Dr. Johanna Huchting interviewed for »Women in Science«

Dr. Johanna Huchting works at Fraunhofer ITMP’s Discovery Research ScreeningPort site in Hamburg. Together with her colleagues, she is developing an integrative »molecular degrader discovery« platform as part of the PROXIDRUGS future cluster. Dr. Huchting has a doctorate in organic synthesis chemistry. Prior to joining Fraunhofer ITMP, she led research projects at the University of Hamburg and KU Leuven relating to drugs for combating RNA viral infections.

Who or what made you want to work in health research?

I have always been fascinated by how the smallest processes in the body work. My first introduction to the »world of molecules« was in science lessons at school. This gave me an initial basic understanding of the fact that these processes are determined by the (inter)action of molecules. The idea of using tiny molecules to intervene in these processes as a means of fighting pathogens or alleviating symptoms made a strong impression on me and was really spurred me on start studying chemistry. Even ten years after completing my doctorate, I am still just as fascinated by this. It is an important part of what keeps me motivated on a daily basis.

To what extent do you think the dynamics and relevance of health research have changed in recent years? And how has the role of women changed?

In health research in Germany, training and non-industrial applied research are in a state of flux. Academic health research was previously seen as purely knowledge-oriented and clearly separate from translation into practice. These days, it is venturing further toward the application side. Within the context of public-private partnerships and open innovation, it has a direct impact on industrial research and development, so we are seeing a break away from existing innovation structures. This offers health research at Fraunhofer ITMP a wide range of opportunities to grow, expand its sphere of activity and help steer both medical and technological progress in the long term. At the same time, health research brings together a variety of disciplines, some of which are still new, and structural changes are taking place, for example in the way degree programs are organized.

I think that these aspects are helping to generate a wealth of ideas. This is because all kinds of different people come together in health research, which encourages an interdisciplinary approach and mutual exchange. Women have the opportunity here to form networks, to help shape the change in team structures and to be and become role models in leadership positions.

What exactly are you currently working on at Fraunhofer ITMP?

At the Discovery Research ScreeningPort at Fraunhofer ITMP in Hamburg, biologists, chemists, chemo- and bioinformaticians and data scientists work closely together. Our research focuses on early preclinical drug discovery. For example, we develop biological test systems that we can use to determine the efficacy of a large number of chemical molecules in relation to a specific disease factor. This enables us to identify starting points for developing new drugs.

My work on projects in the PROXIDRUGS future cluster is currently aimed at establishing a molecular degrader discovery platform. This draws on the various areas of expertise available to us in Hamburg by combining elements of biological assay development and high-throughput screening with computer models and prediction tools.

What other goals are on your research agenda and to what extent does your work interact with your private life, with your family and friends?

Proximity-inducing drugs (proxidrugs), which include molecular degraders, are a class of novel drugs. They are novel because they have a completely different mechanism of action than conventional inhibitors. In addition to proxidrugs, there are other approaches in the research world aimed at achieving novel mechanisms of action with small molecules. The purpose of this is to find (better) ways to treat diseases for which there have so far been no active substances available, or no adequate ones.

Integrating proxidrugs into our research is enabling me to gain valuable experience that I would like to use in the future to incorporate other novel classes of active substances into our portfolio.

I also find it exciting to share ideas with friends from my student days who are now looking at completely different aspects of health research, such as the regulatory perspective or the viewpoint of patent attorneys.

What advice would you like to give to women who want to start a career in health research?

Pursue your interests. Find people who recognize your potential and are not afraid to think outside the box. Above all, ask questions and join in discussions.