This year, the regional MINT-EC-NRW camp at the Institute for Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP) entered its second round – and was a resounding success. A total of 16 Q1 students from five different high schools in Münster and Coesfeld took part in the course on genetic engineering and biochemistry in the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The three-day camp consisted of a theoretical seminar on 8 October and a laboratory internship on 27 and 28 October 2025. The participants examined algae cells for the presence of a plastid mutation and independently performed a PCR test. The course also demonstrated how chloroplasts can be transformed using a biolistic gene gun. In a biochemical experiment, the students isolated a recombinant photosynthesis protein from a cell extract and then detected a GFP derivative in vivo using fluorescence spectroscopy. The data and results obtained were evaluated together in a detailed final discussion.

As in the previous year, the students met international scientists from the IBBP in the ‘Meet a Scientist’ programme and gained exciting insights into the diverse paths to science and everyday life as a researcher. According to the participants, lunch together in the university canteen was also a nice experience.

The course was led by Ole Jünemann, Simon Bütfering and Anna Erpenbeck from Prof. Dr. Michael Hippler's working group. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the guest speakers and Ulrike Möller, STEM coordinator at Kardinal-von-Galen-Gymnasium, for their excellent cooperation – as well as to all participants for the wonderful time we had together!

Regional STEM-EC-NRW Camp at the IBBP

For an exciting insight into the world of microalgae and photosynthesis, the research group led by Prof. Dr. Hippler hosted the first regional STEM-EC-NRW Camp at the Institute of Biology and Biotechnology of Plants (IBBP) on August 22 and 23.

Under the guidance of Simon Bütfering and Ole Jünemann (MSc students), participants conducted a comparative analysis of Chlamydomonas photosynthesis mutants at both the genetic and phenotypic levels. By working with selected examples, they not only learned about modern molecular biology methods but also gained a deeper understanding of the regulatory processes in photosynthesis, where the proton-motive force (PMF) plays a central role.

In one experiment, Chlamydomonas mutants were examined for homoplasmy and characterized using PAM (Photosynthesis Activity Measurement). Finally, an in vivo fluorescence probe was detected, and considerations regarding its influence on physiology were discussed. The generated data and insights were enthusiastically debated in a final discussion with the participants.

During the "Meet a Scientist" session, participants had the opportunity to meet researchers and discuss not only current research topics but also potential career paths in science.

At the end of the two-day event, the participants gathered in the IBBP courtyard to enjoy the pleasant weather and cold drinks. The attendees were thrilled by the laboratory work and the opportunity to experience modern biotechnological methods up close.

Photosynthesis Workshop at the Kardinal-von-Galen-Gymnasium in Münster Hiltrup

"Killer Algae Terror in Münster!" That was the announcement that startled the students of the biology class at the Kardinal-von-Galen-Gymnasium on April 11, 2024. Engaging in a three-hour Escape Room activity, they unraveled puzzles and pursued the trail of a mysterious alga leading to a secret laboratory. Once the police uncovered this hidden facility, the students were called upon as scientific consultants to expose the perpetrators' activities and prevent an impending blackmail or worse.

During the adventure, the students refreshed their knowledge of photosynthesis fundamentals and delved into the microscopic world of chloroplasts. What are the effects of the Killer Algae on plants in their environment? How do chloroplasts convert sunlight into chemical energy? What explains the pivotal role of the proton motive force in the light reaction? How can genetic techniques achieve phytotoxicity? What are the molecular effects of selected phytotoxins? All these puzzles were solved by the students both successfully and joyfully.

Moreover, the workshop provided a glimpse into the research questions addressed by GoPMF. While illustrations often depict the photosynthetic electron transport chain as a static system, the students were captivated when exposed to aspects of dynamic regulation and adaptation to varying environmental conditions.

We thank Ulrike Möller from KvG Gymnasium for this exceptional collaboration, and eagerly anticipate future cooperative projects.