Spot On: Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold at TUD

On November 12, 2026, Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold will deliver his university-wide inaugural lecture at the TUD Dresden University of Technology. In a lecture titled “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. Such molecules make it possible to influence processes in a targeted manner and study them in living cells. The event will take place from 4:40 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. in the Fritz-Foerster Building (Room FOE/244) and will be held in English. A get-together will follow, providing an opportunity for discussion. Registration is required.

TUD Dresden University of Technology invites you to the university-wide inaugural lecture by Prof. Oliver Thorn-Seshold. The scientist has been Chair of Organic Chemistry II: Chemical Biology at TUD since 2024. His 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 for imaging cellular activities and for photocontrol. This allows enzymes and cellular processes to be remotely controlled, shedding light on biology with unprecedented precision. The research combines fundamental chemical questions with applications ranging from health research to biotechnology.

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

Further information:

Event website

Event registration

Contact:

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