Our goal is to understand how stochasticity, non-linearity, correlations and coupled excited state dynamics of biological systems and networks contribute to their function. We investigate these questions in different systems and at different scales, from the fundamental principles of protein and bio-molecular dynamics on the nano-scale to the dynamic interactions in cellular networks giving rise to physiological function.
To address these questions we take a multidisciplinary approach and develop new methods and technologies such as advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques based on ultrafast and quantum optics and combine them with molecular biology, optogenetics and electrophysiology. We are currently pursuing three research areas: