Klaus Mayer

Research Group Head, Plant Genome and Systems Biology

+49 89 3187-3584 k.mayer@helmholtz-muenchen.de

Gebäude / Raum: 3532/220

“Deciphering plant genomes - exceeding human genome complexity by far - is fundamental for the development of future crops, future healthy food supply, and for deciphering allergen content and interaction with humans. It is at the very basis of a holistic understanding of health.”

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Dr. Mayer did a PhD in plant developmental biology and analysed a critical stem cell-regulating gene in a plant model organism. After finishing, he joined the consortium that was targeting the deciphering of the first plant genome, the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. At that time, a challenging expedition into uncharted territory involved an exhaustive, globe-spanning consortium. After this milestone achievement, the group developed into a worldwide influential bioinformatics and plant genomics research group that contributed to a wide variety of important model and crop genomes, including the maize and, more recently, the massive cereal genomes of barley and wheat. The group is now focused on the analysis of a variety of pan-genomes and orphan crop genomes for various human consumption.

Big Data Genomics Bioinformatics comparative and translational genomics

"Like the Champions League soccer, world-class genomics can only be achieved by a tight discipline-spanning interaction in an international team. All of our major achievements have been reached by close collaborations spanning the globe."