Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology
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GMI is the only international center for basic plant research in Austria. Research covers many aspects of molecular and evolutionary genetics.
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The Vienna BioCenter recently welcomed 30 exceptional Ukrainian high school students from the Simons Science School in Chemistry and Physics to gain hands-on experience and research insights from scientists at the GMI, IMBA, IMP, and Max Perutz Labs. Thank you to all scientists and organizers!
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In 2022, the GMI celebrated Gregor Mendel’s 200th birthday and the inaugural “Mendel Early Career Symposium,” which has since become a highly anticipated annual event bringing together young plant researchers for presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.
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In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic shut down activities at the GMI for several weeks. However, the unique virus testing pipeline developed by the VBC facilities allowed our scientists to resume their work much faster than elsewhere, and served as a template for infection surveillance in Vienna.
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In 2019, the GMI was featured in “Planet der Pflanzen”, part of the “Akademics” science communication comic series by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). The comics were designed to make research accessible and fun for young readers.
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In 2016, as a special activity along the Long Night of Research, the GMI launched “gmi4kids” and “Botanic Quest”—two special initiatives aimed at inspiring curiosity about plants and raising public awareness of their importanc. Both initiatives continue to exist today!
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In 2015, the GMI became a full partner of the Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF). This campus-wide collaboration with IMBA and the IMP granted GMI researchers full access to the facilities and services provided on campus, opening new opportunities for all research groups at the GMI.
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In 2013, the GMI participated for the first time in “Fascination of Plants Day”, an annual international initiative aiming to raise public awareness of plants’ vital role for our planet. To this day, the GMI remains committed to Fascination of Plants Day.
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in establishing the GMI as a leading institution within the European plant biology landscape.
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In 2012, the GMI co-organized the 23rd International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR) at Vienna’s Imperial Palace. In addition, GMI Group Leader Thomas Greb organized a satellite workshop focused on plant vascular development.

Both events were a huge success and played a significant role
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Elwira Smakowska-Luzan, former postdoc in Youssef Belkhadir’s lab at the GMI, was one of the invited speakers at the GMI’s 25th Anniversary Scientific Symposium.

In this interview, she reflects on her time at the GMI and its impact on her career. https://thegmi.science/dnb
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👨🏻🎓 At the recent ÖAW Kinderuni Day, the GMI invited young explorers to get hands-on with the science of seed dispersal in a lively workshop at the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
A big thank you to to Ortrun Mittelsten Scheid, Sina Metzler, and Barbara Weigel for delivering the workshop!
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New paper alert! Vicky Spencer and colleagues in Liam Dolan’s lab show that the gene MpCYP78E1 regulates the activity of meristems - specialized regions containing stem cells that produce new branches - in Marchantia polymorpha to establish the plant’s body architecture: https://thegmi.science/htn
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In 2011, the GMI celebrated its 10th anniversary —albeit with a one-year delay—by hosting a scientific minisymposium that brought together scientists, representatives of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and policymakers to explore the GMI’s mission and ongoing research in molecular plant biology.
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In 2011, the GMI held its first Annual Retreat — a tradition that continues to this day! The GMI Retreat is a valuable opportunity for scientists and administrative staff to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen our community beyond the lab.
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Congratulations to Hing Pan Ng, PhD student in Yan Ma’s lab, who received a DOC Fellowship from the Austrian Academy of Sciences! Ng will investigate the molecular mechanisms that gall-inducing insects use to remodel plant cell walls during gall development. More: https://thegmi.science/3b9d1b
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In 2010, the GMI’s plant growth chambers were upgraded. The project, led by Borries Luberacki, equipped the new growth chambers with state-of-the-art technology for precise simulation of different climate conditions, enabling GMI scientists to make significant advances in their research.
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“What really sets the GMI apart is the environment. It’s a state-of-the-art plant research institute, but it’s embedded in a much broader scientific campus.” Karel Říha, former group leader at the GMI, reflects on the institute’s first years and promising future: https://thegmi.science/3vp
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Congratulations to Silvia Ramundo, Group Leader at the GMI, who has been awarded an ASTRA Award from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) in recognition of her research on chloroplast biology!

Read more: https://thegmi.science/049300
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Apply to the Communications Officer position: https://www.oeaw.ac.at/fileadmin/Institute/GMI/The_GMI/Opportunities/20250623_comms_officer.pdf

#jobs #europe #vienna #digital #science #communications #socialmedia
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We are #hiring! Join the GMI as a Communications Officer and help shape a compelling, consistent presentation of the GMI—online and in print—ensuring our message resonates with diverse audiences. More below!
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“The cross-disciplinary interaction really broadened my perspective and encouraged me to combine different ideas in my own research.” - Aleš Pečinka, former postdoc in Ortrun Mittelsten Scheid’s lab at the GMI, reflects on his time at the GMI and what it means to return: https://thegmi.science/apj
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Presenting the GMI Research Report for 2024! Meet new group leaders Nick Irwin and Yan Ma, explore recent research findings, and explore GMI model organisms - revealed in vivid detail. Download your copy. 👇
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Congratulations to Marintia Nava on the completion of her PhD! Marintia, a researcher in the Dagdas Lab, presented her dissertation titled “Characterization of a novel selective autophagy pathway for protein quality control in Arabidopsis thaliana” during her PhD defense.
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A commemorative film capturing the highlights of the GMI 25th Anniversary Lecture with Prof. Jennifer Doudna at the Austrian Academy of Sciences is now available. Please join us in revisiting a charming moment in GMI’s history! 🌱

Watch our recap: youtu.be/Nh8sJqQpySU
GMI Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary with Jennifer Doudna
YouTube video by GregorMendelInstitute GMI
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