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Wie ist es, als Erste in der Familie an die Universität zu gehen, ohne jemanden im direkten Umfeld, der erklären kann, wie Einschreibung, Studienfinanzierung oder das akademische System funktionieren?

In dieser Folge von ImmunoChat spreche ich mit Dr. Natalie Heinen offen darüber, wie es ist, als Erste in der Familie zu studieren. Wir sprechen über finanzielle Hürden, fehlende Orientierung, Selbstzweifel und das Gefühl, sich seinen Platz an der Universität erst einmal erarbeiten zu müssen.

Natalie nimmt uns mit auf ihren Weg vom Bachelor über den Master bis hin zur Promotion und erzählt, welche Herausforderungen sie dabei erlebt hat. Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, wie wichtig Unterstützung, Vorbilder und Netzwerke sein können.

Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist ArbeiterKind.de: eine Organisation, die Menschen aus nichtakademischen Familien auf ihrem Bildungsweg unterstützt. Wir schauen uns an, welche Angebote es gibt, wie Mentoring und Beratung konkret helfen können und warum es so wichtig ist, dass niemand diesen Weg allein gehen muss.

Das nehmen wir aus der Folge mit

• Wer als Erste:r in der Familie studiert, muss viele Abläufe an der Hochschule zunächst selbst herausfinden.
• Finanzielle Belastungen und fehlende Orientierung können den Studienweg zusätzlich erschweren.
• Selbstzweifel und Rückschläge bedeuten nicht automatisch, dass man am fehl am Platz ist.
• Fragen zu stellen, Unterstützung anzunehmen und Kontakte zu knüpfen sind wichtige Skills 
• ArbeiterKind.de bietet unter anderem Beratung, Mentoring und Austausch für Studierende aus nichtakademischen Familien.
• Jeder Bildungsweg ist individuell: Auch Umwege und schwierige Phasen können Teil einer erfolgreichen Geschichte sein.

Keywords

First-Gen, als Erste:r in der Familie studieren, Studium, BAföG, Impostor-Syndrom, ArbeiterKind.de, Chancengleichheit

Kontaktdetails: 

Natalie Heinen | LinkedIn

Unterstützungsangebote für First-Gen Studierende: 

ArbeiterKind.de

Website www.arbeiterkind.de mit umfassenden Informationen rund um den Themenbereich Studium und Berufseinstieg

Eigenes soziales Online-Netzwerk als Diskussions- und Informationsforum unter
netzwerk.arbeiterkind.de

Arbeiterkind.de kostenloses Infotelefon/WhatsApp-Chat unter 030-679 672 750 (Montag bis Donnerstag zwischen 13 und 18.30 Uhr) für alle Fragen rund ums Studium!

Zu den lokalen Gruppen von ArbeiterKind.de: www.arbeiterkind.de/gruppen

Netzwerk Chancen

https://www.netzwerk-chancen.de/

Informationen zum BAFöG und Stipendien:

https://stipendiumplus.de/
Bafög: https://bafoeg-digital.de/

Lokale Anlaufstellen zur Beratung findest du bei der ASta (Allgemeiner Studierenden Ausschuss), dem Studierendenrat (StuRa) oder der Studierendenvertretung (StuVe) deiner Universität. Zudem hat jede Universität eine Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB) zur Beratung von Studieninteressierten.

Quellen: 

Stifterverband (Hochschul-Bildungsreport-2020) 

Bildungstrichter – Zugang zu hochschulischer Bildung: Akademiker*innenkinder und Nicht-Akademiker*innenkinder im
Vergleich (2021)

Hinweis: Die Angaben erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit oder Richtigkeit und ersetzen keine individuelle Beratung.

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The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
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https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
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Keywords

Oncolytic viruses, Influenza A viruses, Cancer therapy, Lung cancer, Immune activation 

Summary

In this episode, Pia Madeleine Leipe talks with Dr. Ramona Meissner about an exciting frontier in cancer research: oncolytic viruses. Together, they explore how Influenza A viruses can be used to selectively target and destroy tumor cells, why these viruses are particularly promising againstlung cancer , and how the immune system plays a key role in this approach.

