To promote collaborative research on the cell biology of ctenophores, or comb jellies, early-career researchers and graduate students from both institutions conducted mutual exchange visits.
From April 2 to 9, 2025, Dr. Kei Jokura of the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) visited the laboratory of Dr. Gáspár Jékely at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg. During the visit, they discussed the research project and specific experiments to be conducted at NIBB. On April 10, Dr. Jokura accompanied graduate student Juliane Lenz on her visit to NIBB.
During her stay, which lasted July 4, Ms. Lenz conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Jokura. Her work involved analyzing the localization of photoreceptors in ctenophores, observing ciliary structures at high resolution, and examining how photoreceptor cells develop across different developmental stages. The observed localization patterns suggested a possible direct link between photoreception and locomotor control. The results of this collaborative research are currently being prepared for publication as a scientific paper.
In addition to her research activities, Ms. Lenz participated in seminars and events held at NIBB during her stay, where she interacted with graduate students and early-career researchers at the institute.
