The latest edition of the brochure introduces new interesting people and projects within the HFA
In the latest edition of the brochure, you will find the profile of the new Hector Fellows Wolfgang Wernsdorfer. Prof. Dr. Wernsdorfer is Humboldt Professor at the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Quantum Materials and Technologies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His area of expertise is experimental solid-state physics at the interface of chemistry and materials science. He is considered one of the world's leading experts on nanomagnets and their use in molecular quantum spintronics.
In addition, the current HFA brochure presents some new projects. For example, supported by Hector Fellow Christoph Klein, Daniel Petersheim is investigating the cause of malfunctions in individual genes. This PhD project aims to use screening methods to identify genetic interactions that counteract the effects of disease-causing mutations and thus pave the way towards the development of targeted therapies.
A new interdisciplinary project impressively demonstrates the importance of the exchange across different science disciplines. The project "High-Resolution Optogenetics with Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)" investigates the application of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in optogenics, thus linking the fields of biology and physics. The project focuses on new approaches that realize optogenetic activation and inhibition of neurons with previously unattainable lateral resolution. For this purpose, a new OLED technology that can imitate electrically switchable different colours is used.
For the first time, the associate programme was included in the HFA brochure. Hector Fellows have the opportunity to propose doctoral students or postdocs from their research group as associates. They can then participate in further training and networking events at the HFA. Currently, three associate projects are supported by Hector Fellows.