather events are already becoming more common contribution to climate change through ding and cultivation strategies could sta- greenhouse gas emissions and its enor- bilise agricultural production. At the same Professor von Braun went on to say mous consumption of water. On the other time, it is important to improve the car- that we should bear in mind that extre- hand, agriculture is affected more than bon content of the soil by adopting more me weather events are already becoming most other sectors by the repercussions of sustainable methods of cultivation. more common and will continue to do so, climate change. He summed up by stating that there and that the situation will become par- So what can be done to ensure that the was no denying that it would only be pos- ticularly critical, including – and espe- world has enough to eat in the future? An sible to avert the most serious consequen- cially – for agriculture. Extreme periods answer must be found to this question, ac- ces of climate change and still be feeding of drought will be more frequent, as will cording to Professor von Braun, irrespec- the world in a hundred years’ time if the extreme flooding. Some of this will be tive of whether or not people believe what international community works together caused by heavy local downpours, such as scientists have to say about the causes of on practicable political solutions, rather we are experiencing even here and now. climate change. There is no alternative but than individual nations attempting to deal Insurance companies are already recor- to change the way we farm. with the problem on their own. ding losses in the billions of dollars per New plant breeding and On the following day a total of 14 new annum around the world. And this doesn’t cultivation strategies members of the Leopoldina from Ger- even take into account the uninsured los- many, Great Britain and the USA – all ses suffered in the poorer countries which One important objective is to regulate high-ranking specialists in the life sci- are often also the worst affected. In other water consumption so that yields remain ences – talked of their latest research words, the actual economic impact is pro- stable even in regions which are becoming findings. The wide spectrum covered by bably considerably higher. increasingly arid. Current forecasts show their work was evident from their pre- The agronomist from Bonn explained that the Mediterranean area and the Ama- sentations on structural biology, infection that food production plays a dual role in zon region will suffer from more frequent research, cancer treatment, stem cell re- connection with climate change. On the droughts in the future. Professor von search, photosynthesis and cell transport one hand, agriculture itself makes a major Braun also showed that new plant bree- routes. (hst) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 5

More rigorous licensing procedures for pesticides A group of Leopoldina experts discusses on environmentally-friendly plant protection

Synthetic pesticides are harmful to ecosystems and biological diversity. The risks associated with their use have been systematically underappreciated in the past. This was explained by a group of experts led by environmental chemist Prof. Dr. Andreas Schäffer (Aachen) in a discussion paper published by the Leopoldina in May: ‘The Silent Spring – On the need for sustainable plant protection’. The scientists are calling for more rigorous licensing procedures for pesticides so that their impact on the environment can be mana- ged more effectively. Insufficient attention is paid to many of the ecological effects of pesticides in current licensing procedures. In particu- Synthetic plant protection ensures high yields, for instance of maize. Yet the licensing procedures for lar, their harmful impact when used in pesticides upon which we have relied in the past have outlived their usefulness. practice is barely touched upon. This con- hoto: Samuel Zeller on Unsplash sideration is also reflected in the ban on three neonicotinoids which was ratified on ecosystems – after they have first been vironmental situation when making risk by the European Court of Justice and was licensed for use in a restricted area and for assessments. also imposed in May. a limited period of time. Finally, future investigations should Thus pesticides are constantly having Moreover, it is often common practi- examine how non-target organisms are to be banned years after they were li- ce in agriculture to apply more than one affected by these agents. Taking the weed censed for use, because their presence can pesticide at the same time, yet insufficient killer glyphosate and the group of neoni- often be detected in the soil and water- research has been conducted into how a cotinoid pesticides as examples, the group ways for much longer than was assumed combination of different agents affects the of experts was able to demonstrate the at the time of licensing. The eleven experts environment. The authors recommend shortcomings of current licensing proce- are therefore proposing a measuring sys- that licensing procedures for pesticides dures and the changes which need to be tem which could be used to observe and be adapted so as to take greater account introduced. verify the long-term effects of pesticides of agricultural practice and the actual en- (ca, hst)

Evaluating reforms in the financial markets – lessons from research

Why and how is it possible to verify the ces and family-related benefits, such as efficacy of regulations systematically in the parental allowance, are all subjected some fields of policy, while in others this to academic evaluation. Regulation of the is (still) not the norm? This question was banks, however, lacks such scrutiny, de- tackled by the Deutsche Bundesbank and spite being urgently demanded after the the Leopoldina in late May at the work- financial crisis. The G20 states agreed on shop in Halle (Saale) on evaluating re- an evaluation framework at a political le- forms in the financial markets by learning vel. The participants discussed what we lessons from other policy areas and disci- could learn from our experience in the plines. aforementioned areas. It was the first time either instituti- One of the conclusions drawn by the on had collaborated with the other. The workshop was that evaluation should be workshop was the brainchild of Prof. Dr. an integral part of any design of political Claudia M. Buch and Prof. Dr. Regina T. regulations from Day One. Embedding Riphahn ML, Vice Presidents of the Bun- long-term independent and verifiable im- desbank and the Leopoldina respectively. pact studies in such regulations, perhaps A large number of Academy members joi- Claudia Buch, Vice President of the Deutsche Bun- by law, would be a helpful means by which ned in as speakers and discussants. desbank, summed up the outcome of the workshop one could identify the effects of policies. Labour market policies, health servi- with the Leopoldina. Photo: Deutsche Bundesbank (kp) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 6

“It came as a complete surprise” Volker ter Meulen recalls the days when the Leopoldina was designated the National Academy

