Prof. Dr. Christopher Kay

15.09.2024

18th Symposium of the Spin Chemistry Meeting (SCM) in Japan

From 15 to 19 September, the 18th Symposium of the Spin Chemistry Meeting (SCM) took place in Kobe, Japan. The programme consisted of five days of interesting lectures, posters and international scientific exchange. The research areas presented showed the broad versatility in the application of electron spin resonance (ESR): from spintronics to materials science and biological applications, interesting new findings were presented. Many doctoral students (including one of our employees) also used this opportunity to present their own doctoral theses and the associated international research from many different countries. The presentations were complemented by many coffee breaks and delicious Japanese food. The conference ended with the conference dinner, which was a very successful conclusion to the conference. After the conference, our employees also went on an excursion to Saitama University in Tokyo. The trip was rounded off with a cultural visit to the Kamakura district, where many Buddhist and Shinto temples could be seen.

We are looking forward to future conferences, as they are an ideal networking opportunity and a source of inspiration to keep up to date with the latest research.

26.08.2024

Preliminary maths course for first-year chemistry students (Bachelor & teaching degree)

Are you about to start your bachelor's or teacher study in chemistry? Then our maths pre-course for first-year students is just right for you! From 30 September to 11 October, you can optimally prepare for the start of your studies. Exciting lectures await you in the morning and in the afternoon you will work in groups on customised exercises - perfect for directly applying what you have learned.
The first day starts with an introduction, getting to know each other and a campus tour. On 10 October, you will have the chance to get to know the chemistry department and some of the professors. There will also be a Freshers' Day with the Chemistry Student Council after lunchtime and the Chemistry Student Council's pub crawl in the evening.
Take the opportunity to get valuable tips, get to know the university and your fellow students and make contacts with older students.
Register now via the  Link! You can find detailed information on our Moodle platform and on the first day of the course. We look forward to seeing you!
(Photos: www.uni-saarland.de/universitaet/aktuell/fotos.html )

27.05.2024

Kollaboration aus Biologie und Physikalischer Chemie leistet wichtigen Beitrag zur Proteindynamik

Fette, die wichtigsten Energiespeicher im menschlichen Körper, werden in so genannten Lipid Droplets in den Zellen gespeichert. Über deren Funktionsweise ist noch recht wenig bekannt. Ein Team um die Biologin Bianca Schrul von der Universität des Saarlandes hat in Zusammenarbeit mit unserer Arbeitsgruppe Erkenntnisse über ein bestimmtes Protein in der Hülle dieser Lipid Droplets gewonnen. 
Im Fokus ihrer Arbeit, die im renommierten Fachmagazin Nature Communications veröffentlicht wurde, steht ein Protein namens UBXD8, das in der Hülle der Lipid Droplets zu finden ist. Proteine spielen in den Zellen eine wichtige Rolle, indem sie zum Beispiel dafür sorgen, dass Botenstoffe und Energie in die einzelnen Zell-Organellen und in die Zellen insgesamt hinein- und herausgelangen. Das Besondere an Proteinen wie UBXD8 ist, dass sie sowohl im Endoplasmatischen Retikulum (ER), einer netzartigen Struktur in der Zelle, als auch in der Hülle der Lipid Droplets eine Funktion haben. Lipid Droplets entstehen im ER, indem sie sich von dessen Membran ausstülpen und so als kleine Fettspeicher-Kugeln abschnüren.
Den aktuell geltenden Forschungsstand, dass UBXD8 eher passiv, also ohne weiteren äußeren Einfluss, ohne große Formveränderungen, von der Membran des ER in die Membran der Lipid Droplets integriert wird, konnte das Forschungsteam um Bianca Schrul mit unserer Hilfe erstmals experimentell widerlegen.
Dies öffnet die Tür für weitere Forschungen, welche auch dabei helfen könnten, Stoffwechselerkrankungen besser zu verstehen.

08.04.2024

Conference of the ESR interest group

The annual conference of the ESR interest group of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) took place at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, from 8 to 10 April 2014. The programme consisted of three days with a lot of interesting lectures, posters and scientific exchange. The research areas presented emphasised the broad versatility in the application of electron spin resonance: from biological studies on proteins to catalysis and the link between 3D printing and ESR. Many doctoral students also used this opportunity to present their own doctoral theses and the associated international research from many different countries. The presentations were complemented by many coffee breaks and very tasty English food. The conference ended with the conference dinner, which was a very successful conclusion to the conference.
Following this conference, our employees also went on a short excursion to University College London (UCL) on Thursday, where Prof Kay also holds a professorship. The trip was rounded off with a culinary visit to an Indian restaurant in London, which was a great pleasure for everyone. 
We are looking forward to future conferences, as they are an ideal source of inspiration and information to keep us up to date with the latest research.