Salzburg, Austria - Josef Glößl, a founding member and long-time president of the Austrian Society for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (ÖGMBT), was awarded an honorary membership during the opening of the 15th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting in Salzburg. The ceremony celebrated Glößl's remarkable contributions, particularly his calm yet decisive approach in steering ÖGMBT towards its objectives.

Joachim Seipelt, Treasurer and board member since ÖGMBT's inception, delivered a laudation acknowledging his instrumental role in shaping the society. Seipelt praised Glößl's dedication, stating, "Josef´s calm and determined approach has left an indelible mark on our society”.

f.l.t.r. Viktoria Weber, Josef Glößl & Joachim Seipelt

President Viktoria Weber, in recognizing Glößl's contributions, presented the honorary membership, trophy and certificate, expressing gratitude for his steadfast service for the Austrian life sciences community.

In his humble acceptance, Josef Glößl underscored the power of achieving goals together. He was one of the supporters of merging the three predecessor associations (ÖGMB, ÖGGGT und ÖGBT) and setting up a central office in order to build up and professionalize the activities of the ÖGMBT. His recognition joins a distinguished list of ÖGMBT honorary members each recognized for exceptional contributions to the ÖGMBT or their predecessor associations:

Karl Hermann Spitzy
Hans Tuppy
Erhard Wintersberger
Günther Kreil
Andreas Hartig
Karl Kuchler
Hans Grunicke
Ernst Müllner

Josef Glößl's honorary membership not only symbolizes his personal dedication but also the power of a composed and resolute leadership style. The ÖGMBT Annual Meeting, a flagship event in the scientific community, provides a platform for researchers and professionals to exchange knowledge, share their findings, and foster collaborations. The honorary membership awarded to Josef Glößl added a prestigious touch to this already impactful gathering, underscoring the importance of recognizing outstanding contributions in the field of molecular life sciences and biotechnology.

New approaches for the development of antibiotics and cancer treatment, reusing more beverage packaging and the key factor for the beginning of life: awards for young researchers

Five young scientists were honoured for their internationally outstanding work in Salzburg during the opening of the 15th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting: The Life Science Research Awards Austria 2023 of the Austrian Society for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (ÖGMBT) went to Johanna Gassler (formerly IMBA), David Hoi (IMP) and Klemens Kremser (BOKU). The prizes of 3,000 euros each were awarded with the support of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy. Alexander Hanzl (CeMM) and Matthias Hinterndorfer (IMP) received the Life Science PhD Award Austria for their dissertations.

Caption: (from left to right) Rainer Englisch (THP Medical Products, Brigitta Vcelar (Polymun Scientific), Viktoria Weber (president),  Matthias Hinterndorfer, Alexander Hanzl, Johanna Gassler, Klemens Kremser, David Hoi and Ulrike Unterer (BMAW).

In the category Basic Research, the Life Science Research Award Austria 2023 went to Johanna Gassler for a paper she published during her time at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology IMBA in Vienna.

The key factor for the first steps of life in the fertilised egg cell

In her paper published in Science, Gassler focuses on the first steps of life in a fertilised egg cell (zygote). During the first stages of development, the activation of the zygotic genome is crucial for the development of the organism. Gassler was able to show that the protein Nr5a2 plays a crucial role as a pioneer factor. This mechanism could play a role in all vertebrates. Her findings thus contribute to a better understanding of this early phase of life.

Zygotic genome activation by the totipotency pioneer factor Nr5a2

The three Life Science Research Awards were once again supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy. Minister for Labour and Economic Affairs (BMAW) Martin Kocher: "Research and development are key factors for Austria's international competitiveness. They secure high-quality jobs. The Life Science Research Awards Austria promote young scientists - an initiative we are happy to support." Ulrike Unterer from the BMAW spared no effort and traveled to Salzburg to personally congratulate the winners and hand over the prizes.

Innovative approach to developing of new antibiotics

In the category Applied Research, the Life Science Research Award Austria 2023 went to David Hoi for his work at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna. The results of his study represent a highly innovative approach to the development of new antibiotics: Protein degradation molecules such as BacPROTACs, which specifically target bacterial proteins, are being considered as a new class of antibiotics.

David Hoi and his colleagues have shown that BacPROTACs can be successfully used to target and kill tuberculosis pathogens. This suggests that the BacPROTAC platform may also be suitable for the development of new drugs to treat other serious infectious diseases. The study has been published in the leading journal Cell.

