Jochen Küpper

Jochen Küpper is a Professor of Physics at the University of Hamburg and heads the Controlled Molecule Imaging group at the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL) at DESY. He also holds a professorship in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hamburg. His research focuses on understanding the ultrafast dynamics of complex molecules during (bio)chemical reactions under well-defined conditions, with applications ranging from improved chemicals and materials to drug development.

His research interests span molecular physics, ultrafast dynamics, X-ray laser science, molecular imaging, quantum chemistry, and chemical reaction dynamics. Küpper's work builds on groundbreaking approaches to control molecules and nanoparticles in the gas phase, including flash freezing, separation of structural isomers, and spatial fixation. He extends atomic-resolution imaging techniques to complex molecules using highly controlled sampling techniques and both ultrafast lasers and X-ray light sources.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on nanoparticle injection systems, laser-induced alignment of molecules, time-resolved structural biology, and advanced computational methods for molecular simulations. His work frequently involves collaborations across multiple institutions and leverages cutting-edge X-ray free-electron laser facilities.

• Nernst-Haber-Bodenstein Prize from the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK
• Head of the Molecular Physics Section of the German Physical Society (2022-2025)

Küpper leads a research group that develops experimental techniques for controlling and imaging molecules with unprecedented precision. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology through advanced imaging methodologies that capture molecular dynamics at femtosecond timescales. His laboratory maintains strong connections with international facilities including the European XFEL and DESY.