Anyone listening to the radio as a vote of confidence by the on 16 November 2007 would National Academies of the EU have been among the first to member states. hear the news: the Leopol- dina was to be the National How do you see the position of Academy of Sciences. The the Leopoldina today? then President of the Deut- It has developed exponentially sche Akademie der Naturfor- over the last ten years. The scher Leopoldina, Prof. Dr. Leopoldina is now an active Volker ter Meulen ML, found working academy and socie- out during a visit to the ty of scholars of national and Indian state of Rajasthan. “It international standing. It is came as a complete surprise represented on numerous in- – and of course I was absolu- ternational academic boards tely delighted”, as he recalls and is heavily involved in the ten years later. preparation of scientific docu- ments for German and global This announcement by Fede- policy committees. Its collabo- ral Research Minister Annette rative ventures with the Union Schavan took everyone aback of German Academies and aca- in 2007. It had been expected tech have proved successful, that a new national academy and a number of joint position would be established instead. papers have already been pub- Indeed, the German Council of lished. Science and Humanities had Volker ter Meulen, President of the Leopoldina, is handed the certificate on pleaded for this in 2004. It be- 14 July 2008 by Federal Research Minister Annette Schavan; the Deutsche How has that expressed itself lieved that none of the existing Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina is now the National Academy of in the public domain? academies was structurally ca- Sciences. Photo: Jens Schlüter One example I could mention pable of assuming the respon- is our position paper on pre- sibilities of a national academy. position papers together on some of the implantation diagnosis in 2011. We have topics to be raised at the summit. It be- it on the word of leading politicians that So wasn’t the need for a national acade- came clear as a result that the Leopoldina it was cited in parliamentary discussions. my questioned in the first place? was well able to handle this sort of policy Another important example: after the re- Quite the contrary: the importance of consultation. actor disaster at Fukushima in the spring such an institution was raised repeatedly of 2011, politicians asked us for a position – including in political circles. The former What sort of resistance had to be over- paper on the energy turnaround. And we Chancellor Helmut Schmidt first suppor- come? And who – or what – helped you actually succeeded in submitting a state- ted the idea not long after reunification, in this? ment in only six weeks. After that, there and Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl spo- Our main support came from Minister were many additional papers; two recently ke out in favour of it in 1994 in a govern- Schavan. She was a skilful proponent of appeared on the topics of plant protection ment statement. Scientific organisations the cause. Some of the federal states ini- and traumatised refugees. also wanted a national academy to repre- tially rejected the idea of appointing the sent the interests of German science effec- Leopoldina. Yet only three months later, What still has to be done? tively on international committees. in February 2008, the decision was rati- We need to raise our international pro- fied unanimously in the Federal and Sta- file even more in a few areas. There are The agonising debate culminated in the te Commission. Federal President Horst outstanding collaborative ventures on a Minister’s surprise announcement. But Köhler was also a forceful supporter of the bilateral level with other academies and why was the decision made in favour of Leopoldina. The decision-makers were academy networks. Our truly excellent the Leopoldina? influenced by a historic alignment of the publications would find a wider audience Perhaps the 2007 G8 summit in Heili- stars. It also helped our cause that at the if we produced them in English and dis- gendamm was partly responsible. In the time, about 30 percent of our members tributed them actively in Europe and bey- run-up to it, the Leopoldina had invited came from non-German-speaking coun- ond. the Presidents of the Academies of the G8 tries. In 2010, the European Academies’ nations and five other states to Halle, so Science Advisory Council (EASAC) re- VOLKER TER MEULEN INTERVIEWED that they could formulate science-based located to Halle, which can be regarded BY LILO BERG 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 7

The Independent Group of Scientists of the United Nations met with experts at the Leopoldina Symposium in Berlin. Georg Schütte, Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and Jörg Hacker, the President of the Leopoldina, also had an opportunity to exchange views. Fotos: D. Ausserhofer ‘Brain power’ as a key factor in sustainability Leopoldina Symposium prepares UN development report

On 13 June 2018, the Leopoldina The event kicked off with a discussion then illustrated by scientists from diffe- organised the international sympo- about what was meant by ‘brain power’ rent faculties in relation to the subjects of sium, ‘Brain Power for Sustainable by Prof. Dr. Wolfang Lutz ML, a Sena- health, the reduction of poverty, economic Development’ in Berlin. At its heart lay tor of the Leopoldina and member of the development, education, climate change the question of how Agenda 2030 and UN group of experts, the ‘Independent and the environment. the sustainability goals of the United Group of Scientists’ (IGS), Leopoldina The focus then shifted to the connec- Nations could be implemented in a tar- board member Prof. Dr. Frank Rösler tivity of the brain power concept to the geted and coordinated way. ML, Prof. Dr. Sabina Pauen, and Prof. Dr. global discourse on sustainability: inspi- Ralph Hertwig ML. The experts agreed red by the keynote address of Dr. Georg With the symposium, the Leopoldina that cognitive skills, such as those of ab- Schütte, Secretary of State at the Fede- was addressing both the public and the in- straction, planning and problem-solving, ral Ministry of Education and Research ternational group of experts appointed by could be developed through interaction (BMBF), the members of the IGS – Prof. the General Secretary of the UN, who are with genetic disposition, brain develop- Dr. Eeva Furman (Finland), Prof. Dr. Eun currently preparing the ‘Global Sustaina- ment and social experience, and tweaked Mee Kim (Korea) and Dr. David Smith ble Development Report 2019’, one of the and improved in a targeted way. This was (Jamaica) – held a discussion with the ‘flagship’ reports of the United Nations. particularly feasible in early childhood, two scientific coordinators of the sym- “Many of the decisions we make every but would also be possible at later stages posium, Prof. Dr. Wolfang Lutz ML and day are unsustainable”, as the President of life. Prof. Dr. Frank Rösler ML. It became of the Leopoldina, Prof. Dr. Jörg Hacker The close connection between brain clear that brain power is a fundamental ML, summed up the current situation. At power and sustainable development was enabler of sustainable development, and the same time, he underlined the scienti- could be one of the key factors in a coor- fic approach adopted by the symposium: UN DEVELOPMENT GOALS dinated implementation of Agenda 2030. “If we wish to achieve global sustainable In the morning, Prof. Dr. Peter Messerli, development which takes equal account Agenda 2030 was adopted by all 193 co-Chair of the IGS, had already explained of ecological, economic and social factors, member states of the United Nations in the additional steps to be taken before the then we must understand more clearly the September 2015. At the heart of the glo- UN development report could be submit- foundations upon which we base our ac- bal development agenda lie 17 targets for ted to the Heads of State and Government tions, and find concrete ways of enhancing sustainable development (Sustainable De- of all of the UN member states next year. the cognitive skills we require for a suc- velopment Goals, or SDGs), which take ac- Some 120 representatives from the cessful transformation of sustainability.” count of the three dimensions of sustaina- fields of science, society and politics at- That science can also make an important bility – the environment, the economy and tended the symposium. As the National contribution to this was also stressed by social affairs – and for the first time claim Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina pro- Dr. Christophe Eick, Federal Foreign Of- global validity for all states. motes dialogue on central issues of susta- fice Coordinator for Sustainable Develop- SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT inability, including within the context of ment. Agenda 2030. (rn, chw) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 8

G7 Academies focus on global issues Two position papers on the digital future and the Arctic habitat for the G7 summit in Canada

The G7 Academies introduced two issues for consideration by the Heads of State at the Canadian summit: the transformation of the Arctic as a result of climate change, and the consequences of digitalisation.

