News

On September 3rd, 2026, Hsuan-Ai Chen successfully completed her PhD on "Structural investigation and biochemical characterization of functional nucleic acids." Warmest congratulations on this wonderful achievement – we wish you all the best and great success on your future path!

Biomolecular NMR at Alpine Altitude: Maria und Irene at the ICMRBS 2026 in Davos

At the round table of international experts on nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids: Arpan, Claudia, Hermann and Taku at the XXVI International Round Table on Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids (IRT) 2026

Hsuan-Ai presented her research on the crystal structures of SAMURI at the 27th Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr 2026) in Calgary, Canada.

What happens when an organic chemist from Oxford spends six weeks in a chemical biology lab? Luke Pearse shares his experience interning with the Höbartner Group – from new lab skills to unforgettable Franconian moments.

From June to December 2026, Kaito Nitatouge will join the Höbartner research group as a visiting PhD student from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at The University of Osaka, Japan. We look forward to working together and wish him much success!

After six intensive days at this year’s Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates from 28 June to 3 July, Hermann can confirm that the guiding principle of the meeting is put into practice.

Our group took part in Molecular Origins of Life (MOM 2026), held at LMU's Great Aula in Munich from 11–12 June 2026. The conference brought together the latest research and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration toward understanding the molecular beginnings of life.

The most recent Focus issue of Nature Chemical Biology features a collection of articles that showcase some of the recent progress in RNA chemical biology to reflect the synergy of mechanistic insights and technological innovations to drive RNA research forward.

At this year's ChemCup, Riboknights achieved their best result in recent years!

The university magazine einBlick profiles Martin and his research into DNA molecules as sensors for the discovery of new drugs.

A ribozyme for site-specific N4-Cytidine alkylation was discovered by Evgeniia Dorinova in the Höbartner laboratory at the University of Würzburg.

Evolution at its best: On April 30th, 2026 Evgeniia Dorinova successfully defended her PhD on "In vitro Evolution and Characterisation of Alkyltransferase Ribozymes". Many congratulations and all best wishes for a bright future!

The Höbartner Lab gives its all even outside the lab, as seen here at the 36th Residenzlauf in Würzburg. On 26 April, more than 10,000 runners took part in the 36th Residence Run, circling the historic Residence with its Hofgarten and Residenzplatz. Among them was our lab team, which put in a fantastic performance by finishing 11th in the 5-kilometre Fit-and-Fun company run, men’s category. With this success, the team came second in the university rankings. Congratulations!

From 16 to 18 March 2026, Würzburg hosted the conference of the GDCh Biochemistry Division. Under the theme “From chemical structures to biological functions”, around 100 scientists from Germany and abroad gathered at the Hotel Melchior Park. The award presented at the conference recognises Evgeniia’s work “Alkyltransferase Ribozymes for Site-specific N4-Cytidine Alkylation”.