As the year draws to a close, we would like to share our recent milestones and give thanks to the many individuals who supported us. 2025 marked the beginning of a new research focus at the Chair of Technical Biochemistry: the biochemical engineering of lichen species.

The project began as a theoretical investigation into the complex biology of lichens, focusing on biosynthetic pathways and the pharmaceutical potential of lichenous compounds. Our aim was to identify the ideal intersection between biochemical engineering and metabolomics-based drug discovery. After months of intensive planning, this theoretical framework evolved into a tangible research reality. During October, PhD candidate Lisa Mutzberg completed a collection excursion to Nationalpark Harz. The expedition was critical for the collection of a rare lichen species, marking a major step for our group and enabling the initiation of experimental work.

Strategic cooperation and field expertise

This project would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the Nationalpark Harz. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Mr. Martin Bollmann (National Park-Revierleiter, Revier Hohne). Mr. Bollmann assisted in coordinating the collection dates during the busy hunting season and helped Ms. Mutzberg directly in the field during the initial phase.

Crucially, through Mr. Bollmann we established valuable collaborations with Dr. Hans-Ulrich Kison and Mr. André Seelemann. As the former Head of the Nature Conservation, Research and Documentation at the national park, Dr. Kison's legacy in documenting the flora of the Harz is unparalleled. His assistance in the field, alongside his trusted colleague Mr. Seelemann, provided our team with identification expertise and vast literature resources that will be shape our research for years to come.

Acknowledgements

We formally acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their specific contributions to this project during 2025:

TU Dortmund University Support: Prof. Oliver Kayser (Chair of Technical Biochemistry), Ms. Brigitte Trimpe (Legal Matters in Research), Ms. Bettina Höller, Mr. Jörg Fischer, and Ms. Kristine Hemmer (Technical and Administrative Assistance) and Mr. Jan Graw and Ms. Shanice Olanipekun (communication, translations and support).

National Park Harz Administration: Ms. Marlene Düngelhoef, Ms. Ute Springemann, Mr. Tomas Glinka and Mr. Bernd Eberhardt for their assistance with reviewing our collection permit.

National Park Revierleiter: Mr. Lukas Wachsmann (Revierleiter Scharfenstein) and Mr. Olaf Eggert (Revierleiter Schierke) for their correspondence and guidance regarding collection in their respective districts.

We look forward to translating these collected samples into data in the coming year. More Information and contact details on the Dr. Sewes Alberts website.

Additional information related to Nationalpark Harz.