Dirk Herten

Prof

1997 …2024

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

Dirk graduated from the Heidelberg Department of Physical Chemistry in 2000 after studying Chemistry at the Heidelberg University, Germany.

After collecting experiences in industry at ATTO-TEC GmbH, Germany he returned to academia in 2002 by specializing in single-molecule spectroscopy at Heidelberg University where he was awarded the venia legendi in Physical Chemistry in 2008. In 2015 he became University Professor in Single-Molecule Spectroscopy at Heidelberg University until accepting a Chair in Cell Biology of Membrane Proteins at the University of Birmingham in 2019.

Research interests

Dirk researches tools to enable quantitative studies of the composition and dynamics of cellular structures and enzymatic reactions in living cells. This highly interdisciplinary research will improve our general understanding of intracellular functions and cellular responses to external stimuli in the context of various diseases by bridging biochemistry and cell biology. The design of fluorescent probes for live-cell single-molecule studies has potential for biomedical research and diagnostic applications.

Dirk is currently active in three areas in single-molecule research: single photon based molecular counting, switchable fluorescent probes for advanced fluorescence microscopy, e.g. super-resolution in living cells, and single-molecule studies of chemical reaction pathways.

Qualifications

  • Venia legendi in Physical Chemistry 2008
  • PhD in Physical Chemistry 2000
  • Diploma in Chemistry, Heidelberg University 1996

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Dirk Herten is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or