Frontiers in Science
Twice a year, internationally renowned guests are invited to share their latest research findings on topics of societal relevance.
About "Frontiers in Science"
This lecture series takes up current trends and questions from international cutting-edge research and conveys these ideas to a broad, multidisciplinary audience within the university.
Frontiers in Science also encourages dialogue with the audience. Critique and information transfer help the wider public to become well-versed in scientific matters. Discussions between researchers, students and the public also aid in the establishment of partnerships and networking.
The event will be recorded and published online on the TUD channels.
Frontiers in Science – with Prof. Prof. Seth M. Cohen
- June 25 2026: "Combining Medicinal and Inorganic Chemistry – From Bench-to-Bedside" with Prof. Seth M. Cohen (University of California, San Diego)
- Live in TU Dresden’s Fritz Foerster Building 244.
- The event will be held in English.
Metalloenzymes represent an important, but underdeveloped, class of therapeutic targets. Metalloenzyme inhibitors are in clinical use for a wide range of illnesses, from viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS and influenza, to systematic diseases including hypertension and cancer. However, despite these important advancements, the vast majority of metalloenzyme targets remain undrugged. In this presentation, efforts to develop metalloenzyme Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (mFBDD) as a means to improve hit-to-lead efforts for these targets are described. Specifically, recent advances in the use and characterization of metal-binding isosteres (MBIs), the development of new fragments, and even the use of mFBDD for developing chimeric molecules for targeted protein degradation (TBD) will be discussed.
Prof. Seth M. Cohen
What fascinates you most about inorganic chemistry?
I enjoy the process of designing and making new molecules, sometimes for a specific purpose, sometimes just to be creative. Inorganic chemistry expands the conventional organic toolbox, to provide even more possibilities of chemical synthesis (and properties), which I think is one reason I like it so much.
Combining Medicinal and Inorganic Chemistry – From Bench-to-Bedside
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Fritz-Foerster-Building, auditorium 244 (FOE/244)
Mommsenstrasse 6
Who or what has influenced you on your path into this field?
The other people in the field. I am very fortunate to be part of a very collegial and collaborative discipline. From my Ph.D. advisor, to the support of people like my Humboldt host Prof. Kaskel, I have received incredible support and encouragement from my advisors and peers.
Where and how do you push scientific boundaries in your research?
I think always trying to find something new and different from what has already been reported in the scientific literature. Some of the areas of research I have worked in are extremely competitive, so to stay relevant, I’ve always tried to look at things a little bit differently and stay focused on curiosity-driven research.
What impact of your field on society would you hope to see in 20 years’ time?
I work in two different areas of inorganic chemistry - metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metalloenzyme-targeted drug development (the subject of my lecture). MOFs were awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and have a bright future for applications that I am sure we will witness in less than 20 years. For our work on metalloenzyme-targeted drug development, my dream would be to see our approach lead to a molecule that improves the quality of life or even saves lives. I hope that dream might be realized well within the next 20 years.
Publications by Prof. Cohen
CV of Prof. Cohen
You can find Prof. Cohen's CV here.
Contact person for "Frontiers in Science"
© Nein
Advisor of Vice-Rector Research
NameDr. Lisa-Marie Langesee
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