Carsten Sönnichsen

Prof. Dr. Carsten Sönnichsen is a W3 Full Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Mainz, Germany. His research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis, plasmon spectroscopy, and their applications in biological sensing and diagnostics.

• Education: University of Hamburg (Physics/Biophysics), University of Cambridge (M.Phil. in Polymers and Colloids), LMU Munich (Ph.D. in Physics, 2001).
• Positions: Postdoc at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2003-2005), Junior Professor at Mainz (2005-present), ERC Starting Grant recipient (2010).

His work includes developing gold nanoparticle sensors for in vivo monitoring of biomolecules and creating plasmonic nanosensors integrated into biocompatible materials. He leads a research group at the intersection of nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.

Publications highlight advances in hydrogel-based implantation systems, single-particle plasmon sensing, and dielectric nanoparticle biosensors. His research has been funded through prestigious programs including the European Research Council and the Emmy Noether Initiative.

Notable honors include:

• ERC Starting Grant (2010)
• Emmy Noether Research Grant (2005)
• Feodor Lynnen Research Scholarship (2004-2005)
• DAAD and King Edward VIIth scholarships (1996-1997)
• Early career accolades from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes and Jugend forscht (1990s)