2020 Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award December 4th, 17:00 -19:00

17.00 Dr. Ana M. M. Oliviera Welcome and Moderation Prof. Rohini Kuner Epigenetic mechanisms underlying memory Chairperson of the Board formation and maintenance Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation 17.05 - 17.15 Ana Oliveira studied Biochemistry at the University Vision of the Founders and Mission of the Foundation of Coimbra, Portugal, and received her PhD in Cell Prof. Hans-Georg Kräusslich Biology in 2008 from the University of Coimbra in Chairperson of Scientific Advisory Committee collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, USA. Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation Her postdoctoral research at the Neurobiology Institute at the University of Heidelberg focused on the molecular Prof. Karoly Nikolich Vice-chairman of the Board and cellular mechanisms underlying memory formation and maintenance. Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation Since 2014, Ana led an Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group 17.15 - 17.25 investigating the coupling between environmental stimuli and neuronal modifications that underlie memory formation and storage as well as age- Laudatio for Dr. Ana Oliveira dependent cognitive decline and associated epigenetic processes. Her work Prof. Klaus-Armin Nave Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen provides new fundamental insights into transcriptional regulatory mechanisms within neuronal ensembles and their support in maintaining distinct memories. 17.25 - 18.00 Chica and Heinz Schaller were distinguished molecular biologists, whose Schaller Prize Lecture: professional lives centred on three of Germany’s leading academic institutions. “Molecular mechanisms in memory formation and maintenance” At EMBL Heidelberg and Hamburg University, Chica was recognised Dr. Ana M. M. Oliveira for achievements in developmental neurosciences. At Heidelberg Department of Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg University, Heinz was among the pioneers who helped to translate 18.00 - 18.05 the still-emerging field of molecular biology into practical, life- Presentation of the Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award saving applications. What they shared throughout their lives was the Dr. Stefan Pfeffer Prof. Rohini Kuner excitement and promise of discoveries in biomedicine. The Foundation is the legacy of Chica and Heinz Schaller and their remarkable careers. Analysis of ribosomal function, associated co- By providing flexible, unbureaucratic funding, the Foundation facilitates - 5 minute break - the realization of independent and innovative research projects. translational processes, protein synthesis and protein maturation via comprehensive molecular- One important funding instrument is the annual “Chica und Heinz 18.10 - 18.20 Schaller Research Award”, endowed with 100.000 Euro, which honours resolution cellular cryo-electron tomography Laudatio for Dr. Stefan Pfeffer excellent, innovative work in the field of molecular biomedical research. Stefan Pfeffer studiedBiochemistry at University of Prof. Frauke Melchior Centre for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) Tübingen. He pursued doctoral research at the Max-Planck For the year 2020, the award is presented to Ana M. M. Oliveira Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried and obtained 18:20 - 18.55 from the Neurobioloy Department of Heidelberg University and his PhD in 2015 from the Technical University of Munich. Schaller Prize Lecture Stefan Pfeffer from the Center for Molecular Biology in Heidelberg. After a postdoctoral phase in Martinsried, Stefan joined the Centre for Molecular “Ribosome structures: from test tubes to cells” Due to the current COVID-19 crisis the award ceremony will Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) as a junior research group leader in 2018. Dr. Stefan Pfeffer Throughout his scientific career, Stefan was interested in applying cutting-edge cryo- Centre for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) be held online via ZOOM starting at 17:00 hrs local time. electron microscopy techniques to understanding the structural basis of molecular 18.55 - 19.00 URL for streaming: processes that are linked to ribosomes and required for cellular protein biosynthesis. His scientific work aims to understand how molecular chaperones and enzymes can Presentation of the Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award http://award.chs-stiftung.de promote correct folding and maturation of proteins during their synthesis, and how Prof. Ralf Bartenschlager Member of the Board these processes can be coordinated on the surface of the ribosome. His research Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation yields structural and mechanistic data that can contribute to a better understanding of pathological cellular conditions, such as the de-regulation of protein synthesis Closing observed in cancer or protein aggregation found in neurodegenerative diseases. Prof. Ralf Bartenschlager