Thomas Liehr – Biological Networks Award – Best Researcher Award
Assoc Prof Dr. Thomas Liehr distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biological Networks. The Lab of Molecular Cytogenetics at the Institut für Humangenetik in Jena pursues various research lines, all linked by a common interest in chromosome structure and evolution. His primary focus lies within the realm of clinical genetic research, specifically in characterizing acquired and inherited chromosomal aberrations to comprehend the underlying biological mechanisms behind such deviations from the norm. Ongoing projects delve into topics such as small supernumerary marker chromosomes, chromosomal heteromorphisms, uniparental disomy, chromosomal breakpoints, and multicolor-FISH techniques. In the field of leukemia research, he contributes to identifying cryptic chromosomal aberrations associated with the disease. Additionally, the lab investigates chromosomal evolution through collaborations with other research groups studying diverse species such as fish (in Brazil), turtles (in Italy), and rodents (in Russia). In addition to employing multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques, he utilizes methods like immunohistochemistry, microsatellite analysis, array-CGH, and next-generation sequencing to further his research objectives
