An interview with pioneering single molecule researcher Philip Tinnefeld

 

"The PicoQuant student award is an outstanding opportunity in this regard in front of a friendly and enthusiastic community."

— Philip Tinnefeld, Professor, LMU München

Philip Tinnefeld is one of the leading researchers in the field of single-molecule research and has a long-standing connection with PicoQuant's Single Molecule Workshop. As a Student Award Winner from 2001, Philip Tinnefeld's journey has been shaped by the invaluable experiences and connections made at the workshop, which he still cherishes today. Now, 24 years later, he will join again as an invited speaker, continuing his strong connection with the community.

 

Read an excerpt from our exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Philip Tinnefeld, where he shares his journey and insights into the world of single-molecule research.

How did you first hear about PicoQuant's Single Molecule Workshop and the Student Award? Was there someone who encouraged you to apply?

"In my time as PhD student with Markus Sauer, the Picoquant workshop was one of the conferences that was attended by some of us every year. I actually participated in the student award every year of my PhD. I remember we submitted the abstract for my first participation only five days after we managed to detect single molecules in our FLIM microscope."

What are your memories of your participation? Were there any special moments or encounters that have stayed with you?

"At the Picoquant workshop, I gave my first scientific presentation at a conference with many memories. It was actually the positive feedback and experience that made me consider that an academic career could actually be an option for me."

Did the Single Molecule Workshop have a concrete impact on your scientific career?

„So, I only started to think about a scientific career after my first presentation. It was also about learning from the scientific community and engaging in many collaborations. Especially for the talk I gave there, we immediately after that started a cooperation with Johan Hofkens from the Frans C. De Schryver Lab."

Why would you recommend young researchers to apply for the Single Molecule Workshop Student Award?

"Confronting yourself and your research with the academic community is a key to understanding how the academic community works and helps you reflect on your role and on your research. The Picoquant student award is an outstanding opportunity in this regard in front of a friendly and enthusiastic community."

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Interested in the career journey of further former award winners? Read about Susana Rocha and Cédric Begon >

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Student Award Application

This year, PicoQuant celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Single Molecule Workshop, taking place in Berlin from September 23 to 26, 2025. The Student Award at the Single Molecule Workshop offers a unique opportunity for young researchers to showcase their work to a global audience. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit their contributions until April 16, 2025.

Registration and abstract submission >

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30th International Workshop on “Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy”

September 23 – 26, 2025
Berlin, Germany
Deadline for abstract submission: April 16, 2025
Deadline for registratrion: August 15, 2025

www.single-molecules.org