Our research group focuses on the production of pharmaceutically relevant proteins in diatoms. We usually produce antibodies of various formats in these diatoms, with production rates far exceeding those of higher plants and already in the range of CHO cells.

Given the high production as well as the very high quality of our antibodies, we founded the company PHAEOSYNT GmbH. The first product will be the first vegan pregnancy test.

My teaching is mainly in molecular biology and bioinformatics (good teaching award 2018) in the biology, life science and plant biotechnology courses. Especially in the Bachelor's programs, the courses are typically taught as inverted classrooms as well as the use of various digital teaching formats.

My textbook "Molekularbiologische Methoden 2. 0" is already in its 3rd edition in 2021.

For all courses in which I am involved, students can apply to write a thesis in my group.

Engagement in teaching

Methods in Molecular Biology

The methods used in molecular biology are developing incredibly fast. Just a few years ago, the sequencing of a complete genome would have been perceived as a mere utopia. Today, it is common practice to work with synthetically produced DNAs and clone 10 DNA fragments simultaneously into a plasmid. Knowledge about the possible applications as well as the underlying principles of current methods in molecular biology is therefore of utmost importance. Only with this knowledge can the limitations and sources of error of the methods be identified and avoided.

The textbook Molkularbiologische Methoden 2.0, (German language) by Dr. Reinard, on which the lecture is based, was published in the 3rd edition in 2021.
Advanced methods in Molecular Biology

After establishing the basic principles of molecular biology and bioinformatics in the bachelor's courses, this module focuses on advanced and very current methods.

The module is offered for the master's courses in Life Science and Plant Biotechnology. During the lecture period, the students prepare a proposal for a research project. From all submitted projects, one will be selected, which will be carried out by all students during their internship.
Exchange programme with the Northeastern University Boston (NEU)

As part of the exchange program with the Northeastern University Boston, students of the NEU can also make a Research Co-op at the Leibniz University in Hannover. Please note that in Hannover only the LUH is involved in the program and none of the other local universities. Since the exchange is with the faculty of Natural Science, students from Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry are most suited to do a Co-op in Hannover.