Photos: Martin Brechtl und P Fabian Grohs on Unsplash

The National Academies of Sciences of addressing these issues through change. important role in drafting the statements Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Considerable importance was also at- under the guidance of the Royal Society Japan, Canada and the USA prepared tached to international research coopera- of Canada. In mid-March, there was a science-based recommendations for this tion in both areas. final coordination of recommendations year’s G7 summit in La Malbaie, Cana- Experts from the Leopoldina played an at a meeting of the G7 Academies in Ot- da, on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 June. tawa, Canada. The position papers were These position papers considered the re- G20 POLICY ADVICE IN 2018 presented to the public and politicians at percussions of global climate change on two Science Summits, and discussed in the Arctic as a habitat and natural en- Under the leadership of the Argentinian detail: on 26 April a conference on digita- vironment, and the consequences of Academy of Sciences, the National Aca- lisation was held in Ottawa, and on Wed- digitalisation for industry and the world demies of the G20 states are currently nesday 23 and Thursday 24 May an event of work. drawing up recommendations to improve was held in Montreal on Arctic-related The reports were prepared against global food security and for a more susta- issues. a background in which the entire Arctic inable treatment of our soil. The position Advising the Heads of State and region is being fundamentally transfor- paper is to be submitted to Argentina’s Government of the G7 states is a key stra- med as a result of climate change. This G20 Presidency at the Science20 summit tegic element of the Leopoldina’s interna- has repercussions for terrestrial and ma- on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 July in tional policy consultation work. Together rine ecosystems, and impacts upon the Rosario, Argentina. The Science20 process with the other G7 Academies, it identified people who live in and depend upon this of dialogue was established in 2017 by scientifically relevant themes to be incor- environment. Meanwhile, digital techno- the German government so that scientists porated in the agenda of the G7 summit logies are responsible for fundamental could be more closely involved in the G20 and at the same time widen its political changes in the economy, education and deliberations. The process was coordinated focus. (mkk) communication. Both statements by the by the Leopoldina. G7 Academies proposed guidelines for G7 STATEMENTS

German-African discourse on infectious diseases

Increasing global mobility has facilitated Young researchers from Germany and Riems) and Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage ML the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Africa held a wide-ranging discussion on (Jena) led the panel discussion entitled, This means that there is an urgent need the latest studies on HIV, tuberculosis, ‘One Health’, and delivered keynote for a cross-border dialogue on their cau- malaria and hepatitis C, and on the de- lectures. ses and treatment. To this end, the Leo- velopment of vaccines. They also talked Prior to the event, the African part- poldina, the Academy of Science of South about the existing possibilities of contai- ners also organised a science policy work- Africa, and the Uganda National Acade- ning future outbreaks of infectious disea- shop to introduce the junior researchers my of Sciences organised a symposium ses on the African continent. present to political consultation in the in Durban, South Africa, in the middle of Prof. Dr. Stefan H. E. Kaufmann ML context of infectious diseases. The next April on ‘Surveillance and Response to In- (Berlin) coordinated the symposium in the series of symposia, which was fectious Diseases and Comorbidities: An on behalf of the Leopoldina. Prof. Dr. launched in 2016, will be held in Uganda African and German Perspective’. Thomas Mettenleiter ML (Greifswald- in 2020. (jn) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 9

Political rapprochement in South East Europe Convergence, cohesion and cooperation in the Western Balkans are multi-layered processes

Smart Growth’ will contain recommendations pooled under the of the Euro- pean Commission’s ‘Smart Specialisation Strategy’. When discussing the topic of ‘Con- vergence and Cohesion’, it was pointed out that convergence is not exclusively an economic process, but also has social, in- stitutional and scientific aspects. ‘Round tables’, led in each case by a Chief Scienti- fic Advisor from the government and a re- presentative for educational and scientific convergence, should assume national res- ponsibility for this. In order to help South East Europe catch up with the EU, special cohesian instruments will still be needed. In terms of ‘Cooperation and Concili- ation’, it was agreed that dealing with the The some 80 participants at the 4th Joint Science Conference of the Western Balkans Process met at the past is a lengthy process. Education, sci- Accademia Nazionale die Lincei in Rome. Photo: Vittorio Tulli | Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche ence and the involvement of the younger generation play a decisive role in this. Pos- ‘The path is the goal: convergence, cohesi- jointly by the Leopoldina, the Accademia sible work strands were sketched out to on and cooperation in South East Europe’ Nazionale dei Lincei, and the Italian Na- help make a start towards rapprochement – this was the motto of the 4th Joint Sci- tional Research Council. In 2018, the UK and reconciliation. ence Conference of the Berlin Process held holds the presidency of the Berlin Process. The results of the conference in Rome from Wednesday 30 May to Friday 1 June Poland has now also joined the Process. informed preparations for the West in Rome, Italy. The conference brought The conference focused on three main Balkans Summit of Heads of State and together around 80 top representatives of topics: the subject of ‘smart growth’ was Government which is to be held on Tues- National Academies, Rectors’ Conferen- discussed as a strategic goal for the fu- day 10 July. The next conference will be ces, research organisations, transfer and ture. ‘Smart growth’ stands for economic organised in conjunction with the Royal innovation facilities and distinguished sci- growth and societal prosperity based in Society in London, UK, in 2019. (lbb) entists from the 14 participating countries particular on education, research and in- of the Berlin Process. It was organised novation. A ‘West Balkans Action Plan for WESTERN BALKANS PROCESS

Israel Academy and Leopoldina meet to discuss neurosciences

The latest research findings on the func- chers; more than twenty young German tioning of nerve cells, synapses and their and Israeli scientists presented posters. interactions in neuron clusters were dis- The conference also focused on encoura- cussed at the 6th Inter-Academy Sympo- ging German-Israeli research cooperati- sium of the Leopoldina and the Israel Aca- on. demy of Sciences and Humanities. The The scientific coordinators of the sym- two institutions launched a series of con- posium from the Leopoldina were Prof. ferences on the neurosciences together in Dr. Peter Riederer ML, Prof. Dr. Helmut 2008, which have since been held at regu- Kettenmann ML, Prof. Dr. Ad Aertsen lar intervals in Israel and Germany. ML, Prof. Dr. Arthur Konnerth ML, Prof. The 6th symposium in early May was Dr. Peter Hegemann ML and Prof. Dr. entitled, ‘From Synapses to Circuits in Dietmar Schmitz. Grants were awarded Health and Disease’, and met with an en- by the German Neuroscience Society to thusiastic response from scientific circles enable young German scientists to attend. in Berlin, attracting an audience of more Participants from Israel and German came The 7th Inter-Academy Symposium will than 120. Distinguished experts engaged together for a group photo. be held in Israel in 2020. in in-depth discussions with junior resear- Photo: David Ausserhofer (jn) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 10