Clp-targeting BacPROTACs impair mycobacterial proteostasis and survival

Recycling of beverage packaging without the use of aggressive chemicals

The special award in the category Excellence and Societal Impact, which will be awarded for the fifth time in 2023, went to Klemens Kremser from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna. His work describes a novel, environmentally friendly process for recycling the various components of beverage packaging without the use of harsh chemicals: cellulose fibres are removed by enzymes and aluminium is microbially dissolved. The result is pure polyethylene that can be reused as packaging material.

The process developed by Klemens Kremser and his colleagues could significantly increase the reuse of packaging materials in the future. His work has been published in the prestigious journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling.

Bioleaching/enzyme-based recycling of aluminium and polyethylene from beverage cartons packaging waste

Dissertation prize: The body's own mechanisms against disease-causing proteins

In his dissertation, Alexander Hanzl also investigated the field of targeted protein degradation as a therapeutic option. In this process, pathogenic proteins are reduced by the body's own cell mechanisms. This is done using so-called small molecule degraders (E3 ligases). An important aspect of the work was to investigate how resistance to therapy develops. This approach is currently being clinically tested in cancer, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Improved targeted therapies also have significant environmental benefits, reducing the need for broad-spectrum drugs.

This work has significant application potential. The underlying idea has been patented and has already contributed to the creation of a successful biotech start-up.

Identifying novel degraders and resistance mechanisms in targeted protein degradation

Dissertation prize for novel use of gene scissors in cancer

The Life Science PhD Award Austria 2023 for the most innovative doctoral thesis with high application potential went to Matthias Hinterndorfer from the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna.

Important cellular building blocks that play a central role in the development of cancer and other diseases are difficult to study. They are often vital for cell survival. It is therefore very difficult for researchers to modify these building blocks. Hinterndorfer made the breakthrough with the remote-controlled use of the gene scissors CRISPR/Cas. This tool can be used to inactivate any human gene and thus prevent the production of the corresponding cell building block. As a result, short-lived building blocks would quickly disappear after the scissors damaged the responsible gene in the cell.

Using a chemical substance, Hinterndorfer succeeded in switching on the gene scissors at any time. In this way, a cellular reaction can be triggered before the important elements of the reaction are inactivated by the gene scissors.This discovery opens up new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer.

Title of the thesis: Time-resolved genetic screens to dissect gene functions and regulatory networks.

The winners were also celebrated in public. Here is a report in the Kronenzeitung

15 years of ÖGMBT: Annual conference is the most important life science event in Austria

The ÖGMBT represents 1,300 people and students working in the life sciences as well as 70 companies and institutions. ÖGMBT President Univ.-Prof. Dr. Viktoria Weber at the 15th annual meeting, which this time took place in Salzburg: "The Life Science Awards Austria once again impressively demonstrate the high international standard of Austrian researchers. On behalf of the ÖGMBT, I would like to express my special thanks to our long-standing supporters BMAW, THP Medical Products and Polymun Scientific, who make these awards possible.”

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR WINNERS THIS YEAR AND CONGRATULATE THEM WARMLY!!!!!

Want to know more about the winners  2010-2020? Let have a look at the online FLIP BOOK "SUCCESS STORIES"

Photos: ÖGMBT/dibiasi-momente

Teilnehmer:innen einer COST Aktion bilden gemeinsam das Action Management Committee (MC). Das MC ist verantwortlich für die Koordination, Implementierung und das Management einer COST Aktion. Pro COST Aktion können bis zu zwei Fachkräfte eines COST Landes als MC Member nominiert werden. Die Nominierung ist auch nach dem Start einer COST Aktion möglich. Interessierte Fachkräfte aus Österreich werden über die FFG nominiert. COST Aktionen, die für eine österreichische Beteiligung offen sind, finden Sie unter „COST Aktionen OFFEN für österreichische Beteiligungen".

Vor dem offiziellen Start der Actions (die ersten Actions starten ab 18.09.2023) kann die FFG noch die Nominierung mit sofortiger Wirkung vornehmen. Nach dem Start erfolgt die Nominierung ebenfalls über die FFG, es ist jedoch die Aufnahme durch den Action Chair und das Management Committee notwendig.

Sie möchten sich als Mitglied des Management Committees bewerben? Anträge können über den FFG eCall gestellt werden!

