Karim Fahmy

Prof. Dr. Karim Fahmy is a leading biophysicist and head of the Biophysics Department at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), with a joint affiliation as Honorary Professor in Structural Dynamics of Biomolecules at the Biotechnology Center of Technische Universität Dresden. His research integrates biophysics, spectroscopy, and nanotechnology to study the structural dynamics of proteins and DNA-based nanostructures. He is a member of the Cluster of Excellence "Physics of Life" and leads interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of biology, physics, and materials science.

• PhD in Biophysics, University of Freiburg (1991)
• Habilitation in Biophysics, University of Freiburg (1999)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow, Rockefeller University (1991–1994)
• Honorary Professor, TU Dresden (since 2014)

His research focuses on molecular biophysics, particularly the structural dynamics of proteins, DNA origami stability, and microcalorimetric monitoring of microbial metabolism. He employs advanced techniques such as pulsed THz radiation, vibrational spectroscopy, and genetic engineering to probe biomolecular function. His work has significant implications for synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and environmental toxicology.

His recent publications (2020–2025) reveal a strong focus on DNA nanostructures, metabolic calorimetry, and radiotoxicity. Key themes include the stability of DNA origami under various conditions, metabolic responses to chemical and radioactive stress, and the structural dynamics of membrane proteins. His work combines experimental biophysics with mathematical modeling, reflecting a systems-level approach to biological questions.

• Hans-Griesebach Prize, University of Freiburg

Prof. Fahmy actively supervises students and junior researchers, with frequent collaborations involving PhD candidates and postdocs. His lab receives support from HZDR’s advanced research infrastructure, including the Ion Beam Center and ELBE THz radiation source. He has contributed to special issues on microbial calorimetry and is involved in international consortia such as the European XFEL user group.

His laboratory focuses on quantitative microbiology, DNA-based biomimetic systems, and THz applications in life sciences. The team operates within the HZDR’s Department of Resource Ecology and collaborates closely with TU Dresden’s BIOTEC center, forming a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.