VAAM Research Award 2026 for Johannes Hartl
Dr. Johannes Hartl, head of the joint research group "Systems Biology and Systems Medicine of Metabolism" at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) and at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has been awarded the VAAM Research Award 2026. The Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) honors his work on the interplay between genetics, environment, and metabolism in microorganisms. The award ceremony took place in Berlin on March 22, 2026.
Hartl’s research aims to understand microbial adaptability at the molecular level. Using advanced mass spectrometry, his team generates comprehensive profiles of proteins and metabolites, providing insights into how microorganisms regulate their metabolism to survive under changing conditions.
His work demonstrates that even small genetic differences can lead to pronounced changes in molecular profiles—often long before visible effects on growth or behavior occur. These insights enable predictions, for example, about microbial sensitivity to drugs.
A current focus of the group is on host–pathogen interactions, with the goal of uncovering molecular mechanisms of fungal infections and identifying new targets for therapeutic strategies.
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