Prof Dr Markus Egert and *Penicillium* Image source: Furtwangen University and Association for General and Applied Microbiology, Ulrich Kück and Birgit Hoff
Studium Generale on the microbe of the year at Furtwangen University
It has saved the lives of millions of people and even tastes delicious – the mould fungus *Penicillium*. This year’s “Microbe of the Year” is therefore also the topic of the next lecture in the extra-curricular studies programme, Studium Generale, at Furtwangen University (HFU). The Microbe of the Year is selected by the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM). The aim of this choice is to draw attention to the immense importance of microbes for human health and disease as well as to the diversity of the microbial world.
On Wednesday, 24 June, HFU Professor Dr Markus Egert will address the question of whether the brush mould *Penicillium* was a good choice. Representatives of this genus of fungi produce penicillin, one of the most widely used antibiotics in the world, thus saving millions of lives every year. But *Penicillium* can do much more. It produces the flavour and aroma of cheeses such as Camembert and Brie and, with its enzymes, helps to produce crystal-clear fruit juices. Prof Egert will present this “unattractive but loveable champion” in more detail.
The lecture will take place on Schwenningen Campus (Jakob-Kienzle-Straße 17), E Building, Room 0.02, starting at from 6.00pm. All those interested are welcome to attend this free lecture; advance registration is not required.
The extra-curricular studies programme, Studium Generale, offers academic lectures on current and socially relevant topics. Experts from a wide range of disciplines present their findings and then discuss them with the audience.