Eine Liste mit freien Positionen in den Action Management Committees findet sich nach Themenbereichen geordnet unter folgenden Links:

Natural Sciences

Engineering&Technology

Medical and Health Sciences

Agricultural Sciences

Social Sciences

Humanities

Kontakt: cost(at)ffg.at

https://www.ffg.at/europa/cost_teilnahmebedingungen

FEMS is inviting applications to three positions on the Board – President, Secretary General and Director of Business and Policy for the term from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.

For job descriptions and details please refer to https://fems-microbiology.org/inviting-applications-to-three-positions-on-our-board/  Application deadline is April 30, 2023.

Interested ÖGMBT members, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The ÖGMBT is a member of several relevant scientific societies (FEBS, FEMS and EFB) and our members are automatically members of these societies and can take advantage of benefits such as travel grants, short-term and long-term fellowships and much more. See also: https://fems-microbiology.org/

Reminder: 47th FEBS Congress (‘FEBS 2023’), July 8 – 12, 2023, Tours/France. Attracting up to 2.000 attendees, the Congress provides a platform for international scientific exchange and showcases the newest developments in biochemistry, molecular biology and related areas.

FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF), July 6 - 8, 2023. A lively gathering of over 100 PhD students and young postdocs, whose attendance at this event and the ensuing FEBS Congress is funded by FEBS YSF grants.

The ÖGMBT is a member of several relevant scientific societies (FEBS, FEMS and EFB) and our members are automatically members of these societies and can take advantage of benefits such as travel grants, short-term and long-term fellowships and much more. See also: https://www.febs.org/other-activities/science-society/

Mit der Exzellenzinitiative excellent=austria schlägt Österreich ein neues Kapitel in der Grundlagenforschung auf: Fünf Exzellenzcluster werden ab Sommer 2023 an elf Standorten kooperative Projekte in noch nie dagewesener Dimension starten. Seitens des FWF sowie der beteiligten Forschungsstätten steht ein Investitionsvolumen von 135 Millionen Euro zur Verfügung, um Spitzenforschung zu Zukunftsthemen für die ersten fünf Jahre der geplanten zehnjährigen Laufzeit zu finanzieren. Wissenschaftsminister Martin Polaschek und FWF-Präsident Christof Gattringer gaben in Wien die lang erwarteten Förderentscheidungen bekannt.

AUCH EIN LIFE SCIENCES CLUSTER IST VERTRETEN:

Exzellenzcluster „Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health“
Die Bedeutung von Mikrobiomen für die planetare Gesundheit verstehen

Board of Directors und beteiligte Forschungsstätten:

• Michael Wagner (Director of Research, Universität Wien)
• Andreas Bergthaler (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, CeMM)
• Christina Kaiser (Universität Wien)
• Bernhard Lendl (Technische Universität Wien)
• Christine Moissl-Eichinger (Medizinische Universität Graz)
• Alexander Moschen (Universität Linz)
• Leonid Sazanov (Institute of Science and Technology Austria)
• Angela Sessitsch (Austrian Institute of Technology)

FWF-Fördervolumen: 21 Millionen Euro

Mikrobiome – Gemeinschaften von Mikroorganismen, die alle Ökosysteme und Lebewesen besiedeln – sind für die Gesundheit unseres Planeten und seiner Bewohner von wesentlicher Bedeutung. In diesem Exzellenzcluster arbeiten 30 Wissenschaftler:innen verschiedener Fachgebiete aus sieben verschiedenen Forschungsstätten daran, gemeinsame Grundprinzipien von Umwelt-Mikrobiomen und Mikrobiomen des Menschen zu entschlüsseln. Ziel ist es zu ergründen, wie Mikrobiome die Gesundheit unseres Planeten steuern. Mit diesem Wissen wird der globale Wandel besser vorhersagbar und gleichzeitig die gezielte Beeinflussung von Mikrobiomen als innovative Lösung für eine nachhaltige Zukunft ermöglicht. 

„In unserem Exzellenzcluster schaffen wir völlig neue Synergien, indem wir die Grenzen zwischen roter und grüner Mikrobiomforschung in Österreich auflösen und somit direkt Medizin mit Umweltforschung verknüpfen. Wir wollen die Grundprinzipien von Mikrobiomen verstehen lernen, um dann durch deren Modellierung und gezielte Beeinflussung die planetare Gesundheit stärken“, so Michael Wagner, Director of Research des Exzellenzclusters.