Global agriculture in the sights General Meeting of of European academies the Global Young Academy InterAcademy Partnership presents its report in Brussels The 8th International Conference and An- The European Nati- nual General Meeting of the Global Young onal Academies of Sci- Academy took place from 7 to 11 May in ences presented their Pattaya, Thailand, bringing together 114 report on ‘Food and GYA members and alumni. The Annual Nutrition Security and General Meeting (AGM) officially opened Agriculture’ (FNSA) in on 8 May with a welcome by Leopoldina Brussels towards the Secretary General Prof Dr Jutta Schnitzer- end of April. The event Ungefug. was led by Prof. Dr. Following the opening, 45 young Volker ter Meulen ML scholars and scientists (23 female and 22 (Würzburg), the former male) were officially inaugurated, pushing President of the Leo- the GYA’s gender balance to 57% male and poldina and President 43% female. The conference addressed of the InterAcademy the topic ‘Forever Young? Sustainable and Partnership (IAP: a Joachim von Braun, Director of the Centre for Development Research in Healthy Longevity through Science and global network of Aca- Bonn, explains the IAP report on food security. Photo: EASAC Technology’, with a key-note address by demies of Sciences), to- Prof Harald zur Hausen (Heidelberg, Ger- gether with Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun tion and Research (BMBF), which the IAP many) and diverse panels on the indivi- ML (Bonn). After explaining the report, has been conducting and the Leopoldina dual, social and environmental aspects of John Bell (representing the Directorate coordinating since 2015. The aim is to de- sustainability and health. General for Research and Innovation of velop recommendations on food security Throughout the conference, members the European Commission), highlighted and sustainable agriculture for national contributed to the drafting of a confe- areas of intersection with other EU initi- governments around the world, as well as rence statement, which will be published atives. Members of the European Parlia- for the EC, the African Union Commissi- in June 2018. At the AGM, the GYA also ment and representatives of the Regional on, and global stakeholders such as the elected new leadership: 11 new and re- Office for Europe and Central Asia of the WHO and the FAO. Over the past three turning members to the Executive Com- FAO (the Food and Agricultural Organi- years, the regional academy networks of mittee for 2018/19, including Co-Chairs sation of the United Nations) later joined Europe, Africa, America and the Asia- Tolu Oni (UK) and Connie Nshemereirwe other experts for a panel discussion. Pacific Region have also been submitting (Uganda). (jp) The report and its presentation to the position papers in relation to this. (csd) EU are embedded in the FNSA project funded by the Federal Ministry of Educa- REPORT FOOD SECURITY GYA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Some five hundred postdoctoral students received Leopoldina grants

A meeting of former holders of Leopoldi- terests in detail, and provided an insight talked about the quantum criticality and na scholarships took place for the eleventh into topics which are currently occupying competing orders in correlated electron time in late March. They presented the scientists – and not just in Germany. For systems. Vice President of the Leopoldina results they had achieved while benefiting instance, Dr. Clemens Ullmann (Exeter, Prof. Dr. Gunnar Berg ML chaired the in- from this support. The financial assistance UK) explained how marine calcite shells terdisciplinary discussion followed. they were given helped the postdoctoral can help reconstruct the palaeo-environ- Nearly five hundred young researchers researchers to pursue their own projects ment. Dr. Stefanie Hautmann (Zurich, have received funding since 2009. This at the most distinguished research centres Switzerland) talked about the causes and has been made possible by grants from for their particular discipline in another processes of volcanic eruptions, whilst the Federal Ministry of Education and country. After spending two or three years Prof. Dr. Nadja Freund (Bochum, Germa- Research and the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry abroad, many have now returned to Ger- ny) described her research onto an animal for Economic Affairs, Science and Digita- many where they have formed their own model for bipolar disorder. Prof. Dr. Sa- lisation. And the research they have been working groups or joined new research bine Becker (Kaiserslautern, Germany) conducting is clearly paying off: on a long- projects. discussed fluorescence sensors for zinc term average, one fifth of the scholarship When they met in Halle, six scien- identification in biological media, and Dr. holders are being appointed to senior aca- tists presented their current research in- Andreas Eberlein (Ingolstadt, Germany) demic positions. (ac) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 11

Antje Boetius wins Communicator Prize Marine researcher from Bremen awarded for communicating her deep-sea research results

The marine researcher and microbiolo- as harmful as carbon dioxide – is released gist Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius ML, who was into the atmosphere. appointed Director of the Alfred Wegener The jury emphasised Boetius' self-per- Institute in Bremerhaven in 2017, has ception as a scientist for whom the disse- been awarded the Communicator Prize of mination of research work and discoveries the German Research Foundation and the and her commitment to the dialogue bet- Donors’ Association for the Promotion of ween science, politics and society, are all German Science and Humanities. The ho- of a piece. Her work as a communicator nour is in recognition of her dedication to has three main focal points: The ‘Deep-sea passing on discoveries she has made in the adventure’ about which she wrote a non- fields of deep-sea and polar research and fiction book in 2011, the subject of ‘Man to answering questions about the acade- and the ocean – the opportunities and mic system and scientific communication. risks of global change’, on which she has She is to be presented with the prize in delivered numerous lectures, and science Bonn on Monday, 2 July. as a career option for women. Antje Boetius was able to demonstra- Antje Boetius was appointed Profes- te the existence of microbial colonies of sor of Geomicrobiology in 2009. From sulphate-reducing bacteria and of metha- 2014 she chaired the steering committee notrophic archaea on the ocean floor. The- of ‘Wissenschaft im Dialog’ (WiD). She was se micro-organisms consume the methane engaged as the scientific advisor for the sci- which exists in enormous quantities in the entific film festival ‘Silbersalz’ (Silver Salt), Deep-sea and polar researcher Antje Boetius was oxygen-free environment of the seabed, which is being held in Halle in June this presented with the 2018 Communicator Prize of and thereby ensure that only some of this year. The Leopoldina elected Antje Boetius the Donors’ Association. greenhouse gas – which can be 25 times to its Earth Sciences Section in 2009. (ak) Photo: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Martin Schiller

Benno Parthier and Volker ter Meulen awarded Orders of Merit Former Presidents of the Leopoldina honoured for their commitment to science in Saxony-Anhalt

The former Presidents of the designated the National Aca- Leopoldina, Prof. Dr. Benno demy of Sciences in 2008, in Parthier ML and Prof. Dr. consequence of which, Saxo- Volker ter Meulen ML, were ny-Anhalt’s reputation as a presented with the Order of centre of scientific excellence Merit of the State of Saxony- was also enhanced. The viro- Anhalt by Prime Minister Dr. logist and medical researcher Reiner Haseloff on a Friday Volker ter Meulen joined the in early May. This was the Leopoldina as a member in state’s way of recognising 1984, and was its President their outstanding service to from 2003 to 2010. He con- Saxony-Anhalt as a centre of tinues to serve in an advisory scientific excellence. capacity on the Board of the Benno Parthier made a National Academy and is an particular contribution to active proponent of coope- science in Saxony-Anhalt The two former Presidents of the Leopoldina, Benno Parthier and Volker ter Meulen ration between international during his time as President (l to r), were awarded the Order of Merit of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. Academies of Sciences. The of the Leopoldina by prepa- Photo: State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt/Ines Berger Order of Merit of the State of ring the academic society to Saxony-Anhalt is the highest cope with the completely new challenges Volker ter Meulen, Parthier’s successor honour awarded to individuals to whom facing it as part of the pan-German scien- in the office of President, strengthened the state owes an outstanding debt of gra- tific system. The molecular biologist was a the Leopoldina’s international links with titude. The number of living recipients is member of the Leopoldina from 1974, and other institutions. As a result, he was part- limited to 300; it has been awarded 28 served as its President from 1990 to 2003. ly responsible for the Leopoldina being times thus far. (ak) 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 12

