The director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and SCALE member is among the winners of the internationally renowned Kavli Prize. The scientist is being honored for her discovery of local protein synthesis in neurons, which is of great importance for brain development and plasticity.

Erin Schuman shares the Kavli Prize 2026 in the field of neuroscience with Christine Holt of the University of Cambridge (UK), Kelsey Martin of the Simons Foundation (USA) and Oswald Steward of the University of California, Irvine (USA). The Kavli Prize is regarded as one of the most prestigious prizes in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience and endowed with one Million US dollars in each field. 

”Honoring these excellent scientists is not only a recognition of achievements, it is an investment in our shared future, affirming the curiosity, rigor, and courage that drive human progress”, says Annelin Eriksen, President of The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

Local control of neuronal connections

Through learning and experience, connections between nerve cells (neurons) continue to form right into late adulthood and constantly adapt to changing challenges. In the process, the brain’s neural circuits are remodeled, and connections between neurons are formed and maintained – a capability known as ‘synaptic plasticity’. This adaptability is underpinned by proteins in the neuron that can be locally controlled and regulated.

The scientists awarded the Kavli Prize in 2026 have uncovered fundamental principles of how neuronal protein production occurs at the molecular level – from the activity-dependent transcription of genes into mRNA to the local translation of mRNA into new proteins in the neuronal processes, the axons and dendrites and synapses. Their findings provide spectacular insights into the mechanisms that enable the brain to be constantly remodeled through experience.

Furthermore, Erin Schuman has developed powerful molecular tools to identify and visualize newly synthesized proteins at high resolution. In doing so, she has elucidated how mRNA levels, protein synthesis and protein degradation are regulated within specific cellular compartments.

“I’m thrilled to be honored with this recognition with Christine, Kelsey and Os and also so pleased that the fascinating machines and molecules inside the neuron are getting the attention they deserve”, says Schuman.

About Erin Schuman

Erin Schuman was born in California in 1963. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California, she went on to obtain a PhD in Neuroscience at Princeton University. She then conducted postdoctoral research in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University. In 1993, she joined the Biology Department at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she remained until 2009 and was appointed as an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) from 1997 to 2009. In 2009, she relocated to Frankfurt with her husband, Gilles Laurent, to establish the new Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. 

Schuman has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine, the Rosenstiel Award, the Brain Prize, the Körber European Science Prize and the HFSP Nakasone Award. She is a member of The Royal Society in the UK, the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine in the US and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

About the Kavli Prize

The Kavli Prize is a partnership between The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the Kavli Foundation (US), and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. It is awarded every two years and was first presented in 2008. So far 73 scientists, from eight countries have received the Prize. All laureates are chosen by committees whose members are recommended by six of the world’s most renowned science societies and academies. Thus, the prize is regarded as one of the most important awards in nanoscience, astrophysics and neuroscience.

Photo Prof. Erin Schuman Credit: Max Planck Institute for Brain Research / Liwlig

Further Information Press release by The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters | Press release by the MPG

Excellent supervision is a key foundation for successful doctoral studies — and this is
exactly what GRADE, the central post-/graduate academy of Goethe University, seeks to
promote. With the “Best Doctoral Supervision” award, endowed with €5,000, GRADE
recognizes outstanding commitment in doctoral supervision, highlights exemplary
mentoring practices, and honors supervisors who make a lasting impact on the academic
and personal development of doctoral candidates.

Nominations may be submitted until 15 September 2026.

The award will be presented during a ceremony on November 30, 2026.

For more information and details of past award events, please visit website.

This year’s SCALE-it Best PhD Award ceremony was a vibrant celebration of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we recognized the remarkable achievements of early-career researchers who are shaping the future of science. The event was expertly hosted by SCALE-it spokesperson Prof. Dr. Michaela Müller-McNicoll, who guided us through an inspiring and memorable program.

From groundbreaking interdisciplinary research to pioneering method development, this year’s awardees — Dr. Jakob M. Silberberg (Best Interdisciplinary Work), Dr. Olivia Pfeil-Gardiner (Best Method Development), and Dr. Huaipeng Xing (Best Scientific Contribution) — set a new benchmark for excellence. Chosen from a truly exceptional pool of nominees, their work reflects the very best of our academic community.

It was an honor to welcome keynote speakers Prof. Dr. Phillip Stansfeld and Dr. Christoph Spahn, who shared powerful insights, discoveries, and reflections on scientific milestones. Prof. Dr. Inga Hänelt, Prof. Dr. Martin Beck, and Dr. Bonnie Murphy added a personal touch as laudatores, highlighting each nominee’s journey with warmth and insight.

Our sincere appreciation goes to all presenters, organizers, and participants — whether on stage, behind the scenes, or on the dance floor, you brought energy and spirit that made this celebration truly unforgettable.

A special mention goes to Prof. Dr. Mike Heilemann and Prof. Dr. Roberto Covino, whose skilled moderation brought dynamism and variety to the event, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

We also want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of all nominees and their supervisors. The selection process was anything but easy, reflecting the exceptionally high quality and caliber of the submissions.

As we look toward the SCALE-it Best PhD Award 2026, we’re excited to meet the next wave of exceptional talent.

