Spot On: Inaugural lecture by Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold at TUD Dresden University of Technology

On November 12, 2026, Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold will give his university-wide inaugural lecture at TUD Dresden University of Technology. In his lecture, entitled “Spot On:  Using Chemistry to Illuminate Biology,” he will provide insights into his research on specially developed, light-based molecules that can change their structure to perform specific tasks or make biological processes visible. These molecules are able to specifically manipulate and study processes in living cells. The event will take place from 4:40 pm to 6:10 pm in the Fritz Foerster Building (Room FOE/244) and will be held in English. Following the lecture, attendees are invited to a get-together. Please make sure you register in advance.

TUD Dresden University of Technology invites the public to attend the university-wide inaugural lecture by Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold. He has been Professor of Organic Chemistry II: Chemical Biology at TUD since 2024 . His research group develops chemical reagents for biological studies, with a particular focus on light-based tools.

In his lecture “Spot On: Using Chemistry to Illuminate Biology,” Thorn-Seshold will demonstrate how light-based molecules can be used both to image cellular activity and to control biological processes using light. This allows us to control enzymes and cellular processes with light, illuminating biological processes with unprecedented precision. His research combines fundamental questions in chemistry with applications ranging from medical research to biotechnology. 

The university-wide inaugural lectures are a TUD initiative designed to introduce newly appointed professors to the wider public and make their research accessible to a broad audience.

More information:

event website

Registration for the event

Contact:

Monique Mildner
Office of Organic Chemistry II:  Chemical Biology
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Email: