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At the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen, Germany, theoretical physicist David Zwicker leads a research group that explores how biological soft matter organises itself in space and time. We met with him to discuss his current research and his contribution to synthetic cell research.

A focus on the spatial and temporal organisation of biological soft matter  

“I became interested in biology quite late in my career. But the more I learn about cells, the more fascinated I am by the fact that everything works on a small scale, in a robust and self-organised way. There must be solid underlying mechanisms; it can’t just work randomly.”

Using a computer (and sometimes pen and paper) as their main working tool, David Zwicker and his team seek to understand how cells and their complex mechanisms function, particularly how cells manage to organise their molecules, such as proteins, in space and time. One of the cells’ strategies involves using biomolecular condensates, which are temporary molecular structures not enclosed in a membrane, somewhat like small droplets of oil in water.

“We want to understand how cells control these droplets, for example, when and where they form,” David explained. The team uses theoretical approaches (models, simulations) to study biomolecular condensates and, “to stay grounded in reality“, collaborates with experimentalists on specific problems related to biological systems.

Extensive experience in interdisciplinary research

“I like this back-and-forth between experimentation and theory. It’s stimulating for both sides.“

 Trained as a physicist, David became interested in biology during an internship at AMOLF, an interdisciplinary research institute in Amsterdam. Immersed in what he describes as a great and stimulating environment, he studied the internal clocks of bacteria with theoretical biophysicist Pieter Rein ten Wolde and met experimental scientists working on biological systems.

“When you talk to researchers from different disciplines, it allows you to approach a problem from different viewpoints. It also creates an atmosphere where people feel free to ask questions, even silly ones, because no one is an expert in everything.“

During his PhD at the MPI in Dresden, Germany, David worked under the supervision of Frank Jülicher. Frank gave him further opportunities to cross paths with biologists, including Anthony Hyman. Together, they developed a theoretical model combining phase separation and chemical reactions to describe centrosomes involved in cell division and discovered that such chemically active droplets could divide spontaneously.   

“I helped them find a model that fit their data, but they pushed my work in a direction that I probably would never have considered or undertaken otherwise.“

Now leading his own research group, David continues to draw inspiration from mentors such as Frank, who taught him “how to explain theory in a way that is useful to biologists“, and theorist Erwin Frey.

“Erwin emphasised that research is a collaborative endeavour, and I really try to put that into practice with my team, which is not so easy to achieve in the theoretical field.“

His contribution to synthetic cell research

“Biology is a source of inspiration. I hope we can learn from cells how to solve engineering problems and mimic their strategies to build synthetic cells.”

The SynCell community includes many experimentalists working on self-organisation who share the same goal of better understanding cells, and with whom David sees opportunities for meaningful exchange. His goal is not only to learn from others but also to contribute: “I want to support the community, transferring the theoretical knowledge acquired by my group over the years to synthetic systems.“

He believes that the cells’ strategies involving biomolecular condensates to control the spatial and temporal arrangement of proteins and biomolecules could be applied in a similar way to synthetic systems to control their chemical reactions.

Advice for early-career researchers

When asked what is needed to conduct interdisciplinary research, David replied that, above all, it is important to prioritise a good working environment.

“People play a crucial role in scientific endeavour. Personally, I sought out and now advise others to find a good mentor, someone you get along with,” he said. “The scientific question comes second for me. There is no shortage of interesting problems in research, so first find a friendly and stimulating workplace.“

He also emphasised the importance of effective communication: “There can be a communication barrier between scientists. We need to learn the language of other disciplines, learn to listen and communicate our own thoughts and findings effectively. This applies to one-on-one conversations, when giving a presentation and when writing an article.“

Finally, he pointed out that pursuing a research career requires great flexibility of mind: “Don’t try to plan too much and stay open to new experiences.“

If you would like to learn more about David and his research, visit the Zwicker Group website or contact him directly and start a conversation!