Aleš Pečinka was a postdoc in Ortrun Mittelsten Scheid’s lab at the GMI from 2006 to 2010. He is now a group leader at the Institute of Experimental Botany in Olomouc, where he studies epigenetics and chromatin structure using plants as a model.

Aleš recently returned to the GMI for the GMI 25th anniversary Scientific Symposium, which brought together former and current members to celebrate the Institute’s achievements and future directions. We took the opportunity to chat with Aleš about his time at the GMI and what it means to return.

What was it like to be back at the GMI for the 25th anniversary?

It’s great to be back, although I never really lost contact with the GMI. I usually visit every one or two years, and I really value the connection I have with my former mentor, Ortrun Mittelsten Scheid. I also keep up with the institute through the annual reports – which I still receive every year – and social media updates. So even though the institute has changed a lot, it still feels like home to me.

You were a postdoc here from 2006 to 2010. How do you remember those years?

It was an exciting time. I joined when the first GMI labs were just moving into the new building on the Vienna BioCenter campus. There was a strong sense that we were building something new and special. That spirit at the institute and the synergy between the groups was very unique, and I think it has been well preserved over the years.

How did your time at the GMI shape your scientific career?

Before coming to the GMI, my PhD research was more descriptive, focused on chromosome structure. At the GMI, I really learned functional molecular biology, and that’s when I became passionate about epigenetics. That interest still shapes my current research on genome stability and chromatin organization. Beyond that, working at the GMI taught me the importance of collaboration, good experimental controls – never forget about those! – and perseverance.

What was it like working on the Vienna BioCenter campus?

The campus environment was very stimulating. I particularly remember the joint seminars with PhD students from IMBA. Their work was so different from ours, but their advanced technologies and approaches were always inspiring. This cross-disciplinary interaction really broadened my perspective and encouraged me to combine different ideas in my own research.

Are there particular memories or moments from your time at GMI that stand out?

There are so many! I still remember arriving at the institute and going on the retreat just a few days later, before I had even started in the lab. The retreats and the parties, like the famous Green Party and beer hours, created a great sense of community.

I also learned a lot from working in a team with colleagues of different backgrounds and ages, and I really appreciated Ortrun’s calm and supportive leadership—especially when dealing with scientific challenges or resolving conflicts. On a personal note, my daughter was born in Vienna during my time here, and we celebrated that with the lab as well.

Do you still maintain connections with the institute?

Definitely. Aside from my regular visits, I often send my students to GMI events so they can experience the campus and think about their own careers. And coming back now for the 25th anniversary symposium was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new members of the community.

What are your hopes for the GMI’s future?

After its amazing start, the GMI has steadily grown into a very special place to do research. It’s a model institute not only in Austria, but also for Central and Eastern Europe, serving as a hub that attracts excellent plant scientists from across the region. I hope the GMI will continue to thrive and inspire future generations of researchers. They’re on the right path.