Profiles of early-career researchers at the Faculty of Natural Sciences
‘Curious minds – What's yours?’
The high temperatures in early summer make it clear: securing tomorrow’s potato harvest is an increasing challenge. As one of the world’s most important staple foods, the potato is moving ever more into the spotlight of research. Dr Christin Bündig is investigating how 96 different potato varieties cope with environmental stress—ranging from salinity and heat to drought. The focus here is on changes in growth, with root characteristics playing a particular role in stress tolerance. A major milestone is her recently funded DFG project, ‘Identification of Molecular Mechanisms and Candidate Genes for Salinity Stress Tolerance in Potato Genotypes’, which aims to unravel the molecular foundations of these adaptation mechanisms. Which gave us reason to find out more:
Three questions for a plant physiologist: Dr Christin Bündig from the Institute of Plant Genetics
Editorial team, Faculty of Natural Sciences: How would you describe your research in four lines?
Christin Bündig: My research seeks to understand how different potato varieties respond to stress caused by salinity, heat, and drought. The aim is to unravel the factors underpinning the tolerance of particular varieties. This knowledge can be used, for example, to breed more resilient potato plants that are better adapted to a changing climate. In this way, we contribute to more stable harvests and support agriculture in challenging conditions.
What drives your scientific spirit?
As a plant physiologist, I am fascinated by the way plant varieties respond to environmental influences and how we can use these insights in breeding programmes. Only a comprehensive understanding of physiological processes enables us to improve growth conditions in a targeted and evidence-based approach. I am also passionate about imparting knowledge of plant stress physiology to our students in the context of climate change and introducing them to current research questions. Personally, I see it as a key task to communicate scientifically sound knowledge in accessible ways.
What do you need in your profession today that you didn’t learn during your studies?
During my studies, I acquired valuable theoretical and practical knowledge, which I expanded further during my doctorate. Over the course of my career, I have realised how important it is to gain an early understanding of the research landscape and funding opportunities. In addition, I have come to appreciate the significance of collaboration and exchange with other researchers, to refine ideas and advance innovative projects. This interdisciplinary teamwork is central to the success of my research.
Christin Bündig studied Plant Science at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bonn, and went on to complete her doctorate in Hannover between 2012 and 2016 in the former Department of Woody Plant and Propagation Physiology under Professor Traud Winkelmann. Since 2017, she has worked as a research associate in the Reproduction and Development section. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher and project leader, she teaches in the fields of biotechnology and physiology. She also serves on the study commission for plant biotechnology and the institute’s executive board, is a member of the TIB user advisory board, deputy S1 project leader, safety officer for her department, and a trained first aider. ‘It’s been a busy few years’, Dr Bündig reflects, who is also a mother of three. The combination of her academic career and family life was possible due to good mentoring and strong family support.
The portrait series ‘Curious minds – What's yours?’ introduces early-career researchers from our Faculty. Through a set of concise questions, it offers personal insights into the variety of current research. Following the idea of big questions and short answers, readers can discover not only the science itself – but also the people who pursue it with dedication and passion.
