Nano Innovation Award 2026

From single-molecule microscopy and AI-driven nanomedicine to light-controlled DNA nanotechnology: the Center for NanoScience (CeNS) at LMU Munich has recognized three outstanding early-career researchers whose work combines scientific excellence with strong application potential.

The Nano Innovation Award 2026, presented by the Center for NanoScience (CeNS) together with four successful CeNS spin-offs, honors innovative doctoral research with outstanding potential for technology transfer and real-world applications in nanoscience. This year's award winners are Lars Richter (Department of Chemistry, LMU Munich), Felix Sieber-Schäfer (Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich), and Svetozar Gavrilovic (Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry). The award encourages young researchers to consider the application potential of their research early in their careers while recognizing scientific excellence that may shape future technologies.

A new platform for dynamic structural biology

First prize was awarded to Lars Richter for his project "Dynamic Structural Biology with GETvNA." Working in the research group of Prof. Philip Tinnefeld, Richter developed a novel single-molecule microscopy platform based on graphene and DNA nanotechnology. By arranging DNA molecules vertically on graphene, the method enables researchers to visualize structural changes and molecular motions of DNA and DNA–protein complexes with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The technology opens new opportunities for structural biology, biosensing, and future diagnostic applications.

Accelerating RNA nanomedicine with artificial intelligence

Second prize went to Dr. Felix Sieber-Schäfer for his dissertation "Machine Learning-Enhanced Molecular Dynamics for the Prediction and Optimization of RNA Nanocarrier Systems," completed in the research group of Prof. Olivia Merkel. His work combines machine learning, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental formulation science to transform the development of RNA delivery systems from empirical trial-and-error screening into a predictive, data-driven process. The approach has the potential to accelerate the development of next-generation RNA therapeutics and has already led to high-impact publications, patent activities, and an EXIST-funded start-up project.

Programming DNA assembly with light

Third prize was awarded to Svetozar Gavrilovic for his doctoral project "Light-Gated Assembly of Membrane-Bound DNA Filaments as Synthetic Cell Modules," carried out in the research group of Prof. Petra Schwille. He developed a platform that allows DNA nanostructures to assemble only where and when activated by light. This innovative approach provides precise spatiotemporal control over DNA self-assembly on artificial membranes and opens exciting perspectives for programmable biointerfaces, biosensors, and synthetic cell systems.

All three awardees are members of research groups affiliated with the CeNS network.

The Nano Innovation Award 2026 is sponsored by the four CeNS spin-offs attocube systems, ibidi, Nanion Technologies, and NanoTemper Technologies, which provide prize money of €4,000, €3,000, and €2,000, respectively.

"As founders and entrepreneurs, we know that today's excellent research can become tomorrow's market-leading technology," says Dr. Philipp Baaske, co-founder of NanoTemper Technologies and Vice President for Entrepreneurship at LMU Munich. "Supporting the next generation of scientific entrepreneurs is therefore a cause that is particularly close to my heart."

The awards were presented on 17 July 2026 during the CeNS career event "CeNS meets Industry" at the Faculty of Physics, LMU Munich.