German editors welcomed at Stanford University ‘Dives into Science’ journalism course has been delving into the world of research for five years

The fifth journalism course on ‘Data. The raw material of the future?’ ended with a seminar in Palo Alto, USA, in March. With Prof. Dr. Thomas Südhof ML, a Nobel Prize Laureate in Medici- ne, at their side, Prof. Dr. Bernd Girod ML and Prof. Dr. Alexander Waibel ML were able to field questions from the 15 copy editors at Stanford University. There were also visits to the Stanford Robotics Lab and the Stanford Linear Accele- rator Center. Board member Prof. Dr. Thomas Lengauer ML made a major contribution to the success of the occasion as an expert and advisor. The issues under discussion ranged from artificial intelligence to virtual and augmented reality, multimodal and multilingual communication, and visualisation in astrophysics. The programme, which included visits to start-ups and new entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, was rounded off with a discussion session with postdoctoral researchers, who are pursuing projects in San Francisco, Pasadena and San Diego with grants from the Leopoldina. The ‘Dives into Science’, which have been organised jointly by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Leopoldina since 2012, concluded with a busy few days in Silicon Valley. The project has seen a total of 75 journalists from trans-regional media receive training in subjects which are equally relevant from a scientific or a social view- Fifteen journalists found out more about artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms at the point. (dw) Stanford University. Photo: Ross Marlowe 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 13

World-class standing researcher, teacher, and clinician Leopoldina mourns the loss of longstanding Vice President, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Otto Braun-Falco

BY PROF. DR. ENNO CHRISTOPHERS ML* the areas of immunohistology, biochemi- As a teacher, Otto Braun-Falco passed cal analysis, the immunopathology of the on his enthusiasm to young doctors; he On Monday, 9 skin, and early detection of HIV-related was full of ideas, inspiring, receptive to April 2018, Prof. problems. His textbook on dermatology new approaches, and able to create a Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. and venereology is regarded as a standard good-humoured environment. The every- Otto Braun- work of reference. He lived through a pe- day routine of the clinic benefited from his Falco ML, Vice riod extending from the revolutionary re- genuine Rhenish conviviality. President for orientation of classical dermatology to the He was proud of the many honours Foreign Affairs scientific medicine of today. bestowed upon him, including the Gold of the Leopoldi- After graduating in medicine from the Cothenius Medal of the Deutsche Aka- na from 1989 to University of Mainz in 1948, he submitted demie der Naturforscher Leopoldina in 1995 and Spo- his postdoctoral thesis in 1954. In 1960, he 1997, the Great Federal Cross of Merit, the kesperson of Prof. em. Dr. Otto Braun- was appointed an adjunct professor, and Bavarian Order of Merit, the Bavarian Or- the Dermatolo- Falco. in the following year was offered the Chair der of Maximilian for Science and Art, and gy Section from Photo: Leopoldina Archive in Dermatology and Venereology at the the Imperial Japanese Order of the ‘Rising 1982 to 1990, University of Marburg. In 1967 his crea- Sun with Golden Rays’. From 1999, he ser- died at the age of 93. During his lifetime, tive energy resulted in him being called ved as the Chair of a sponsorship society, he was a role model, critical observer and to take up a post at the Ludwig Maximi- the Adolf-Butenandt-Förderkreis. inspiring colleague in the world of der- lians University in Munich. He remained matology, and one of its most prominent the Director of Munich Skin Clinic from * Enno Christophers has been a member of the Deut- figureheads. Enno Braun-Falco led the 1966 until his retirement in 1991. He was sche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina– now way in terms of putting new methods into rewarded for his scientific achievements the National Academy of Sciences – since 1985, and practice, initially in his research into the by being offered chairs in Cologne, Vienna was the Director of Kiel University Dermatology Cli- ultrastructure of the skin, as well as in and Zurich, all of which he declined. nic until 2004

Dedicated campaigner for academic freedom Leopoldina mourns the loss of longstanding Vice President Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Gottfried Geiler

BY PROF. DR. PHILIPP U. HEITZ ML* Politically-motivated restrictions not- advocating for greater academic freedom, withstanding, he built up his own group of and built up new research structures in the On Saturday dedicated staff with whom he discovered post-1989/90 period with a remarkable de- 28 April 2018, the underlying mechanisms of the patho- gree of energy. In recognition of all he had Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. genesis of rheumatoid arthritis through the done for the Leopoldina, the latter paid tri- mult. Gottfried use of modern immunopathological me- bute to him in 2002 with its highest award: Geiler ML, the thods. He was a professional mentor to his honorary membership. Thanks to his great longstanding undergraduates, colleagues and doctoral emotional intelligence, Gottfried Geiler Vice President students, and something of a father figure. was admired as a constructive, far-sighted for Medicine of He also gained international recognition mentor in every echelon of his work. the Leopoldina, on account of his many scientific works and Professor Geiler found his early elec- died at the age frequent appearances as a lecturer. tion to the Leopoldina – a centre of intel- of 90. Gottfried Prof. em. Dr. Gottfried He was elected to the Leopoldina as lectual freedom, interdisciplinarity and Geiler’s acade- Geiler. Photo: Sebastian early as in 1969, appointed to the Board in open scientific communication across po- mic career was Willnow / Universität Leipzig 1976 as its Medical Secretary, and re-elec- litical and geographical boundaries – truly almost entirely ted on two occasions; in 1989, he was then enriching. It opened up broad internatio- associated with Leipzig. It was at the city’s elected Vice President for Medicine. He nal horizons to him, even before 1989. university that he trained as a doctor and held the office until 1999, during what was pathologist, was awarded his doctorate in a momentous period both for him and for * Philipp U. Heitz has been a member of the Deutsche 1952, and submitted his postdoctoral the- the Academy. Thus as Dean of the Medical Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina – now the sis in 1961. In the same year, he was ap- Faculty, he dedicated himself to structu- National Academy of Sciences – since 1989, and was pointed to a lectureship position. Twenty- ral renewal and personnel reform at the until 2004 the Spokesperson for Pathology and Head one years were to pass before he was University of Leipzig from 1990 to 1995. of the Pathology Department of the University of Zu- appointed an associate professor in 1982. He devoted the force of his personality to rich, Switzerland. 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA NEWS 14

