Matías Zurbriggen is one of the many young people who were formed in the IBR and decided to expand their professional horizons abroad. Since 2011 he is based in Germany working at the University of Fribourg. Recently visited the Institute and shared their current research and scientific perspective for the future.
In IBR, Matías did his doctoral thesis entitled: ” photosynthetic electron transport and oxidative stress tolerance in plants “, under the supervision of Nestor Carrillo and Estela Valle. Later he made a postdoctoral stage with Carrillo in collaboration with the IPK- Gatersleben Germany in the development of transgenic crops tolerant to environmental stress.
In 2011 he obtained a postdoctoral research fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to be established at the University of Freiburg in the group of Professor Wilfried Weber Synthetic Biology in Mammals, to work on the development of optogenetic tools in mammalian cell systems .
Since 2 years ago, is an assistant professor at the University of Freiburg and leads a small group of research at the interface between synthetic biology in mammalian systems and plant in BIOSS – Cluster Science Centre Excellence, which aims to develop lines research integrating analytical and synthetic-biology approach for synthetically investigating biological processes and signaling pathways -intracellular and supracelular.
“We aim to construct biosensors and synthetic switches for studying biological signaling pathways such as those involved in detecting solar radiation and hormone responsible for the development and differentiation in plants , as well as the development of tools for biotechnological applications in the area of biomedicine anti-cancer therapies, immune-system regulation, “explains the researcher.
He adds, “synthetic biology is a relatively new research approach, interdisciplinary, with many challenges, but also great potential to contribute to the development of other areas of research in basic and applied science.”
“It’s a very stimulating work everyday, you are in contact with investigators and subjects in many different areas of research, not only biologists but also professional areas of materials, nanotechnology, bioinformatics”.
“I was fortunate to train with scientists generated career biotechnology institute then 30 years and we owe this area of research,” adding, “It’s always comforting to return to school, visiting old friends and colleagues researchers with much effort and dedication we formed.”
Zurbriggen expressed his desire to return home and contribute to the scientific community with a new type of knowledge and approach.
“I am pleased to be able to internalize of progress , not only in research but also physical , deserved new institute , the result of years of effort and work that enable today work in a physical space commensurate with the quality of the groups and international level”, says the young researcher.
More information: http://www.bioss.uni-freiburg.de/cms/2047.html
