The German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) has approved funding for a new Research Unit (FOR 6037) dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms that control transcription – the first and most critical step of gene expression. The Research Unit, “Multi-subunit RNA Polymerases Across All Domains of Life: Mechanisms Underlying Transcription Activity and Regulation,” brings together researchers from leading German universities and research institutions. It will initially receive multi-million-euro funding for four years, with the option of renewal for an additional four-year period. The Research Unit bringing together thirteen project leaders over nine projects is coordinated by Claus-D. Kuhn, professor of RNA biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth, who serves as spokesperson, together with
Lydia Herzel, professor at Freie Universität Berlin’s Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who is the Research Unit’s vice spokesperson. Dr. Nelly Said and Professor Markus Wahl, also from the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Freie Universität Berlin, are project leaders within the Research Unit.

Press release FU Berlin (German)
https://www.fu-berlin.de/presse/informationen/fup/2026/fup_26_091-forschungsgruppe-gentranskription/index.html

Press release FU Berlin (English)
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/presse/informationen/fup/2026/fup_26_091-forschungsgruppe-gentranskription/index.html

Press release DFG (German)
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/pressemitteilungen/2026/pressemitteilung-nr-24