Dr Dagmar Hann
Sharing about plant-microbe interactions
The science podcast of TRR356 PlantMicrobe
In this podcast, we explore the latest research findings on the interplay between plants and their microorganismic partners. Together with researchers from the TRR356 consortium PlantMicrobe, we discuss diverse raspects of plant-microbe interactions and genetic diversity. Although invisible to the naked eye, countless microorganisms thrive in and around plants. They influence plant growth, health, and resilience - and thus also our nutrition and the foundations of our livelihoods.
With the tenth episode, we conclude the first season. But the journey into the plant microcosm continues: in early 2026, we will launch Season 2 with many new and exciting insights. Our first guest will be Shaojun Pan from the Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP) at the University of Tübingen. Many thanks to all listeners and to all scientists who accompanied us throughout the first season!
Outreach
© Carolin Bleese
Plant health largely depends on interactions between plants and microbes, some of which are beneficial while others are harmful. My research focuses on beneficial plant–microbe interactions, particularly root nodule symbiosis. I also have a long-standing interest in plant innate immunity and bacterial effector proteins. As a molecular biologist and biochemist, I am especially fascinated by the underlying signal transduction and regulatory pathways.
Together with Prof. Dr. Gudrun Kadereit I am running a DFG-funded outreach project. This project aims at the dissemination of information on plant health and its importance for sustainable agriculture as well as the establishment of an open dialog between science and the public on topics related to this area. The outreach project includes yearly exhibitions, a teaching path, guided tours, a science podcast and a variety of interactive, hands-on activities offered mainly at the Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg as well as at the LMU Biocenter in Martinsried. All events are open to anyone interested, regardless of prior scientific background. To ensure age-appropriate and accessible communication, special formats are offered for school classes, families, teachers, and students.
Research
© Carolin Bleese
Plant health depends largely on interactions between plants and microbes, some of which are beneficial, while others are harmful.
My research focuses on beneficial interactions between plants and microbes, particularly root nodule symbiosis.
I also have a long-lasting interest in plant innate immunity and bacterial effector proteins. As a molecular biologist and biochemist, I am particularly fascinated by the underlying signal transduction and regulatory pathways.
Publications
Teaching
1. Bachelor Biologie
- Experimental Design Workshop: In this module, we introduce the fundamentals of academic work and good scientific practice. The foundations are covered in an online workshop for all participants. These are complemented by asynchronous self-study via Moodle focusing on technical exercises. In small-group, in-person seminars, students then apply and transfer what they have learned into practice.
2. Medical students
- Practical course on molecular biology for medical students
3. Master
- Master entry courses: Computational Biology Course and lab methods course: Many commercial and open-source software tools are used in molecular biology research. Some are required for data analysis, others for improving the graphical presentation of results, and some support the writing of theses or scientific publications. The computational course is closely linked to the lab methods course: students will perform in silico cloning, functional predictions, and data analysis related to selected lab methods content. Together, these two courses aim to teach the essential skills needed for general molecular biology research.
- Methods in Molecular Biology (MMB lecture): This lecture is complementary to the Master entry courses and covers key methods of molecular biology and their applications. It is a highly interactive online lecture.
- How to design experiments and write a project proposal: This course focuses on experimental design and the preparation of a research project proposal. Students are guided through the entire process of developing their own research project, from identifying a biological question and formulating testable hypotheses to designing concise, well-controlled experiments, including risk assessment and alternative strategies. The course culminates in the writing of a DFG-style research proposal. The best proposals are awarded a lab rotation in genetics.
- Seminar Genetics of Society – the human genome project and its implications for society: In this seminar we discuss topics around the human genome project, including gene editing, genome-wide association studies and behavioural genetics. In the second part of the seminar, we prepare a debate with a dedicated opposition and a proposition.
- Seminar Quantity matters: This seminar covers topics around sustainable agriculture and plant health, and students learn how to prepare a science slam.
- Seminar Poster Design: In this seminar students learn how to prepare a science poster. Each year, new topics are offered.
Hann Team
Leonie Hinderhofer
Team assistant for science communication, environmental education and exhibition realization
Room: 125
Cooperations
