Jan Lipfert

Jan Lipfert is a Professor of Molecular Biophysics at Utrecht University's Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. He previously held positions at LMU Munich as a Professor (W2) and Vice Dean of Physics. His research focuses on understanding the structural and mechanistic principles of biological macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins using advanced biophysical tools such as magnetic tweezers, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray scattering. He explores how these molecules adopt structures, interact, and respond to forces to perform biological functions, with applications in biomolecular nanotechnology.

Education:

• PhD in Physics, Stanford University (2002–2008)
• M.Sc. in Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2001–2002)
• M.Phil. in Physics and Mathematics, Uppsala University (2000–2001)
• Undergraduate studies in Physics and Economics at Heidelberg University (1998–2000)

Research Interests:

His lab investigates DNA mechanics, epigenetic regulation, viral integration mechanisms, and biomolecular nanotechnology. Techniques include single-molecule force spectroscopy, high-speed AFM imaging, and X-ray scattering interferometry. Key topics include nucleosome dynamics, DNA supercoiling, and protein-DNA interactions.

Awards & Honors:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2020)
• F1000 Section Head for 'Methods in Biological Physics' (2018)
• Teaching prizes from LMU Munich (2016–2022)
• Veni Fellowship (NWO, 2010–2013)

Grants & Labs:

Lipfert leads the Experimental Biophysics and Bio-inspired Materials group. His ERC-funded work focuses on viral integration mechanisms. He collaborates on projects involving DNA origami, nanopore sequencing, and biomaterials development.