Laura is interested in epigenetics, specifically, on how the modification of chromatin with the small protein ubiquitin regulates transcription. This a fundamental process both in healthy cells and in deranged form in human cancers. Over the past years, the Köhler lab has made important contributions to the field of chromatin ubiquitination, most recently by showing how the ubiquitin system can recognize chromatin with high specificity (Gallego et al., PNAS 2016). Laura has previously been a recipient of a DOC fellowship of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She explains: “The L'Oreal Austria Fellowship allows me to continue with my exciting project and encourages me to move forward for an academic career. It is also a very prestigious award for the lab and I want to thank my labmates and group leader for their constant support during this time.”

The L’Oreal Austria Fellowship is a programme by L’Oreal in cooperation with the Austrian Commission for UNESCO and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. It supports excellent female scientists in early career stages, from different scientific fields. Since its founding, 40 women have already been supported by the initiative.