A Special 2027 Celebration Honoring Raymond Keller
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The 2027 Konigsberg Lecture will honor Raymond Keller, Alumni Council Thomas Jefferson Professor of Biology, a longtime member of the University of Virginia faculty and a distinguished scholar in developmental biology. In recognition of his longstanding dedication to research, teaching, and mentorship, this special celebration will highlight Ray’s significant contributions to developmental biology and his lasting impact on the scientific community at UVA and beyond.
About "Keller Fest"
Keller Fest will be an all-day celebration featuring more than 20 guest speakers whose research, careers, and connections have been shaped in meaningful ways by Ray and his contributions to developmental biology. The event will bring together colleagues, collaborators, former trainees, and friends to celebrate Ray’s remarkable career and enduring influence on the field.
Save the Date - Friday, June 11, 2027
This will be an all-day event on Friday, June 11, 2027. Complete schedule details will be shared here as they become available.
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About the Keller Lab
The Keller laboratory investigates the cellular, molecular and biomechanical basis of early amphibian morphogenesis, and in particular the convergent extension movements that function in gastrulation, neural tube formation, and shaping of the vertebrate body plan. The laboratory uses high resolution imaging of cell motility and biomechanical measurements of normal and experimentally manipulated embryonic tissues to address the question of how molecular and cellular events generate the patterned forces and tissue mechanical properties that shape the embryo. Major contributions of the lab include the characterization of the convergent extension tissue movements, development of the concept that active, patterned cell intercalation is a major mechanism of morphogenesis, direct measurement of embryonic forces and tissue material properties, and the development of specialized preparations to study morphogenesis. We collaborate widely and recently have begun a collaboration with Ann Sutherland (Cell Biology, UVA School of Medicine) on mouse early morphogenesis with the goal of using the strengths of the amphibian and mouse systems to complement one another.
About Irwin R. Konigsberg (1923-1991)
Irwin R. Konigsberg, Commonwealth Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia, was a distinguished developmental biologist whose research, teaching, and mentorship made lasting contributions to the field. He joined UVA as a Professor of Biology in 1966 and served for many years as a leader of the University’s developmental biology group. Throughout his career, he also held academic and research appointments at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
Konigsberg’s research was particularly influential in the study of muscle development. He developed and helped establish an in vitro culture system for studying muscle differentiation, which became an important tool for investigating the relationships among cell growth, division, differentiation, and the molecular genetic regulation of myogenesis. His research extended beyond this system, and he maintained a lifelong interest in embryology and the experimental manipulation of embryos.
Perhaps one of Konigsberg’s most enduring contributions was the community of scientists he trained and mentored. His former students went on to make significant contributions to developmental biology, including Emerson and Hauschka, who were later honored as Konigsberg Lecturers. At UVA, he was valued for his breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as his insight into developmental and cell biology.
Konigsberg also served as President of the Society for Developmental Biology and was widely respected for his contributions to research, teaching, and scientific leadership. The Konigsberg Lecture honors his lasting impact on developmental biology, his dedication to mentoring scientists, and his legacy at the University of Virginia.
Past Lectures
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April 25, 2025 - Rebecca Heald, PhD
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Rebecca Heald Department Co-Chair and Flora Lamson Hewlett Chair and Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology | University of California, Berkeley
Lecture Title: Mechanisms and consequences of size scaling in frogs
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Document
Konigsberg-2025-Heald.pdf
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