Thomas Fuhrmann-Lieker

Thomas Fuhrmann-Lieker serves as Associate Professor in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Kassel, where he leads the Physical Chemistry of Nanomaterials research group. His laboratory is located at Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132 Kassel in Space IBC, room 3111, with contact information th.fuhrmann@uni-kassel.de and +49 561 804-4720. He maintains an active research program with multiple PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and specialized projects across nanomaterials science.

Professor Fuhrmann-Lieker's research focuses on self-organization and photonics of soft matter, applying physicochemical principles to create optical functions in soft materials. His work spans two primary domains: organic optoelectronic materials and hybrid biological materials. In organic optoelectronics, his group develops molecular glasses for vacuum vapor deposition, with expertise in spiro-type compounds for organic lasing. Current projects investigate random lasers generated from mechanically stressed films that form surface corrugations (wrinkles), achieving stimulated emission even in everyday materials like copy paper. His team also explores 3D-nanofabrication using azo materials responsive to polarized light, creating complex structures from flat layer systems.

In biological materials research, Professor Fuhrmann-Lieker studies diatoms (single-celled algae with ornamental silica cell walls) as natural photonic crystals. His work examines biomineralization processes, particularly the role of highly phosphorylated proteins in silica formation, and explores connections between diatom reproduction mechanisms and pattern formation within the "Biological clocks" graduate program. Additional research investigates renewable biopolymers for biomedical applications including drug delivery systems and bone tissue regeneration. His laboratory maintains active projects in five specialized areas: Renewable Biopolymers, Photolithography, Biomineralization Processes, Wrinkled Amorphous Films, and Biological Clocks.

Analysis of Professor Fuhrmann-Lieker's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory in molecular photonics and biomineralization research. His most recent work (2019-2020) focuses on random lasing in wrinkled organic glasses and paper-based photonics, demonstrating practical applications of fundamental principles. Earlier publications establish his pioneering work on diatoms as photonic crystals (2004) and molecular glasses for optoelectronic applications (1999-2015). The research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science, with applications spanning optoelectronics to biomedical engineering.

Professor Fuhrmann-Lieker supervises a diverse research team including postdoctoral researcher Dr. Marilia Horn (biopolymers and nanopharmacy), PhD students Lukas Wolfram (wrinkled amorphous films), Jonas Ziebarth (biological clocks), Benedikt Mohr (biomineralization processes), Sekvan Bagatur (3D-nanofabrication), and visiting PhD student Eduardo Milan (renewable resources). His former PhD students include Nicolai Hoinka (random lasers in paper) and Michael Grimann (phase separation in molecular glasses, 2018). The research group participates in interdisciplinary initiatives including the PhosMOrg consortium for biomimetic approaches to silica formation.