Share
This autumn, CEITEC Masaryk University welcomes a new junior research group leader, Anna Schulten, who studies how plants "remember" environmental conditions through epigenetic mechanisms. We asked her why she chose CEITEC, what excites her about starting her own group, and what kind of research environment she hopes to build.
Welcome to CEITEC! What convinced you that CEITEC was the right place to start your own research group?
I actually came across the group leader advertisement on social media while I was looking for my first independent position. When I explored CEITEC, I realized it was an excellent scientific fit for me. My background is in plant science, so it was important for me to join an institution where plant research is strong. At the same time, during my postdoc I became increasingly interested in structural biology and in understanding how the structure of proteins relates to their function. Having these two areas – plant science and structural biology – together within one institute is quite unique and was a very attractive combination for me.
When I visited CEITEC for the interview, I also had a really positive feeling about the people and the atmosphere. It felt like a place where I could imagine building my own research group.
Your research focuses on how plants "remember" environmental conditions. What does that actually mean?
Plants can't move away when conditions change, so they have evolved sophisticated ways to sense their environment and adjust their development accordingly. My research focuses on how environmental signals influence gene activity, and in particular how plants can “remember” past environmental conditions through a process called epigenetic memory. Plants have their DNA, which contains the information needed to build and maintain the organism. But there is also another layer of regulation on top of the DNA – epigenetic modifications. These modifications can influence which genes are active and which are switched off, without changing the DNA sequence itself. They work a bit like molecular switches that help plants adjust their development according to the conditions they experience.
In my research, I focus particularly on how plants respond to prolonged periods of cold. Many plants use this information to determine the right time to flower. They need to avoid flowering too early because they would not have favourable conditions to produce seeds. By sensing that winter has passed, they can prepare for flowering when spring arrives.
This process is also important for agriculture because many crops, including winter oilseed rape, cabbage or cauliflower, also rely on these mechanisms to control their development and flowering time.
This is your first position as an independent research group leader. What are you most looking forward to?
It's exciting – and a little daunting at the same time.
During my postdoc I already supervised PhD students and research technicians, so I gradually gained experience in mentoring people. At the same time, becoming a group leader brings many new responsibilities. You are not only focusing on your own research anymore, but also on creating an environment where other people can do their best science.
I'm really looking forward to building my own team. For me, it's important to build the group thoughtfully. I'd rather start with a small team where everyone receives enough support and supervision, and then expand step by step.
Your research has involved collaborations with structural biologists, biophysicists and mathematical modellers. How have these collaborations shaped the way you approach science?
They've changed how I think about science completely.
During my PhD, I was mainly focused on learning my field and developing my own expertise. During my postdoc, I had the opportunity to work with people from many different disciplines, and that really broadened my perspective.
For example, when studying complex processes such as gene regulation, it is often difficult to understand everything from one point of view. Structural biology can help us understand how proteins work, microscopy can show us where processes happen inside cells, and mathematical modelling can help us understand complex relationships and make predictions that can then be tested experimentally.
I really enjoy this exchange of ideas. Talking to people who approach the same biological question from a completely different perspective can lead to new ways of thinking. I hope to continue building these kinds of interdisciplinary collaborations here.
Moving to Brno means not only starting your own lab but also beginning a new chapter in your life. What are you most looking forward to?
I'm really looking forward to discovering Brno and getting to know the Czech Republic, because until my interview at CEITEC I'd actually never been here before. Everyone keeps telling me Brno has a wonderful international community, with many people from different countries living and working here, so I'm excited to experience that for myself.
I'd also love to learn Czech. I know it won't be easy because it is a very different language from the ones I know, but I think it's the best way to become part of a new place. Hopefully, by next year's Researchers' Night I'll know at least a little Czech!
Author
Expert
