Peter Pohl

Peter Pohl serves as University Professor at the Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, leading the Department of Molecular and Membrane Biophysics. His research program focuses on fundamental membrane processes with emphasis on ion channel behavior, proton conduction mechanisms, and development of optical tools for membrane manipulation.

His primary research domains include Biophysics and Membrane Biology, specifically targeting:

• Regulation of ion channels by membrane domains
• Interfacial proton diffusion dynamics
• Photolipid-based optocapacitive stimulation
• Synthetic biomimetic pores using advanced polymers
• Nanodisc technology for membrane protein studies
• Light-powered molecular nanomotors

His integrative approach combines experimental biophysics with theoretical modeling to address core questions in cellular membrane function.

Recent publications reveal a pronounced shift toward optical control methodologies for membrane processes, including photolipid-induced action potentials and engineered fluorescent labeling systems. Concurrently, his group advances fundamental understanding of proton conduction mechanisms while developing synthetic ion channels through novel materials science approaches.

No major scientific awards are documented in the provided information.

Professor Pohl directs extensive research funding including EU Horizon projects and Austrian Science Fund grants. Current active projects (4) and completed initiatives (20) address membrane domain formation, ion channel regulation, antiviral compound development, and stress conduction through membranes. He has supervised one graduate researcher to date.

His laboratory operates within the Institute of Biophysics at JKU, maintaining robust national and international collaborations evidenced by 59 scientific activities including conference presentations and organizational roles across European research networks.