Shenyu Liu: "My studies gave me essential knowledge, and research brings it to life."

Profiles of early-career researchers at the Faculty of Natural Sciences
"Curious minds – What's yours?"

In March 2024, a research team from Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) published the key to the genetic basis of gramine formation in barley in the journal Science. In July 2025, the three lead authors were honoured with the German Botanical Society's award for the best plant science publication. We decided to learn more about the research work of award winner Shenyu Liu.

Three questions for a doctoral candidate: Shenyu Liu from the Biochemistry of plant specialised metabolites group

Editorial team, Faculty of Natural Sciences: Could you describe your research in four lines?
Shenyu Liu: My research focuses on elucidating the biosynthesis of plant natural products using chemical and biological methods. I combine synthetic and analytical chemistry with molecular biology, applying modern techniques to uncover how plants produce these compounds and to prepare new applications based on this knowledge.

What drives your scientific spirit?
My motivation comes from my fascination with natural products. While studying chemistry, I was amazed by the total synthesis of taxol and its crucial role in cancer treatment. The connection between chemical research and medical applications inspired me to focus on natural product research. My doctoral studies allow me to deepen this interest in researching the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites.

What skills do you need today that you didn’t learn at university?
I believe most of the essential skills were introduced during my studies, at least in principle. Professional life, however, requires continuously refining and applying them to new challenges. One key ability I have significantly improved is independent problem-solving. At university, learning often followed structured content with strong support from lecturers. Research demands the ability to develop new methods and technologies autonomously. This calls for intensive literature research and learning from the experiences of others to quickly integrate new approaches into one’s own work. Still, the knowledge I built during my studies forms the basis upon which I continuously develop new skills.

Shenyu Liu studied Chemistry at the University of Paderborn (2017–2020) before starting his doctoral studies with Professor Dr. Jakob Franke. He works as a research associate in the plant secondary metabolite biochemistry group and conducts his doctoral research at the Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research.

• Institute of Botany: Plant secondary metabolite biochemistry group
• German Botanical Society, 21 July 2025: Award: Discovery of a key enzyme for a toxic alkaloid with great application potential
• Faculty of Natural Sciences 9 April 2024: Formation of the toxic alkaloid gramine in barley decoded: publication in "Science"
• Studying chemistry in Hannover: Chemistry and biochemistry degree programmes

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.