Dr. Ana M. M. OlivieraEpigenetic mechanisms underlying memory formation and maintenance

Ana Oliveira studied Biochemistry at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, and received her PhD in Cell Biology in 2008 from the University of Coimbra in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, USA.Her postdoctoral research at the Neurobiology Institute at the University of Heidelberg focused on the molecular

and cellular mechanisms underlying memory formation and maintenance.Since 2014, Ana led an Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group investigating the coupling between environmental stimuli and neuronal modifications that underlie memory formation and storage as well as age-dependent cognitive decline and associated epigenetic processes. Her work provides new fundamental insights into transcriptional regulatory mechanisms within neuronal ensembles and their support in maintaining distinct memories.

Dr. Stefan PfefferAnalysis of ribosomal function, associated co-translational processes, protein synthesis and protein maturation via comprehensive molecular-resolution cellular cryo-electron tomography

Stefan Pfeffer studied Biochemistry at University of Tübingen. He pursued doctoral research at the Max-Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried and obtained his PhD in 2015 from the Technical University of Munich.After a postdoctoral phase in Martinsried, Stefan joined the Centre for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) as a junior research group leader in 2018. Throughout his scientific career, Stefan was interested in applying cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy techniques to understanding the structural basis of molecular processes that are linked to ribosomes and required for cellular protein biosynthesis. His scientific work aims to understand how molecular chaperones and enzymes can promote correct folding and maturation of proteins during their synthesis, and how these processes can be coordinated on the surface of the ribosome. His research yields structural and mechanistic data that can contribute to a better understanding of pathological cellular conditions, such as the de-regulation of protein synthesis observed in cancer or protein aggregation found in neurodegenerative diseases.

17.00

Welcome and ModerationProf. Rohini Kuner

Chairperson of the BoardChica and Heinz Schaller Foundation

17.05 - 17.15

Vision of the Founders and Mission of the FoundationProf. Hans-Georg Krausslich

Chairperson of Scientific Advisory CommitteeChica and Heinz Schaller Foundation

Prof. Karoly NikolichVice-chairman of the Board

Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation

17.15 - 17.25

Laudatio for Dr. Ana OliveiraProf. Klaus-Armin Nave

Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen

17.25 - 18.00

Schaller Prize Lecture: “Molecular mechanisms in memory formation and maintenance”

Dr. Ana M. M. OliveiraDepartment of Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg

18.00 - 18.05

Presentation of the Chica and Heinz Schaller Research AwardProf. Rohini Kuner

- 5 minute break -

18.10 - 18.20

Laudatio for Dr. Stefan PfefferProf. Frauke Melchior

Centre for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH)

18:20 - 18.55

Schaller Prize Lecture “Ribosome structures: from test tubes to cells”

Dr. Stefan PfefferCentre for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH)

18.55 - 19.00

Presentation of the Chica and Heinz Schaller Research AwardProf. Ralf Bartenschlager

Member of the BoardChica and Heinz Schaller Foundation

ClosingProf. Ralf Bartenschlager

Chica and Heinz Schaller were distinguished molecular biologists, whose professional lives centred on three of Germany’s leading academic institutions. At EMBL Heidelberg and Hamburg University, Chica was recognised for achievements in developmental neurosciences. At Heidelberg University, Heinz was among the pioneers who helped to translate the still-emerging field of molecular biology into practical, life-saving applications. What they shared throughout their lives was the excitement and promise of discoveries in biomedicine. The Foundation is the legacy of Chica and Heinz Schaller and their remarkable careers.By providing flexible, unbureaucratic funding, the Foundation facilitates the realization of independent and innovative research projects. One important funding instrument is the annual “Chica und Heinz Schaller Research Award”, endowed with 100.000 Euro, which honours excellent, innovative work in the field of molecular biomedical research.

For the year 2020, the award is presented to Ana M. M. Oliveira from the Neurobioloy Department of Heidelberg University and Stefan Pfeffer from the Center for Molecular Biology in Heidelberg.

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis the award ceremony will be held online via ZOOM starting at 17:00 hrs local time.

URL for streaming:

http://award.chs-stiftung.de

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