GRATULATION!

Weitere Info und Quelle: https://www.fwf.ac.at/de/news-presse/news/nachricht/nid/20230313-0

Interaktive Landkarte: Lernen Sie Österreichs Clusters of Excellence kennen: excellentaustria.fwf.ac.at

The LIFE SCIENCE CAREER FAIR (LSCF2023) opens its doors on May 16, 2023, in Vienna (FH Campus Wien, Favoritenstr. 226).

As a platform for job-seekers and potential employers to meet, the LIFE SCIENCE CAREER FAIR will attract students, graduates and young professionals from Austria and abroad, the registration being free of charge for job seekers. Besides the traditional employer exhibition with booths, the career fair will offer an engaging on-site program. Employer pitches and presentations allow you, the exhibiting companies and research institutions to individually present yourself as attractive employers.

The Austrian Association of Molecular Life Sciences and Biotechnology (ÖGMBT) together with their partners Austrian Centre for Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), FH Campus Wien & Chemiereport are dedicated to showcase the diverse career opportunities in academic and industrial life sciences and beyond. Here a review to the last LSCF2022.

To see the career-boosting activities which ÖGMBT / Young Life Scientists Austria (YLSA) are already featuring, please click HERE.

The LIFE SCIENCE CAREER FAIR is the perfect opportunity for companies, research institutions and other organisations recruiting life scientists to:

• inform about job profiles and career opportunities in your organisation
• be visible to the life science community at the event and beyond
• get access to CVs and profiles of participants in our improved online TALENT POOL
• interact with future employees on multiple levels

WANT TO BE PART OF THE LIFE SCIENCE CAREER FAIR AS EXHIBITOR?

Sponsor & Exhibitor Manual available - please write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There will be a Q & A meeting via zoom on March 15, 14:00 for all interested exhibitors. Please write an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the zoom link.

Discounts for academic institutions & ÖGMBT members available!

We invite all companies, research institutions and related organisations to join us for the LIFE SCIENCE CAREER FAIR promising the ideal opportunity for recruiting and employer branding.

FREE REGISTRATION FOR PERSONAL MEMBERS

Our first Life Science Tuesday “Lipids and Metabolism” was well attended, the discussions in the breakout rooms were lively, the Short Talks by young talents were on a high standard and we were enthused by the quality and creativity of the Science Flashes. Thanks to all who participated!

We expect no less at our next Life Science Tuesday #2/12 dedicated to “RNA Biology” supported by Lexogen – October 20 from 13:30 – 18:00 hrs, chaired by Brigitte Pertschy & Sebastian Falk.
 

Invited Speaker Marlene Oeffinger (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, CA) will be talking about “Nuclear mRNA metabolism directs specialization of the nuclear pore complex in yeast”, followed by 4 Short talks and 4 Science flashes by young talents. Last but not least, Renée Schroeder will be giving a presentation on the “Historical Perspective on RNA Research".

Please find here the program/abstract booklet for the afternoon and the teaser video.

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The Annual Meeting is free of charge for all personal ÖGMBT members!

Registration for the Life Science Tuesdays is at any time possible. For abstract submission check the deadlines on our webpage.

Even without registration we invite you to visit:

• the Industry Exhbition - Virtual Expo – https://oegmbt.at/jahrestagung/virtual-expo featuring latest products and services of 18 companies
• and the Life Science Career Fair - https://oegmbt.at/jahrestagung/career-fair featuring 12 companies/institutions, 5 Life Science Clusters (representing 900 companies in Austria) and the booth of ÖGMBT-YLSA (Young Life Scientists Austria).

Come join us for 11 further Life Science Tuesdays – starting at #2 on October 20! Here the list of all Life Science Tuesdays.

We look forward to see you there!

Harald Pichler, Helmut Bergler, Alexandra Khassidov

Organizing Committee

• We are running a 24hour live stream of talks and discussions across the day – free to access via the IMD homepage and social media. Check out the provisional programme here. 
   
• We have organized a parallel webinar on the day produced by FEMS Microbiology Letters on online educational methods ‘’Education, Wherever We Are’’ starting at 10am EDT / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST – register via the link on the webpage

• Follow the IMD blog series for interesting perspectives on microorganisms

• We have published two Education Packs for teachers and students to learn about microorganisms