EMBO Fellowship for Researcher at Swiss TPH

Since joining Swiss TPH last year, Daniel Ballmer has focused his research on the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, in particular the molecular mechanisms that drive gametocyte formation - a critical yet poorly understood cell differentiation process essential for malaria transmission. “During gametocyte formation, P. falciparum undergoes a remarkable transformation, completely remodelling its cellular architecture. We don’t yet understand how this is achieved at a molecular level or how it facilitates transmission of the parasite,” he explained.

Ballmer pursued his PhD at the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh, where he studied the biology of chromosome segregation in African trypanosomes. “With his EMBO fellowship, on which I warmly congratulate Daniel, he will now explore molecular mechanisms associated with the early phase of gametocyte formation. We expect to gain a better understanding of how this important process is regulated and to potentially reveal new avenues for future drug development,” said Till Voss, Head of the Malaria Gene Regulation Unit at Swiss TPH.

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships provide up to two years of funding for exceptional researchers, enabling them to pursue advanced projects, ensure their mobility and strengthen international collaboration.