Mischa Bonn

Prof. Dr. Mischa Bonn is the Director of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (since 2011) and holds honorary/expired academic appointments at the University of Mainz and the University of Amsterdam. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and materials science through advanced vibrational spectroscopy and THz spectroscopy techniques.

• Education: MSc and PhD in Physical Chemistry (highest honors)
• Postdoctoral training: Fritz Haber Institute (Berlin), Columbia University (NY)

His research focuses on label-free ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy for probing:

• Molecular dynamics in biological membranes and interfacial water
• Charge-carrier dynamics in photovoltaic materials (graphene, conjugated polymers, 2D structures)
• Non-equilibrium processes in semiconductor nanostructures

His group collaborates on cross-disciplinary initiatives like MaxWater and Nanomaterials in Medicine, leveraging Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy.

Scientific honors include:

• ERC Synergy Grant (2022)
• Van't Hoff Prize (2019)
• APS Fellowship (2017)
• Multiple competitive national/international fellowships