Prof. Stecher studied microbiology, immunology and genetics at LMU Munich and completed her doctorate at ETH Zurich on the pathogenesis of salmonella. After working at McMaster University (Canada) and ETH Zurich, she has been a W2 professor at LMU Munich since 2010.
What fascinates Prof. Stecher most about her speciality?
"I am incredibly fascinated by microorganisms," says Bärbel Stecher. "Bacteria, in particular, have developed a wide variety of lifestyles, can thrive under extreme conditions and play a crucial role in many of nature's metabolic cycles. They influence the climate and are important for food production. I find it particularly exciting that the microorganisms in and on our bodies make a significant contribution to our health. Some of the diverse functions of the gut microbiome have only recently been discovered and are still poorly understood. I see enormous potential here for future discoveries and the development of methods and therapies to prevent and cure a wide range of diseases."
What is she looking forward to in her work at the Freising campus?
At the Freising campus, Prof. Stecher is looking forward to interdisciplinary collaboration and developing new ideas together with researchers from the TUM School of Life Sciences and the TUM School of Medicine and Health. "I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas with the students and shaping teaching in microbiology," she adds. Last but not least, she is looking forward to the beautiful campus and the friendly colleagues.