March 11, 2025

Erin Wessling and Michael Heide each win a scholarship from the Daimler and Benz Foundation

Behavioral adaptations in chimpanzees and brain organoids as an alternative to animal experiments - two researchers from the German Primate Center have been awarded a grant of 40,000 euros each from the Daimler and Benz Foundation. Of a total of around 180 applications submitted, only 12 were approved, including those of Erin Wessling and Michael Heide.

A group of chimpanzees sits on a fallen tree trunk in the dense rainforest. A female carries an infant while other chimpanzees interact with each other. — Chimpanzees are our closest relatives - and their amazing adaptability gives us valuable insights into the evolution of humans.

Black-and-white microscopic image of a brain organoid, showing the complex structure of growing cells. — Michael Heide's goal is to validate organoids as a model for developmental and evolutionary studies on common marmosets in order to ultimately reduce animal experiments.

Innovative behavior in savannah chimpanzees: adaptations to a challenging ecosystem

Chimpanzees are our closest relatives - and their amazing adaptability gives us valuable insights into human evolution. Of particular interest are savannah chimpanzees, which live in dry, hot landscapes similar to those in which early humans evolved. In the Moyen-Bafing National Park in Guinea, Erin Wessling is investigating how these chimpanzees cope with extreme temperatures, water shortages and food scarcity. They use tools to fish for algae, cleverly plan their routes to water sources and demonstrate impressive thermoregulation strategies. This research not only helps us to better understand chimpanzees - it also provides clues as to how our ancestors once survived.

Dr. Erin Wessling

ortrait of a researcher with curly blonde hair, standing in front of a modern glass facade, smiling warmly at the camera. — Dr. Erin Wessling, research scientist at the Cooperative Evolution in Primates research group

Erin Wessling is a behavioral ecologist and biological anthropologist. She researches how flexibly chimpanzees and bonobos adapt to different environmental conditions. After completing her PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, she conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University and the University of St. Andrews.

Brain organoids of the common marmoset: A possible alternative to animal experiments in brain research

Research on common marmosets helps to understand brain development and evolution as well as neurobiological diseases, but raises ethical questions. Brain organoids offer an alternative as they grow from stem cells and can mimic brain development and, to some extent, function. This project investigates the extent to which common marmoset brain organoids mirror the brain, which cell types develop and which genes are active. The aim is to validate organoids as a model for developmental and evolutionary studies in the common marmoset and to supplement and reduce animal experiments.

Dr. Michael Heide

Portrait of a researcher with short brown hair, standing outside in front of a tree with autumn-colored leaves, smiling. — Dr. Michael Heide

Michael Heide studied biology at the University of Tübingen and obtained his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. After a postdoctoral period at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, he has been an ERC Starting Grant-funded Junior Research Group Leader at the German Primate Center since 2022. Here he researches the development and evolution of the cerebral cortex in primates.

Daimler and Benz Foundation

The Daimler and Benz Foundation promotes science and research. Special attention is paid to supporting committed young scientists at the beginning of their careers. The scholarship program for postdoctoral researchers aims to strengthen the autonomy of the next generation of researchers and support their academic careers. The scholarship is granted for a period of two years; the funding amount is 40,000 euros.