Dean of the Faculty of Biology is new ASM fellow

In February, the American Academy of Microbiology (ASM) elected 65 new fellows to the Class of 2023. Among them is Prof. Dr. Sonja-Verena Albers, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and principal investigator of BIOSS at the University of Freiburg. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. 

Albers says she feels honored by this acknowledgement of her work on archaeal molecular biology by her colleagues and thanks her current and past team members for making this possible. Albers’ research interest lies in the molecular biology of archaea, ubiquitous single-celled organisms that can live under moderate and extreme environmental conditions. She and her research group investigate the signaling networks that control the assembly of the archaeal cell envelope and the structures on its surface. Among these, is the so-called achaellum, a complex molecular appendage which archaea use to navigate and attach to surfaces.

About the Americal Society for Microbiology

The ASM is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.