Science Meets Pints: MPIPZ Researchers kick off Pint of Science Cologne 2025 with a taste of Plant Science

Science stepped out of the lab and into the pub as the international Pint of Science Festival returned to Cologne from 19 to 21 May, bringing cutting-edge research to local audiences in a relaxed and approachable setting. The first evening of the event set the tone for an engaging and insightful series, as three of our PhD-students took the stage under the theme “The Future is Female.”

 

Held in the cozy, beer-scented atmosphere of a Cologne pub, the night attracted science enthusiasts and curious minds. With a blend of humor and passion, the speakers showcased how modern plant science intersects with global challenges—and even with pop culture.

Microbes, Genomes, and K-Pop: A Night of Plant Science

The evening began with Priscilla, who captivated the audience with her talk “Unleashing Nature's Defences.” She highlighted how beneficial bacteria help plants defend themselves against harmful pathogens, keeping roots healthy and ecosystems in balance. Her engaging storytelling shed light on how microbial allies can promote sustainable agriculture and boost crop resilience in an era of environmental change.

Next up was Aster Liu, whose presentation “SynCom101: Building Microbial Communities from Scratch” demystified the complex world of plant-microbe interactions. By introducing simplified, synthetic communities of microorganisms, Aster demonstrated how researchers untangle the intricate web of life below our feet giving a glimpse into the curent efforts to engineer microbial systems.

Mehak wrapped up the night by taking the audience on a journey through time with her talk “From Genomic Data to Evolutionary History.” Using DNA as a historical archive, she explained how researchers trace the evolutionary paths of different organisms, unlocking secrets about how life on Earth has changed.

Science for Everyone

True to the Pint of Science mission, the night encouraged interaction and curiosity. Between sips and questions, the audience engaged with our researchers, asking about everything from the role of synthetic biology in agriculture to what plants might reveal about the future of our planet. It perfectly captured the spirit of Pint of Science: making cutting-edge research fun, accessible, and inspiring for everyone.