People

The cultural and literary scientist Alei- flowering mechanisms adapt to changing fic applications in terms of the analysis da Assmann ML and her husband, the climatic conditions. She has shown that, and modelling of complex systems in the Egyptologist Jan Assmann, have been se- depending on how cold it is, a conserved biosciences, cognitive and social sciences. lected as the joint recipients of the Peace chromatin switching mechanism controls Jürgen Jost has been a member of the Le- Prize of the German Book Trade. Tribute the expression of a gene which suppresses opoldina since 2002. was paid to the couple for the concept of flowering. She has been a member of the ‘cultural memory’ which is reflected in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Sec- Erika Fischer-Lichte ML, theatre works of both authors. Aleida Assmann, tion of the Leopoldina since 2008. scholar at the Free University (FU) in Ber- who has been a member of the Leopoldina lin, has been elected an honorary mem- since 2003, conducts most of her research Computer scientist Markus Gross ML ber of the American Academy of Arts and on the subjects of historical amnesia and was the recipient of the 2018 Distin- Sciences. In addition to her activities as a the culture of remembrance. The Peace guished Career Award of the European senior professor at the Institute of Theat- Prize of the German Book Trade is awar- Association for Computer Graphics (Eu- re Studies at the FU, Erika Fischer-Lichte ded annually during the Frankfurt Book rographics). The body awards the prize has been the Director of the ‘Interwea- Fair. twice yearly to scientists who have made vings of Theatre Cultures’ International outstanding technical contributions to the Käte Hamburger Centre since 2008. Her Ulla Bonas ML, Professor of Plant Ge- field of computer graphics. The professor work, ‘The Aesthetics of the Performati- netics at Martin Luther University, Hal- at the Swiss Federal Institute of Techno- ve’ is regarded as a milestone in theatre le-Wittenberg, and Vice President of the logy in Zurich established the Computer studies. Erika Fischer-Lichte has been a Leopoldina, has been appointed the new Graphics Laboratory (CGL) at the Depart- member of the Leopoldina since 2011 in Scientific Director of the Alfried Krupp ment of Computer Science and has been a the Cultural Sciences Section. Wissenschaftskolleg in Greifswald. She Director of Disney Research Zurich (DRZ) follows in the footsteps of Bärbel Fried- since 2008. In 2011, Markus Gross was Nicolas Moussiopoulos ML, professor rich ML, who held the post from 2008. As elected a member of the Leopoldina. in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Scientific Director, she will develop objec- of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki tives and course content for the college’s The 2018 Blaise Pascal Medal for Physics (Greece), has been elected the Head of scientific work programmes. Professor has been awarded to Peter Hänggi ML Engineering Sciences on the Scientific Bonas has been a Vice President of the Le- for his contribution to our understanding Council of the Hellenic Foundation for opoldina since 2015. of fluctuations in statistical mechanics, Research and Innovation (HFRI). The in conditions of thermal equilibrium and HFRI is considered the most important Lorraine J. Daston ML, Director of the non-equilibrium. A professor at the Uni- institution for the promotion of research Max Planck Institute for the History of versity of Augsburg, he is recognised as and innovation in Greece. The main fields Science, has been awarded membership the founder of the field of Brownian mo- of research in which Nicolas Moussiopou- of the division for humanities and social tors. These are components driven by los is involved are the development of ma- sciences of the Austrian Academy of Sci- Brown noise which can be used for direc- thematical models to describe the spread ences. A scientific historian, she conducts ted motion on a micro and nano-scale in of aerial pollutants in the atmosphere, research into ideals and practices of ra- combination with non-equilibrium states. as well as subjects such as sustainability tionality, especially within the context of Peter Hänggi, who joined the Leopoldina and the rational utilisation of energy and the history of science and ideas in Europe. in 2003, is its thirteenth member to win raw materials. Nicolas Moussiopoulos has Her work includes a study of the history this prize. been a member of the Leopoldina since of argumentation and the moral authority 2002. of nature. She has been a member of the Jürgen Jost ML is the winner of the Sci- Leopoldina since 2002 in the History of ence Prize of the Teubner Foundation for Rolf Müller ML, the executive director Science and Medicine Section. the Promotion of Mathematical Sciences. of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceu- As well as teaching as an honorary profes- tical Research in Saarland (HIPS) and Plant biologist Caroline Dean ML is to sor at the University of Leipzig, he is also Head of the Department for ‘Microbial receive the L'Oréal UNESCO For Women the Director and a scientific member of Natural Products’, has won the 2018 In- in Science Award in honour of her services the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics hoffen Medal. The prize is presented at to research. Caroline Dean studies the me- in the Sciences in Leipzig. His academic the Inhoffen Lecture, an event organised chanisms of seasonal timing in plants. She work is mainly in pure mathematics, in jointly by the Helmholtz Centre for Infec- is particularly interested in the molecular particular the connections between geo- tion Research (HZI), Braunschweig Uni- control of flowering time following exten- metry and analysis. He links his research versity of Technology, and the sponsor- ded periods of cold temperatures, and how into conceptual groundwork with speci- ship society of the HZI. A pharmacist and 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA AKTUELL 15

