Honoring Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors at Helmholtz Munich
Outstanding achievements in early-career research and academic mentoring were celebrated at an award ceremony held on July 2 at Helmholtz Munich. Two Doctoral Researcher Awards and the Best Supervisor Award were presented – prestigious honors that shine a spotlight on exceptional dedication to scientific excellence and mentorship.
Recognizing Excellence in Doctoral Research
This year, the Doctoral Researcher Awards were presented to Florencia Merino and Ruyu Ma. Both early-career scientists were recognized for the outstanding quality of their research during their doctoral studies.
Florencia Merino investigates the origins of periventricular heterotopia, a brain malformation traditionally attributed to defects in neuronal migration during development. Her research challenges this long-held view by revealing early dysfunction in neural stem cells – the precursors of neurons –as the primary cause of the disorder. By shifting the focus from late-stage neuronal migration to early stem cell defects, her work opens new avenues for early-stage therapeutic interventions.
Ruyu Ma developed a new generation of bioluminescent imaging systems that combine custom optical design with an ultra-sensitive camera, enabling real-time visualization of molecular and cellular events without the need for an external light source. This innovation significantly reduces phototoxicity and allows for long-term imaging in living cells. Her interdisciplinary work bridges optical engineering and biology, inspiring multiple collaborative projects across different scientific fields.
Supporting the Next Generation of Scientists
Helmholtz Munich is deeply committed to nurturing young scientific talent. The Helmholtz Munich Graduate School (HELENA) offers a dynamic research environment that places strong emphasis on personal and professional development. The goal is to prepare doctoral researchers for successful careers both within and beyond academia.
Exemplary Mentorship by Otmar Schmid
The Best Supervisor Award was presented for the first time this year to Dr. Otmar Schmid, head of the “Pulmonary Aerosol Delivery” research group at the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity. The award recognizes his longstanding dedication to mentoring doctoral researchers. He was especially praised for his open and supportive communication style, constructive feedback, and strong commitment to career development.
“Throughout my professional career, I have been passionate about science and the pursuit of a deeper understanding of the world around us. However, inspiring the next generation of scientists and sharing this passion with them is even more rewarding to me than science itself,” said Otmar Schmid.
Schmid’s research focuses on novel approaches to inhalation therapies for lung diseases. Particular attention is being paid to the development of models that realistically simulate lung processes during inhalation therapy. His team aims to deliver medications as efficiently and precisely as possible to targeted areas of the lungs. To achieve this, they are developing patient-friendly inhalation systems and advanced imaging techniques that visualize the precise distribution of drugs in the respiratory system.
In Partnership with Local Institutions
The awards were jointly presented by the Helmholtz Munich Graduate School (HELENA), the Association of Friends and Supporters (VdFF), and the AtemWeg Foundation. The collaboration highlights a shared dedication to building a future-focused research ecosystem where talent can thrive and scientific innovation can flourish.
Helmholtz Munich | ©Mirjam Eva Lober
