Dennis Kurzbach

Dennis Kurzbach serves as Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the NMR Center at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry. His research pioneers magnetic resonance methodologies including NMR, EPR, and hyperpolarization techniques to solve critical challenges in chemical and biological sciences, with significant contributions to biomimetic materials and protein dynamics.

His research centers on the structural dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), peptide-guided biomimetic mineralization (silica/calcium phosphate systems), and hyperpolarization-enhanced NMR for real-time monitoring of transient biological processes. The Kurzbach Spectroscopy Studio develops innovative approaches to observe short-lived intermediates in protein folding, mineral nucleation, and metabolic pathways, bridging biophysical chemistry with materials science through advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Recent publications demonstrate a cohesive trajectory toward enhancing NMR sensitivity for biological applications, with hyperpolarization techniques enabling unprecedented observation of fast dynamic processes. Key thematic clusters include biomimetic material synthesis driven by peptide self-assembly, domain-specific spectroscopy for DNA-protein interactions, and machine learning integration for analyzing complex IDP behavior – all converging toward real-time molecular observation in physiological conditions.

Professor Kurzbach actively supervises bachelor and master theses across organic, bioinorganic, biological, and biophysical chemistry disciplines while leading post-graduate seminars in chemical and biological chemistry. His laboratory maintains cutting-edge instrumentation through the NMR Center, focusing on methodological innovation that directly impacts structural biology and materials science research.