Prof. Wirthgen, would you start by briefly introducing yourself?

My name is Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Elisa Wirthgen. I have been a Professor of Cell Biology at the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences since February 1, 2025. I was born in Leipzig.

What has your career been like so far? What milestones have shaped you?

In 2006, I completed my diploma in biology at the University of Leipzig, specializing in genetics, immunology and molecular medicine. In 2012, I completed my doctorate in animal physiology at the University of Rostock.

I then received an EXIST scholarship until 2015 and founded the company "Ligandis", additionally supported by the MV scholarship. This was followed by several years as a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf, where I conducted research on metabolic, endocrinological and immunological biomarkers in humans and animals.

From 2018 to 2021, I worked at the University Medical Center Rostock as a postdoctoral researcher and laboratory head of the Mucosal Immunity research group. The research there focused on mucosal immunity and cellular immunotherapy in the context of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. From 2021, I took over as acting head of the same working group and also coordinated the classes / courses and examinations in pediatrics for medical students.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

Researching the complexity of life on various levels has fascinated me since I was a doctoral student. Science constantly challenges me and allows me to critically question hypotheses. I love the opportunity to combine curiosity with meaning, not just to assume how something could be, but to be able to prove it with facts.

What finally brought you to Upper Lusatia?

I actually came to Upper Lusatia for the first time to take up the professorship for cell biology here. Before that, I had lived near Rostock since 2008 and previously in the Leipzig area. The city of Zittau, the landscape and the people immediately appealed to me - and I also felt immediately welcome at the HSZG.

What exactly do you do here, what is your focus?

I teach immunology, genetics, molecular and cell biology with a special focus on practical work in the molecular and cell biology laboratory.

Are there any areas of research that are particularly close to your heart?

I am interested in inflammatory mechanisms in general and particularly in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. These affect more and more people at all stages of life and have a huge impact on their lives as well as on health economics. My goal is to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in order to potentially contribute to prevention, diagnosis or therapy.

How do you design your teaching to inspire students?

I combine up-to-date textbook knowledge with the latest scientific findings and, where possible, make a connection to topics that are relevant to everyday life. Immunology in particular is closely linked to the topics of nutrition, stress and the development of diseases such as allergies or cancer. Students have the opportunity to learn to what extent their own habits or environmental influences have an impact on our health, where there are opportunities to exert influence and where not. I also try to train media skills by addressing current topics from public debates or social media trends in my teaching. I use digital tools to check learning objectives or obtain feedback. I very much hope to be able to transfer my own enthusiasm for the complexity of biological processes to the students.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a career in science?

There is no one-size-fits-all advice. Go your own way. It will not always be easy and rarely predictable. Be open to opportunities and don't be discouraged by failures. A clear goal can help you stay focused.

Do you have any survival tips for the exam phase?

Too much stress arises because you start studying too late. I know this well from my own experience. It's important to accept this for the time being instead of getting angry about it. Study groups have helped me a lot, as long as the chemistry between the participants is right. I generally recommend working on content continuously throughout the semester, attending lectures regularly and taking part in discussions with lecturers. Nevertheless, exam times will always remain challenging.

And finally, a few personal insights: which book do you really want to read this year?

"Self-reflections" by Marcus Aurelius.

What three things should never be missing in your office?

At least one plant, something personal and pictures of my family.

Is there a life motto that accompanies you?

"Life is change - and things often turn out differently than expected."

Thank you very much for the interesting interview and good luck for the future at the HSZG.

The interview was conducted by the University Development and Communication Office, UAS Human Resources Department.