Together, we are building a lasting tradition of excellence — one that celebrates and empowers the future leaders of science.

The Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers (GRADE) center SCALE-it is a joint initiative of Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS). It offers a diverse program of thematic and methodological events, lectures, and workshops. Additional support includes professional development seminars, funding for conferences and research stays, PhD and postdoc symposia, and personalized career coaching.

Photo by Uwe Dettmar – From left to right: Dr. Christoph Spahn, Dr. Bonnie Murphy, Dr. Huaipeng Xing, Prof. Dr. Michaela Müller-McNicoll, Prof. Dr. Inga Hänelt, Prof. Dr. Martin Beck, Prof. Dr. Phillip Stansfeld, and Dr. Jakob Silberberg.

On 17 June 2025, Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) Fellow Dr. Sebastian Thallmair has received the Director’s Award for Excellent Mentoring in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Frankfurt International Graduate School for Science (FIGSS). The €5,000 award honors his innovative efforts to reform and strengthen PhD training and mentoring.

Since taking over FIGSS leadership in 2022, Thallmair has implemented major structural changes, including a revamped course program, mandatory participation declarations, and the introduction of Thesis Advisory Committees. He also enhanced interdisciplinary seminars and established a prize for outstanding presentations to foster scientific communication skills.
Praised for his sensitivity to individual needs, Thallmair offers personal feedback sessions and has become a trusted mentor and role model to many doctoral researchers. His leadership is credited with making FIGSS more supportive, transparent, and attractive for young scientists.
Beyond FIGSS, Thallmair actively engages in public science outreach, known for his clear and accessible talks at events like the FIAS Forum and Night of Science. The award jury described him as exemplifying a modern, dialogue-based scientific culture, playing a key role in making FIAS a desirable hub for graduate training.

Dr. Thallmair’s research group focuses on biophysics and medicinal chemistry, particularly the development and characterization of pharmacological probes. The team investigates how small molecules interact selectively with specific proteins, aiming to understand and optimize these interactions for therapeutic purposes. Their work contributes to the rational design of new medicines through a cycle of molecular design, synthesis, and experimental testing.

Many congratulations from all of us on this well-deserved recognition!

For more information, visit the FIAS homepage.

Image: FIAS Fellow Sebastian Thallmair (left) receives this year’s Director’s Award for Excellent Mentoring, presented by FIAS Director Volker Lindenstruth. Source: FIAS website

Alexander Heckel Receives the 1822 University Prize for Excellent Teaching

We are pleased to share that Professor Alexander Heckel has been awarded the 1822-University Prize for Excellent Teaching by Goethe University Frankfurt, in partnership with the Stiftung der Frankfurter Sparkasse. This prestigious honor, now awarded for the 24th time, recognizes exceptional dedication to teaching and academic engagement.

The award celebrates educators who go beyond traditional instruction—fostering independent learning, critical thinking, and inclusive participation. Nominees are put forward by students, with final selection made by a committee comprising students, faculty, and representatives from the foundation.

Professor Heckel is recognized for his innovative, student-focused approach to teaching organic chemistry. His courses stand out for their pedagogical clarity, visual richness, and sensitivity to the diverse academic backgrounds of his students—especially within the interdisciplinary bioinformatics program. He has a remarkable ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible without sacrificing depth or rigor.

By integrating advanced digital and interactive methods—including virtual reality and hybrid learning environments—Professor Heckel transforms abstract content into engaging, hands-on experiences. Students consistently highlight his inspiring teaching style, his integration of research and real-world practice, and his ability to connect course content to his broader work, including his experience as a paramedic.

Professor Heckel’s sustained commitment to innovation in education, combined with his excellence in teaching, distinguishes him as a leading educator in the natural sciences.

🔗 Learn more about Prof. Heckel’s research group
🔗 Read more about the award

Congratulations to Professor Heckel on this well-deserved recognition!

Image (from left) Dr. Ingo Wiedemeier, CEO of Frankfurter Sparkasse; award recipients Dr. Boris Wittekindt, Prof. Alexander Heckel, Prof. Romana Radlwimmer; Dr. Johannes Friedrich Diehl, and Goethe University Vice President for Teaching and Learning, Prof. Viera Pirker.
Photo: Moritz Reich / Source: Goethe University Frankfurt

Now Open for Nominations!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the SCALE-it Best PhD Award, recognizing outstanding research on the structure and dynamics of life at the subcellular level. This annual award celebrates excellence within our scientific community.

PhD supervisors are invited to nominate candidates for the SCALE-it Best PhD Award until March 31, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• PhD students from GU, FIAS, MPIBR, MPIBP, and external SCALE faculty who submitted their thesis in 2024 (defense not required).
• Research must align with SCALE’s focus areas.

How to Apply: Please submit the nomination to scale-office@uni-frankfurt.de

The award winner(s) will receive a prize of €1,500. The two awards will be presented on June 17, 2025, during the celebration ceremony.

For PhD Students: If you are not yet a member of the SCALE-it GRADE Center, we encourage you to join! Enjoy professional development opportunities, extensive networking with peers, and much more.