Dr. Verena Becker Receives MTZ-BioQuant Award for Systems Biology

Biologist Dr. Verena Becker is the recipient of this year’s MTZ-BioQuant Award for Systems Biology, designed to foster the research undertaken by highly qualified young scientists working in the field of systems biology in the Heidelberg research area. The prize from the MTZ foundation is awarded by Heidelberg University and endowed with 2,500 euros. It is a token of recognition for Dr. Becker’s investigations on the regulation of cellular signalling pathways. Dr. Becker works at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University’s interdisciplinary BioQuant Center. The award will be presented at a ceremony taking place at the BioQuant Center on Thursday, 9 December 2010.

The annual MTZ-BioQuant Award is designed for young scientists in the BioQuant research network working on the development of innovative, computer-aided models promoting the systems biology approach to research. The aim of this approach is to create an overall picture of the dynamic processes of life. To this end, quantitative methods from molecular biology are linked with research instruments stemming from the fields of mathematics, computer science and systems studies.

Verena Becker (b. 1977) investigates information processing at the erythropoietin receptor, which occurs on hematopoietic cells. Her work on the receptor of the erythropoietin hormone (Epo) has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the regulation of the hematopoietic system in the human body. Verena Becker has translated the processes she is investigating into a mathematical model. After studying biology at Freiburg University, Verena Becker obtained her doctorate in Heidelberg in 2007 with a dissertation on the regulation of information processing by the Epo receptor. She has been working at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg since 2003. The research findings that have earned her the MTZ-BioQuant award were published by the journal “Science” in summer 2010.

The aim of the awards conferred by the MTZ foundation is to support excellent young scientists. The foundation encourages medically oriented cellular and genetic research combining classical research approaches with the still youthful branch of science known as systems biology. The MTZ Awards are all dedicated to this advancement strategy. They come in different categories and are awarded at various research institutions in Germany.

For more information, go to www.mtzstiftung.de.

Note for news desks
The presentation ceremony takes place at 3 pm on Thursday, 9 December 2010 at the BioQuant Centre, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, Ute Greenier Hall (7th floor). A photo of the recipient is available from the Press Office.

Contact
Dr. Angela Oberthür
BioQuant
phone: +49 6221 5451204
angela.oberthuer@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de

Communications and Marketing
Press Office, phone: +49 6221 542311
presse@rektorat.uni-heidelberg.de