In Memory of Professor Dr Philipp Franken
Philipp Franken laid the foundations for his professional career with vocational training in horticulture after completing his secondary education. He subsequently studied genetics and graduated in 1988 with a Diploma from the University of Cologne. Three years later, he obtained his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne with a thesis entitled “Molecular analysis of the flavonoid biosynthesis in Zea mays”. From 1991 to 1993, he continued his research there in the field of biochemistry. He then worked from 1993 to 1995 at the Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA) in Dijon, France, where he conducted research in phytoparasitology. In 1995, he assumed leadership of a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg. Another major milestone in his academic career was his habilitation in microbiology and botany at Philipps University Marburg in 1999.
From 2002 to 2018, Philipp Franken headed the Department of Plant Nutrition at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren. In 2011, he was appointed Professor at Humboldt University of Berlin, where he held the Chair of Molecular Phytopathology. In 2019, he accepted a professorship at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. There, he continued his work as Chair of Molecular Phytopathology while simultaneously directing the Research Centre for Horticultural Crops (FGK) at Erfurt University of Applied Sciences.
As Scientific Director of the FGK, Philipp Franken was deeply committed to maintaining horticultural research at the Erfurt site and to transferring scientific knowledge into practical application. His research interests were consistently broad, ranging from molecular analyses of plant biosynthetic pathways and plant interactions with beneficial microorganisms to microbial ecology and phytopathological topics such as the biological control of plant diseases.
Key milestones of his research included elucidating the mutualistic interactions between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In this context, he investigated essential aspects of these symbioses, such as bidirectional nutrient exchange and the induction of plant resistance to pathogens. He successfully combined techniques from molecular genetics with microbiological and physiological methods, making a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of plant–mycorrhiza interactions.
Philipp Franken was also highly successful in securing third-party funding to support his research. Numerous projects received funding from the German Research Foundation and European Union framework programmes.
He devoted his life to research, while the support and encouragement of early-career scientists were always particularly close to his heart. In teaching and in supervising academic theses, he consistently took the time needed to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. With exceptional sensitivity, he addressed the individual needs of his students. He granted considerable freedom to the most independent and talented among them, while offering guidance and support wherever it was needed.
With Philipp Franken, we have lost not only a dedicated and highly respected scientist, but also a helpful, positive and creative colleague. We will honour his achievements with deep gratitude and lasting remembrance. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family at this difficult time.