Ramona shares insights from her research, explaining how engineered viruses can both kill cancer cells and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The conversation also touches on current challenges, safety considerations, and the future potential of this innovative therapeutic strategy.

Takeaways

• Viruses can selectively target and destroy tumor cells.
• Influenza A shows promise as an oncolytic virus for lung cancer treatment.
• Combines direct tumor killing with immune activation.
• Research results reveal high potential of influenza A as OV. 

Resources & Links

• Review: Oncolytic viruses: advanced strategies in cancer therapy (Nature 2026)
• Replication-incompetent influenza A viruses armed with IFN-γ effectively mediate immune modulation and tumor destruction in mice harboring lung cancer (Molecular Therapy Oncolytics 2023)

Connect with Dr. Ramona Meissner

• Postdoc in Claudia Rössig´s Group (Cellular Immunotherapy) at Princess Máxima Centerfor Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht
• LinkedIn

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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Keywords:

Gut Microbiome, Autoimmunity, Lupus, Microbiome Research, Enterococcus gallinarum, Immunological Tolerance, Microbiome Therapies

Summary: 

In this episode of the Young Immunologist Podcast ImmunoChat, Pia Madeleine Leipe talks with Carina Brune about the role of the gut microbiome in the immune system and its connection to autoimmune diseases. They discuss the importance of gut microbes, the challenges in researching autoimmune diseases, and the potential therapeutic approaches emerging from microbiome research.

Takeaways:

• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system.
• Dysbiosis in the microbiome can lead to autoimmune diseases.
• Enterococcus gallinarum is a bacterium linked to the development of lupus.
• Future therapies may target microbiome modulation, including vaccines and phage therapy.

Please find here links to publications referred to in this Episode:  

General Info:

•  Family size, infection and atopy: the first decade of the 'hygiene hypothesis' | Thorax
• Host–microbiota interactions in immune-mediated diseases | Nature Reviews Microbiology

SLE and microbiome:

• Translocation of a gut pathobiont drives autoimmunity in mice and humans | Science
• Within-host evolution of a gut pathobiont facilitates liver translocation | Nature
• Translocating gut pathobiont Enterococcus gallinarum induces TH17 and IgG3 anti-RNA–directed autoimmunity in mouse and human | Science Translational Medicine
• Lupus and inflammatory bowel disease share a common set of microbiome features distinct from other autoimmune disorders | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

 Phage therapy

• Targeted suppression of human IBD-associated gut microbiota commensals by phage consortia for treatment of intestinal inflammation: Cell

YouTube Video

Hinter den Kulissen des Tierlaboratoriums der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover

Contact details

Carina Brune – University of Münster | LinkedIn

Immune-Microbiota Interactions Lab (@agkriegel.bsky.social) — Bluesky

Die Abteilung Translationale Rheumatologie und Immunologie

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

Become a member today! --> https://dgfi.org/dgfi-en/dgfi-membership/?noredirect=en_US
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Keywords

HIV, immunology, virology, immunological niches, Cytotoxic CD4 T cells, , CD137, HIV reservoirs

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist Podcast ImmunoChat, Pia Leipe engages with Dr. Anna Malyshkina to explore the complexities of HIV, its interaction with the immune system, and the innovative research being conducted to combat this virus. They discuss the roles of various immune cells, the challenges of antiretroviral therapy, and the significance of immunological niches where HIV can hide. Dr. Malyshkina shares insights into her research on cytotoxic CD4 T follicular helper cells and the potential of CD137 as a target for immunotherapy. 

Takeaways

• HIV primarily targets CD4 T cells, disrupting the immune system's coordination.
• Antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV but does not eliminate it.
• Immunological niches provide safe harbors for HIV, complicating treatment.
• CD4 T follicular helper cells can be armed to target HIV.
• CD137 is a promising target for enhancing T cell responses.

