Tilman Kottke

Prof. Dr. Tilman Kottke is a W3 Professor at Bielefeld University, holding positions in both the Faculty of Chemistry and the Medical School OWL. His research focuses on

• Biophysical chemistry of photoreceptors
• Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy
• Flavin cofactor dynamics
• Light-driven proton and electron transfer
• Algal and plant cryptochromes

Education includes a

• PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Regensburg, 2000-2003)
• Diploma in Chemistry (University of Marburg, 1995-2000)

Research trends from his 15 most recent publications reveal:

• Advancements in in-cell infrared spectroscopy for studying photoreceptors in native environments
• Elucidation of flavin photoreduction mechanisms in cryptochromes
• Engineering LOV domains for novel biocatalytic applications
• Development of smart microgels with dual-responsive properties
• Structural analysis of allosteric coupling in light-sensitive proteins

Scientific awards include the Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG, 2015-2020) and recognition as a Helmholtz Young Investigator. He has led multiple DFG-funded projects on

• Flavin-dependent halogenases
• Cryptochrome signaling mechanisms
• Infrared spectroscopy of photoreceptors

As a group leader since 2012, he has mentored junior researchers and collaborated with institutions in Finland, USA, and Germany. Key lab affiliations include the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry group at Bielefeld University.