Markus Gühr

Markus Gühr is a Senior Scientist at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and a Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Hamburg. He serves as the Scientific Director of FLASH, the world's first SASE X-ray laser, which operates as a user facility since 2005 and is undergoing enhancements via the FLASH2020+ extension project.

His research focuses on visualizing the interplay of nuclei and electrons in molecules through quantum mechanics, with a specialty in converting sunlight into other forms of energy. He aims to expand FLASH’s capabilities to explore new scientific fields and attract diverse users.

• 2022–present: Senior Scientist at DESY, Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Hamburg
• 2020–2022: Professor of Experimental Quantum Physics, University of Potsdam
• 2015–2020: Lichtenberg Professor, University of Potsdam (funded by Volkswagen Foundation)
• 2007–2015: Scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, USA
• 2006–2007: Postdoc at Stanford University
• 2001–2005: Research Associate at Free University of Berlin

Key Awards:

• LCLS Advisory Board Chair (2020–2022)
• U.S. DOE Early Career Grant (2011)
• Volkswagen Foundation Lichtenberg Professorship (2015)
• Feodor Lynen Scholarship (2006–2007)
• Ernst Reuter Prize for Best Dissertation, Free University of Berlin (2005)

Markus Gühr’s work bridges quantum mechanics, molecular energy conversion, and advanced photon science through his leadership in free-electron laser development at DESY.