Please find here links to publications referred to in this Episode:  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37965314/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37883584/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30635687/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30782653/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28798348/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26608920/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37910505/

Contact details

·      Dr. Anna Malyshkina 

·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-malyshkina-776324178/

·      Institute of Physiology Essen: https://www.uni-due.de/physiologie/

·      Institute for Virology Essen: https://www.uni-due.de/virologie/

·    ELAN Proposal UDE: https://www.unidue.de/med/promotionskolleg/evaluierte_projekte.php 

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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Keywords

Lung research, Respiratory tract, Human lung explants, Organoids, Air-liquid interface cultures, Infections, Drug testing, Disease mechanisms, Virology

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist Podcast ImmunoChat, host Pia Leipe interviews Dr. Saskia Hinse, a postdoc at the University clinic Münster at the Institute of molecular Virology, to discuss models of the respiratory tract. They explore the use of human lung explants, organoids, and air-liquid interface cultures in lung research, focusing on their applications in studying infections, drug testing, and understanding disease mechanisms. The conversation highlights the advantages and challenges of these models, emphasizing their role in complementing traditional in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Takeaways

• Lung explants are small pieces of human lung tissue used for research.
• Organoids are grown from type II pneumocytes and can be maintained for months.
• Air-liquid interface cultures mimic the upper respiratory tract.
• These models help study infections and drug testing.
• Lung explants and organoids complement in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Challenges include tissue availability and heterogeneity.
• Human tissue models are key for understanding disease mechanisms.

Please find here links to publications using the models discussed today - Lung explants, Organoids and ALIs: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39248230/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36423831/

Contact details 

• Dr. Saskia Sophie Hinse 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskia-sophie-hinse-0a273a398/

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis, Pregnancy, Autoimmune Diseases, Immune Tolerance, GDF15, Neuroimmune Crosstalk, Reproductive Immunology, Maternal Health, Research Challenges, MS Treatment

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist podcast, Nóra Balzer interviews Jana Sonner, a postdoc at the University Medical Center in Hamburg, discussing the intersection of multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy. They explore how autoimmune diseases typically affect women during their reproductive years, the unique immunological changes that occur during pregnancy, and the implications for maternal and fetal health. The conversation delves into the mechanisms of maternal immune tolerance, the role of GDF15, and the latest research findings on MS and pregnancy. Jana emphasizes the need for more research in reproductive immunology and the importance of including pregnant women in clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes.

Takeaways

• Pregnancy can suppress disease activity in autoimmune diseases.
• Autoimmune diseases often onset during women's reproductive years.
• MS does not typically affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
• Disease-modifying therapies may pose risks during pregnancy.
• Maternal immune tolerance is crucial for pregnancy success.
• GDF15 plays a role in immune regulation during pregnancy.
• Peripheral immune system adapts significantly during pregnancy.
• Exclusive breastfeeding may lower postpartum relapse risk in MS.
• Research in reproductive immunology is still underfunded and underexplored.
• Inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials is essential for better treatment.

Please find some links to work both on MS in general and pregnancy and MS

• https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJM199807303390501?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00281-016-0584-y
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41583-024-00823-z
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-022-00718-z

Contact details

• Contact: Dr. Jana Sonner, [email protected]
• Webpage Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS): https://www.inims.de

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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keywords

academic integrity, plagiarism, intellectual property, research ethics, PhD students, collaborations, scientific publications, open access, patents, copyrights

summary

In this podcast episode, Nora Balzer (Dr rer Nat) discusses the complexities of intellectual property in academia, particularly in the context of a case involving a PhD student accused of plagiarism. The conversation explores the balance between sharing research for public good and protecting intellectual achievements, the challenges of collaborations, and practical advice for PhD students navigating these issues.

takeaways

• Sophie’s case highlights the complexities of academic integrity - reference: https://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/uni/professor-contra-doktorandin-wer-klaut-hier-bei-wem-a-776909.html - accessed on 27-02-2025.
• Intellectual property in academia is often misunderstood.
• The need to protect research can conflict with sharing knowledge.
• Patents and copyrights are crucial but challenging to navigate.
• Open access aims to make research freely available but has costs.
• Collaborations can complicate ownership of research outcomes.
• PhD students should choose their supervisors wisely.
• Reading contracts is essential for understanding rights.
• Building a support network is vital for early career scientists.
• Emotional responses to credit disputes should be managed rationally.

