21. March 2025

Dr Kristin Klaue receives 2024 Adlershof Dissertation Award

The chemist lays the foundation for targeted, light-based medicine with photoswitchable molecules

Dr Kristin Klaue, winner of the Adlershof Dissertation Award for 2024 © HU Berlin/Stefan Klenke
Award winner Dr Kristin Klaue (centre) with the two other nominees Dr Jinzhao Li (left) and Dr Beñat Alberdi Esuain (right), surrounded by the jury for the 2024 Adlershof Dissertation Award © HU Berlin/Stefan Klenke

On 20 March 2025, the Adlershof Dissertation Award was granted for the 23rd time in a row. Dr Kristin Klaue received the 3,000 euro prize, which is donated and organised annually by the research network IGAFA e. V., Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and WISTA Management GmbH. As part of her doctorate at the Institute of Chemistry and the Center for the Science of Materials Berlin at Humboldt-Universität, she developed infrared switches that are intended to enable gentle medical applications.

Light opens up unique possibilities for the targeted, non-invasive control of biological processes and the treatment of diseases — a modern implementation of Paul Ehrlich's vision of the “magic bullet” that fights pathogens without harming the patient. As part of her doctoral thesis, Dr. Kristin Klaue developed photoswitchable molecules that are activated by harmless infrared light to precisely release active ingredients and substances. This technology lays the foundation for novel phototherapeutics and innovative biomedical applications such as 3D printing directly in human tissue.

In addition to Dr Kristin Klaue, two other outstanding researchers presented their findings in the final round: Dr Beñat Alberdi Esuain was able to make innovative advances in electron optics and beam dynamics with his doctoral thesis at the Institute of Physics at Humboldt-Universität and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, unlocking new opportunities for research in ultrafast science, particularly in quantum and energy materials. Dr Jinzhao Li received his doctorate from the Institute of Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH. As part of his doctoral thesis, he developed novel inks that will enable the large-scale production of a new generation of solar cells. Both scientists received prize money of 1,000 euros for their nomination.

Video of the whole event on YouTube

About Adlershof Dissertation Award

Since 2002, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the scientific network of the non-university research institutions located in the technology park Berlin Adlershof (IGAFA) and WISTA Management GmbH have jointly awarded the annual Adlershof Dissertation Award, which is endowed with 3,000 Euros. The target group is young researchers who have completed their doctorate in Adlershof with at least a “very good” (magna cum laude). Three nominees compete against each other in a live competition. The winner is the one who presents their topic in the most engaging and understandable way.