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Prof. Schuller, who also conducts research for the LOEWE Research Clusters Tree-M and RobuCop at the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO) at Philipps-Universität Marburg, is receiving funding through a Heisenberg Professorship from the German Research Foundation (DFG). The DFG is supporting his research into the molecular mechanisms of methane formation by microorganisms – a field of great relevance to climate protection – for an initial period of five years.

Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases and contributes significantly to global warming. Jan Schuller investigates how so-called methanogens produce methane and the bioenergetic processes underlying this metabolism. The long-term goal of his research is to develop new approaches to reducing methane emissions.

"Understanding how microorganisms produce methane helps us not only in studying the evolution of life but also in combating human-induced climate change," explains Prof. Schuller. The Heisenberg Professorship also strengthens the excellent research landscape in Marburg: "We are working on a core topic of the Cluster of Excellence M4C and can make optimal use of the synergies available there."

With this funding, the DFG recognizes a scientist who has already received numerous awards for his research. Jan Schuller has been honored with the DFG’s Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, an ERC Starting Grant, and the VAAM Research Prize, among others. The Heisenberg Professorship now offers him the opportunity to further expand his internationally recognized research in microbial structural biology while simultaneously developing innovative teaching programs.

The DFG’s Heisenberg Program is aimed at outstanding scientists who meet all the requirements for a tenured professorship. The funding enables them to further develop their scientific independence and prepare for a permanent leadership position.