Our Research

We investigate the role of light in the emergence of life. At the core of our work is the question of how solar radiation on the early Earth—and elsewhere in the universe—could act as an energy source to trigger chemical processes that led to the formation of the molecular building blocks of life. Our research brings together concepts from physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and biology, addressing a central question in origin-of-life research.

A key focus is the light-driven synthesis and transformation of biologically relevant molecules such as nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids. We view UV light not merely as an external energy source, but as an active agent that shapes reaction pathways, enables molecular functionality, and influences selection processes at the molecular level.

Methodologically, the Junior Research Group Photonic Abiogenesis combines ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy with prebiotic photochemistry. This approach allows us to investigate short-lived intermediates and elementary reaction steps with temporal resolution and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our work aims to identify new photochemical reaction pathways and to develop a physicochemical understanding of light-driven processes. In doing so, we contribute both to research on the origins of life and to the development of synthetic, cell-like systems.