Short CV – Cristina Barragán

Since 2026
Emmy Noether Junior Group Leader, University of Kiel
Leading a research group on genome plasticity and how plant pathogens adapt.

2024–2025
Science Strategist, EMBL (Heidelberg, Germany)
Worked at the interface of research and policy, supporting strategic development.

2021–2024
Postdoc, The Sainsbury Laboratory (Norwich, UK)
Researched horizontal chromosome transfer in fungal pathogens, revealing a mechanism for rapid evolution in clones.

Education

2016–2020
PhD, Max Planck Institute for Biology (Tübingen) – summa cum laude
Studied genetic incompatibilities and adaptation in natural plant populations.

2013–2016
MSc Biology, University of Tübingen

2010–2013
BSc Biology, University of Tübingen

Funding & awards

Since 2026 – Emmy Noether Programme (DFG)

2022–2024 – Walter Benjamin Fellowship (DFG)

2021 – Otto Hahn Medal – Dissertation Award (Max Planck Society)

2021 – Dissertation Award (Reinhold-und-Maria-Teufel Foundation)

2012–2016 – Undergraduate Scholarship (Friedrich-Ebert Foundation)