natural products researcher, Rolf Müller zeolite catalysis. Joachim Sauer was elec- Günter M. Ziegler ML, professor at the has conducted research into the develop- ted to the Leopoldina in 2007. Free University in Berlin, has been elected ment of new antibiotics for use against as its President. A mathematician, he con- (multi-resistant) pathogens. For instance, Günther Schilling ML, for many years ducts research into questions related to Rolf Müller and his research team have a Professor of Crop Physiology and Nut- discrete geometry, in particular the com- discovered a very promising agent and rition at Martin Luther University, Halle- binatorics of high-dimensional polyhed- explained its modus operandi: cyclohexyl Wittenberg, has been awarded the Order rons, algebraic and topological methods, griselimycin inhibits the growth of tuber- of Merit of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. and optimisation problems. He also works culosis germs and can even fight resistant This is the highest distinction awarded by in the public arena, where he presents ma- bacteria. Rolf Müller has been a member the federal state, and is presented by its thematics as a diverse and vibrant subject. of the Leopoldina since 2016. Prime Minister. He has been a member of the Leopoldina since 2009. Ole Petersen ML, Vice President of Gottfried Schmalz ML has been awar- Academia Europaea – Cardiff Knowledge ded the title ‘Doctor honoris causa’ (Dr. Jörg Hacker ML, the President of the Hub at Cardiff School of Biosciences in h.c.) by Juliu Hatieganu University in Leopoldina, was awarded the citizen’s Wales, UK, is the winner of the Wal- Cluj, Romania. His research focuses on prize, ‘The Donkey that Walks on Roses’, ter B. Cannon Award Lectureship. The verifying the tissue compatibility of den- in Halle (Saale) for his dedication to pro- American Physiological Society (APS) is tal materials and the development of new moting a knowledge-based society and the awarding the prize to Ole Petersen for his materials and test methods so as to reduce general good. The prize is presented by outstanding life’s work as a physiologist. the number of animal experiments requi- the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, the neue the- His research into calcium signal transmis- red. A former director at the Polyclinic for ater Halle, and the Volksbank Halle, and sion, organelle dysfunction, and acute and Tooth Preservation and Parodontology of has been rewarding social engagement chronic pancreatitis has won particular Regensburg University Hospital, he has since 2003. acclaim. Petersen has identified intra- developed a close working relationship cellular receptor mechanisms responsible with his peers in the field of dental me- New members of Class I for alcohol-induced pancreatitis. He has dicine in Cluj. Gottfried Schmalz was ac- also demonstrated how these mechanisms cepted as a member of the Leopoldina in Liane G. Benning ML, German Geo can be suppressed. Ole Petersen has been 2006. Research Centre, Helmholtz Centre, Pots- a member of the Leopoldina since 2010. dam (Earth Sciences Section) Jens Scholz ML, professor at the uni- Susanne Renner ML, visiting lecturer versity hospital in Kiel/Lübeck, Schles- Horst Fischer ML, Dental Materi- at the Department of Biology of the Uni- wig-Holstein, is the recipient of the als and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), versity of Missouri in St. Louis, USA, has Golden Poppy Pin of the Convention of RWTH Aachen University Hospital (Engi- been elected a member of the American Professors of Anaesthesiology. This is neering Sciences Section) Academy of Arts and Sciences. A specia- partly in recognition of his research into list in the development of angiosperms, cardiac contractility. He has also received Dan Frost ML, Bavarian Geoinstitute of evolutionary biology and biogeography, the 2018 Pioneer Award of the National the University of Bayreuth (Earth Scien- she conducts research into evolution, bio- DRG Forum in Berlin. Jens Scholz is com- ces Section) geography and the taxonomy of flowering mitted to reorganising the German health plants. Founded in 1780, the Academy system for the age of digitalisation, and Stefan Grimme ML, Institute of Physi- of Arts and Sciences is one of the oldest promotes projects in the fields of big data cal and Theoretical Chemistry of the Uni- honorary learned societies in the USA. Its and robotics. He has been a member of the versity of Bonn (Chemistry Section) areas of interest include projects, acade- Leopoldina since 2006. mic studies and publications in the fields Gabriele C. Hegerl ML, School of Geo- of the humanities, education and art, glo- Peter Schuster ML is the holder of the Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, bal security and energy, science and tech- newly-established Manfred Eigen Award UK (Earth Sciences Section) nology, and social policy. In 2009, Susan- of the Max Planck Institute for Biophy- ne Renner was elected a member of the sical Chemistry in Göttingen. The award Benjamin List ML, Max Planck Insti- Leopoldina. was inaugurated in honour of Manfred tute for Coal Research, Mülheim an der Eigen, who won the Nobel Prize for Che- Ruhr (Chemistry Section) The chemist Joachim Sauer ML, pro- mistry and was the founder of the insti- fessor at Humboldt University, Berlin, has tute. Peter Schuster himself is known for Manfred Scheer ML, Institute of Inor- been elected a ‘Foreign Member’ of the his studies into the theory of molecular ganic Chemistry of the University of Re- Royal Society, which assumes the role of evolution. He developed the model of the gensburg (Chemistry Section) a national academy of sciences in the UK, hypercycle and the quasispecies in close for his scientific achievements. Joachim collaboration with Manfred Eigen. Peter Catharina Stroppel ML, Mathematical Sauer’s research combines quantum che- Schuster has been a member of the Leo- Institute of the University of Bonn (Ma- mical ab initio processes with atomistic poldina since 1993, where he is in the Bio- thematics Section) methods of computer simulation. This can chemistry and Biophysics Section. be used to solve problems in the field of Yuri Tschinkel ML, Courant Institute 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA AKTUELL 16

of Mathematical Sciences, New York Uni- Cohen demonstrated great commitment Horst Hagedorn ML versity, USA (Mathematics Section) to the German Research Foundation, and 29.10.1933 - 11.5.2018 | Würzburg served as its Vice President 1992 to 1996. Earth Sciences Viola Vogel ML, Department of Health Thereafter, until his retirement in 2000, After his early forays into research in Göt- Sciences and Technology, Institute of Rudolf Cohen served as the Rector of the tingen, Berlin and Aachen, Horst Hage- Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, University of Constance. He was awarded dorn accepted the Chair in Geography I Switzerland (Physics Section) the Federal Cross of Merit (First Class) for at the Geographical Institute of the Uni- his scientific work and for reorganising versity of Würzburg in 1971. His research Gerhard Weikum ML, Max Planck In- the University. He was elected a member work focused primarily on environmental stitute for Computer Sciences, Saarbrü- of the Leopoldina in 1993. and climatic conditions in arid regions, cken (Informatics Section) and the way in which they develop. His Günter Dörner ML research took him to the central Sahara Thomas Wiegand ML, Fraunhofer 13.7.1929 - 30.3.2018 | Berlin on multiple occasions. In Libya and Chad, Heinrich Hertz Institute, Berlin (Informa- Physiology and Pharmacology/Toxi- Horst Hagedorn learned much about ae- tics Section) cology olian formation, namely how the surface From 1964 to 1997, Günter Dörner was of the land changes under the influence Deceased members Professor of Endocrinology and Director of the wind. As well as being committed of the Institute of Experimental Endocri- to research and teaching, he was also in- Gustav V.R. Born ML nology at Humboldt University in Berlin. volved in academic and higher education 29.7.1921 - 16.4.2018 | London, UK He conducted research into differences in policy matters: for instance, he was Dean Physiology and Pharmacology/Toxi- the brain caused by environmental and of the Faculty, a member of the Senate, cology hormonal factors, and established a new and – from 1994 to 2000 – Vice Presi- After researching and teaching at nu- research field: that of functional teratolo- dent of the University of Würzburg. Horst merous institutions, including the Uni- gy. Günter Dörner demonstrated through Hagedorn won many awards for his ser- versities of Oxford and Cambridge in the his work that excessive concentrations of vices, including the Order of Merit of the UK, Gustav V.R. Born accepted a research hormones, neurotransmitters and cytoki- Federal Republic of Germany with ribbon professorship at the William Harvey Re- nes during critical phases in the develop- (First Class) and the Albrecht Penck Me- search Institute of St Bartholomew’s Hos- ment of the brain had the effect of endo- dal of the German Quaternary Associati- pital Medical College in London in 1989. genous teratogens and could be the cause on. Horst Hagedorn became a member of Gustav Born made extremely important of life-long malfunctions or illnesses. In the Leopoldina in 1993. findings during his career in relation 2002, he was awarded the Great Cross of to the physiology, pathophysiology and Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Elisa Izaurralde ML pharmacology of blood platelets, and their Günter Dörner was elected a member of 20.9.1959 - 30.4.2018 | Tübingen importance for haemostasis. He develo- the Leopoldina in 1974. Genetics/Molecular Biology and ped a photometric method of measuring Cell Biology and quantifying platelet aggregation. The Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt ML Elisa Izaurralde was Director of the De- ‘Born aggregometer’, a globally recognis- 15.6.1928 - 2.6.2018 | Starnberg partment of Biochemistry at the Max ed research method, has been used in pure Organismic and Evolutionary Planck Institute for Developmental Bio- research into thrombocytes and played an Biology logy in Tübingen from 2005, where she important role in the verification of aspi- Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt was Professor of conducted research into mechanisms of rin as an aggregation inhibitor. In 2001, Zoology at Ludwig Maximilians Univer- gene expression and cellular transport Born was awarded the Ernst Jung Gold sity in Munich from 1969 to 1996, and is routes. Her research led to the discovery Medal in Medicine for his body of work. regarded as the founder of human etho- of a new route for the exportation of RNA Gustav V.R. Born was elected to the Nati- logy. He studied issues related to beha- complexes from the cell nucleus, and she onal Academy of Sciences in 1971. vioural development and communication was able to describe crucial mechanisms in animals and people. The results of his of RNA metabolic processes. In 2008, she Rudolf Cohen ML research in the animal kingdom led to him was declared the joint winner of the Gott- 13.6.1932 - 30.4.2018 | Unterha- dedicating himself to the creation of a film fried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the German ching documentary which made a cultural com- Research Foundation with Elena Conti Neurosciences parison of human behaviour, and seeking ML, Director of Cellular Structural Biolo- After being called to a Chair in the De- answers to the question of which types of gy at the Max Planck Institute in Munich, partment of Psychology 1060 at the Uni- human behaviour were innate, and which for her work on mRNA degradation. Elisa versity of Constance, Rudolf Cohen very were culturally determined. He also dedi- Izaurralde was elected a member of the quickly established a research hub at the cated his life to nature conservation, and Leopoldina in 2009. Centre for Psychiatry. His research sub- worked alongside UNESCO to protect the jects included mainly psychophysiological threatened Galapagos Islands. In 1995, Otto Kandler ML examinations of information processing Professor Eibl-Eibesfeldt was awarded the 23.10.1920 - 29.8.2017 | Munich in relation to chronic schizophrenics and Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Repu- Organismic and Evolutionary Bio- behavioural therapy for schizophrenic blic of Germany. He was elected a member logy and alcoholic patients. At the same time, of the Leopoldina in 1977. Otto Kandler was Professor of General Bo- 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA AKTUELL 17

