"A must for all structural biologists in Germany"

Prof. Dr. Janosch Hennig has headed the Chair of Biochemistry IV at the University of Bayreuth since 2021. His research there includes the structure and dynamics of protein-RNA complexes, which are involved in processes that control the translation of DNA into proteins. Since 2022, he has also been one of the spokespersons for the Structural Biology working group of the Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie e. V., the largest bioscientific society in Germany. As such, it now falls to him to organize the 9th Murnau Conference. It is the official conference of the working group and takes place every two years - this time from September 18-21, 2024.

UBTaktuell: Prof. Hennig, what is structural biology?

Structural biology is concerned with the molecular structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules, in particular proteins and nucleic acids, and with the question of how changes in their structure affect their function. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy are used to determine biomolecular structures at atomic resolution. This also makes it possible to make very specific statements about the molecular causes of disease development - and to identify how this development can be counteracted. One of the current topics in this field is "4D structural biology", where the fourth dimension is primarily time. 4D structural biology is the focus topic of this year's Murnau Conference.

What is so special about the Murnau Conference?

To quote Leibniz Prize winner Prof. Dr. Irmgard Sinning in conversation with me: "The Murnau Conference is a must for all structural biologists in Germany". The conference is international and aims to bring together the most important scientists in this field with young researchers in an informal atmosphere in the heart of Europe. The size of the conference with up to 200 participants is ideal for a lively scientific exchange. In addition, young researchers have the opportunity to present their work to top-class scientists with an international reputation. The conference is therefore an ideal networking event.

What particular challenges did you face in organizing the conference?

It's not the first conference I've organized, but it's the first one that doesn't have a supporting organization behind it that also makes a large financial contribution. That means we have to look for sponsors. Fortunately, we have been very successful in this respect, with now ten and perhaps soon more companies supporting the conference financially and also appearing as exhibitors. These are companies that manufacture measuring instruments relevant to structural biology. There will therefore also be a lively exchange with industry representatives.

Who can take part in the conference?

Anyone interested in structural biology can register and submit an abstract. Participation includes attendance at all lectures as well as catering and the popular conference dinner. Registration is still possible until 31.07.2024.