Controlled Molecule Imaging
Unraveling the Structure‑Function Relationship in the Molecular Sciences
We develop innovative methods to obtain full control over large molecules and nanoparticles. These methods and the created controlled samples are exploited in fundamental physics and chemistry studies to unravel the underlying mechanisms of chemistry and biology by watching molecules at work.
Highlights
Viruses under stress: how viral shells change shape as they dry out
24 June 2026
X-ray laser snapshots reveal a “buckling” behaviour that might help protect the viral genome. When viruses travel through the air in tiny droplets, they can quickly start to dry out. Yet many viruses remain infectious after rehydration—something that is still not fully understood. Now, an international team of researchers, including the CMI COMOTION team, have directly observed how the protein shells of viruses can change shape during dehydration at the European XFEL. This offers new clues to viral resilience and opening new possibilities for virology research. The results, published in Light: Science & Applications, lay the groundwork for potential applications in virology and public health, and can for instance help developing antiviral strategies.
Doctoral Promotion Hubertus Bromberger
08 June 2026
On 8 June 2026, Hubertus Bromberger successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Hamburg on "Advanced photoelectron- and ion-imaging for chemical-dynamics studies"
Doctoral Thesis Disputation Wuwei Jin
22 May 2026
Wuwei Jin successfully defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Construction and Application of the Endstation for Controlled Molecular Experiments in Chemical Dynamics” on Friday, 22th May 2026.
Research team sheds light on the future potential of X-ray imaging and cryo-electron microscopy
09 May 2025
Scientists from DESY, CSSB, CUI, and Uppsala University publish groundbreaking review article.