Strong Response to Hartmann Harz’s Lecture

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Last Monday, numerous visitors filled the large biology lecture hall to capacity to learn more about the history, scientific foundations, and far-reaching significance of optogenetics.

In his presentation, Hartmann Harz, director of the Center for Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM), provided fascinating insights into a field of research to which he himself made a significant contribution as a doctoral student. As the first author of a pioneering paper co-authored with Peter Hegemann and published in Nature in 1991, he made key discoveries that laid the groundwork for the later development of optogenetics.

The keen interest and positive response to the presentation—particularly among early-career researchers—highlight the importance of basic research and the interest in scientific advancements, including optogenetics. We would like to thank Hartmann Harz for his informative and inspiring presentation, as well as all guests for their participation and the stimulating discussion.

At the same time, we warmly congratulate Hartmann Harz on this special recognition of his pioneering work and are delighted to have him as a valued member of our faculty.

Harz H, Hegemann P (1991) Rhodopsin-regulated calcium currents in Chlamydomonas. Nature 351:489-491.

Harz H, Nonnengasser C, Hegemann P, Brownlee C, Sanders D (1992) The photoreceptor current of the green alga Chlamydomonas. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B: Biological Sciences 338:39-52.