Maribel Schonewolff

Maribel is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cologne investigating molecular mechanisms of plant immunity and their intersection with metabolism. Her work focuses on discovering new metabolites that shape plant–microbe interactions in health and disease. Trained as a biochemist during her PhD at the University of Oxford, she enjoys working at the complex interface of plant genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics. Passionate about widening access to higher education, Maribel mentors young female talents as a convenor of the Female Scholars Network Cologne and is an enthusiastic science communicator and speaker.

“Do not regret your mistakes. Admire the courage it took to try the unknown.”

Maribel Schonewolff is a part of the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2026.