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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keywords
cardiac research, organoids, 3D cell models, IPS cells, personalized medicine, ethical concerns, organ transplantation, cardiac therapy, cell differentiation

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist podcast - ImmunoChat, Nóra Balzer interviews Fabienne Becker, a PhD candidate at the University Clinic of Düsseldorf, about her work on the HEAL project (101056712 – HLA-homozygous iPSC-cardiomyocytE Aggregate manufacturing technoLogies for allogenic cell therapy to the heart; https://www.heal-horizon.com/), which focuses on using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for cardiac repair. Fabienne discusses her background in chemistry and biochemistry, the process of manufacturing cardiac 3D cell models, and the differences between spheroids and organoids. She highlights the advantages of 3D models over traditional 2D cultures and animal models, the potential of iPSC-derived therapies in personalized medicine, and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of human cells. The conversation also touches on the cost and time implications of producing cardiac organoids, recent advancements in organoid technology, and the future of transplantable heart tissue. Fabienne shares her surprising discoveries in cardiac research and offers advice for aspiring researchers in the field.

Takeaways

• The HEAL project aims to develop cell therapy for heart regeneration.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into various cell types.
• 3D cell culture is simpler than many believe.
• Spheroids contain one cell type, while organoids contain multiple.
• Organoids aim to mimic the complexity of real organs.
• Personalized medicine could benefit from iPSC-derived therapies.
• Standardized protocols are needed for consistency in research.
• Ethical concerns exist regarding informed consent for iPSC use.
• 3D models can reduce costs in laboratory settings.
• Patience and perseverance are key in scientific research.

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

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Welcome to a festive and inspiring episode of the ImmunoChat podcast! In this special holiday edition, the Young Immunologist Board of the German Association of Immunology has shared their top advice to help YOU level up your scientific career in 2025. Whether you're just starting out in your PhD or gearing up for your next big career move, this episode is packed with tips you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, you'll learn:

• Networking like a pro: How to connect with colleagues, mentors, and peers at your institute and beyond, and why building collaborations is key to advancing your career.
• Thinking outside the box: Practical advice on using literature to inspire new experimental ideas and how to pitch novel concepts to your PI.
• Maximizing publishing potential: Angeliki, our expert on ‘publish or perish,’ shares strategies for staying connected, attending seminars, and engaging with the broader scientific community to boost your career and personal growth.
• Practical advice for 2025: From securing the dream job to learning new skills and maintaining a work-life balance—how to stay focused and achieve your goals this year.

✨ Special Announcement: Goal-Setting Master Class for 2025 ✨

Want to start the year strong and actually achieve your goals? Join Dr. Nora Balzer and mental health coach Hanna Sänger for an exclusive Goal-Setting Master Class on January 4th. This online session will cover powerful goal-setting techniques such as IKIGAI, Vision Boards, SMART Goals, and more. Plus, if you're in Bonn, join us for an in-person workshop on January 5th to set your intentions for 2025 in a supportive, community-driven environment.

Sign up now and get ready to crush your goals in 2025!
https://form.jotform.com/243263303785356
use the code: MYGOAL2025

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
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In this episode we chat with Dr. rer. Nat. Angeliki Stamtsis-Datsi the origins of the "publish or perish" culture, how it became so ingrained, and its impact on academic life today.
We compare impact factors and citation metrics, exploring how they shape career trajectories and research priorities.
Delving into ethical challenges, inflated co-authorship and explore new ways of measuring research influence, such as open-access platforms and collaborative projects.
Angeliki is a senior PostDoc in the field of immunotherapies and clinical trials, who shared her valuable thoughts and impressive experiences.
What should be our next episode about? Leave a comment below.

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Pia Madeleine Leipe -
www.linkedin.com/in/pia-madeleine-l-75b749207

The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

Become a member today! --> https://dgfi.org/dgfi-en/dgfi-membership/?noredirect=en_US
https://www.yefis.org/