tany at the Ludwig Maximilians Universi- Klaus Riegel ML ween the structures of genes and proteins, ty in Munich from 1968 until he retired in 14.5.1926 - 4.6.2018 | Munich discovered intermediate products of tryp- 1986. He made important scientific con- Paediatrics tophan biosynthesis, and identified the tributions to our understanding of plant Klaus Riegel was a former senior phy- enzymes involved and the enzyme-coding photosynthesis, discovered fundamental sician at Tübingen University Hospital genes. His research also increased our chemical differences in the cell walls of (1965-67) and a senior physician at the understanding of the genetic code, alte- bacteria and archaea, and – together with paediatric clinic and polyclinic of Ludwig rations to genetic material through mu- Carl Woese ML – established the classifi- Maximilians University in Munich (1967- tation and attenuation, and a mechanism cation of organisms in the three domains 72). He specialised in the fields of perina- to regulate gene expression. In 2003, Ya- of archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Otto tal respiration and respiration in infancy. nofsky was awarded the National Medal of Kandler also studied the microbiology of From 1972 until his retirement in 1991, he Science. This is presented annually by the milk and how to generate biogas from se- was the Head of the Neonatology Depart- President of the United States of Ameri- wage and refuse. In 1992, he was awarded ment in Munich. Klaus Riegel specialised ca to up to twenty outstanding scientists. the Federal Cross of Merit (First Class). there in acid-base metabolism and quality Charles Yanofsky became a member of the Otto Kandler was elected a member of the assurance in perinatal and neonatal medi- Leopoldina in 1976. Leopoldina in 1971. cine. He was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit with ribbon in 1993 for his services Leopoldina fellowship programme Josef Knoll ML to research. He became a member of the 30.5.1925 - 17.4.2018 | Budapest, Leopoldina in 1984. New research fellows Hungary Physiology and Pharmacology/Toxi- Jens Christian Skou ML Dr. Michael Kaminski from the Clinic for cology 8.10.1918 - 28.5.2018 | Risskov, Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Josef Knoll was a professor and, from Denmark General Medicine, at Freiburg Universi- 1962, Director of Pharmacology at Sem- Biochemistry and Biophysics ty Hospital is to spend 24 months at the melweis University in Budapest, Hungary. The Danish biophysicist Jens Christi- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sci- His main area of research was psycho- an Skou centred his research around the ence in the Department of Biological En- pharmacology. His works on analysing molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), gineering of the Massachusetts Institute how tranquilisers worked, in particular which is extremely important for energy of Technology in Cambridge, USA. He will reserpine, as well as psychostimulants transfer in cells. The former Professor of join the working group led by Prof. James and phenethylamine, were of particular Physiology at the University of Aarhus J. Collins. interest to his peers. His results led to the discovered the transport enzyme sodium- synthesis of a number of pharmaceuticals potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase), Dr. Eslam Khalaf from the Max Planck for therapeutic use. From 1967 to 1983 which transports substances through the Institute for Solid State Research in Stutt- he was the President of the Hungarian cell membrane and thereby consumes gart plans to continue his research at the Pharmacological Society. In 1985 he was ATP. This mechanism is important for Department of Physics of Harvard Uni- awarded the Hungarian national prize, maintaining cell volume, and plays a role versity in Cambridge/MA, USA, under the Issekutz Prize. Josef Knoll was elected in controlling the heartbeat. Defects in Prof. Ashvin Vishwanath. a member of the Leopoldina in 1974. the sodium-potassium pump might be a possible cause of epilepsy. In 1997 he was Dr. Katharina Schmack from the Visu- Baldev Raj ML awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry al Perception Laboratory of the Clinic 9.4.1947 - 6.1.2018 | Pune, India jointly with John Ernest Walker and Paul for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the Physics Delos Boyer for his contributions to the Charité in Berlin has chosen to pursue Baldev Raj held the post of Executive study of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). her project at the Cold Spring Harbor Director at the Indira Gandhi Centre for He was accepted as a member of the Leo- Laboratory in New York, USA, where she Atomic Research (IGCAR) between 2004 poldina in 1977. will transfer to the research group led by and 2011. The physicist’s work in the field Adam Kepecs PhD. of nuclear research delivered important Charles Yanofsky ML findings on the non-destructive early de- 17.4. 1925 - 16.3.2018 | Stanford, Leopoldina employees tection of fatigue and oxidation processes USA which are of vital importance to the safety Genetics/Molecular Biology and Dr. Simon Rebohm has been working of reactors. In 2007, Baldev Raj received Cell Biology as a research associate in the Study Centre the Padma Shri Award, one of the highest Charles Yanofsky took up a post as Pro- of the Leopoldina since June. civilian decorations in the gift of the Indi- fessor of Biology at Stanford University, an government. Baldev Raj was elected a USA, in 1958, where he taught and carried member of the Leopoldina in 2008. out research for more than fifty years. He made discoveries on the relationships bet- 03|2018 // LEOPOLDINA AKTUELL 18

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