Martin Moder, born in Vienna in 1988, is a renowned Austrian molecular biologist, author and science cabaret artist. After studying microbiology and genetics at the University of Vienna, he conducted research in the field of brain tumor research and rare hereditary diseases. He completed his master’s degree in molecular biology in 2014 and successfully received his PhD in 2018.
Moders’ commitment to science communication is distinguished by his work as a tutor in the participatory lab Vienna Open Lab and his participation in science slams. In 2014, he was crowned the first European Science Slam Champion. As an author, he has published two popular science books, “Treffen sich zwei Moleküle im Labor” (2016) and “Genpoolparty” (2019), both addressing complex molecular biology topics.
Martin Moder is a member of the science cabaret group Science Busters and regularly records science columns for Radio FM4. As a member of the Society for Critical Thinking (GkD) and the Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parasciences (GWUP), he is particularly committed to debunking genetic engineering and medical myths.
Martin Moder Lecture Topics
What characterizes good knowledge transfer? What is the best way to approach the field?
approach? What are the advantages and disadvantages of digital media? A talk on the challenges and strategies for communicating complex scientific topics. In particular, the role of digital media and related issues such as fake news and online hate will be addressed.
- The Optimization of Humans
A discussion around the possibilities and ethical issues of genetic modification of humans. Topics range from enhancing the human genome to the definition of “optimization” to unexpected links between fear, xenophobia, and the immune system.
- Corona and the Vaccine / Vaccinations / Vaccine Communication
Questions for the molecular biologist on COVID-19 mutations, vaccines and their effects on human DNA, and how best to deal with the widespread myths and misconceptions.
- Climate crisis finally solved
Can we genetically adapt humans to climate change? Or is the crisis
more likely to be solved by kangaroo fecal transplants? Maybe not every point of the talk is
immediately feasible, but afterwards the audience will know why small, fat safflower
are so climate-friendly.
- Innovation
This is all about the role of chaos in natural innovation and how we can use this process to foster meaningful and effective innovation.
- Toxic genes – Is this still genetic engineering?
Martin Moder discusses the gray area between new precision genetic engineering and organic agriculture. The potential advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering, as well as its impact on farming practices and farmers’ incomes, are discussed on the basis of current scientific data.
In the wake of the Corona pandemic, Martin Moder launched the YouTube channel MEGA to clear up myths surrounding the virus and vaccines. The channel is part of the #EuropaGegenCovid19 initiative, which was awarded the Kaiser Maximilian Prize for European Merit.
For his educational achievements during the pandemic, Martin Moder was awarded the Humanity Prize of the Heinrich Treichl Foundation and the LifeScienceXplained Prize for New Communication. He has also received several awards as a member of the Science Busters, including the cabaret prize Salzburger Stier and the audience award at the Austrian Cabaret Prize.