Dream Chemistry Lecture of Prof. Jürgen Popp (IPHT Jena, Germany)

We warmly invite you to join the next lecture in our Dream Chemistry Lecture series at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences. Our guest speaker will be Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp, Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) in Jena and Chair of Physical Chemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

A leading expert in biophotonics and molecular spectroscopy, Prof. Popp is internationally recognized for pioneering work that bridges photonic innovation with real-world clinical applications. His research focuses on developing and applying innovative, frequency-, time- and spatially-resolved laser microspectroscopic methods for molecular imaging, biomolecular analysis, and biomedical diagnostics.

Lecture title: "AI-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Translating Photonic Innovations into Clinical Diagnostics and Therapy"

Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM (CEST)

Venue: IChF Aula – in-person seminar, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw

Abstract:

Raman spectroscopy has become a cornerstone of biophotonics, oTering label-free molecular fingerprints with direct clinical relevance. Its convergence with artificial intelligence (AI) and complementary optical modalities is driving a paradigm shift from experimental method to clinically viable technology.

This presentation outlines our translational strategy along three representative examples. First, a high-throughput Raman blood analysis platform demonstrates how AI-based spectra interpretation enables rapid patient stratification, therapy monitoring, and culture-independent pathogen detection—essential for managing sepsis and antimicrobial resistance. Second, the regulatory-compliant Raman invaScope illustrates how real-time, AI-assisted endoscopic measurements support intraoperative tumor diagnostics, facilitating margin assessment in bladder as well as head and neck surgery. Third, multimodal endoscopic probes combine spontaneous and coherent Raman techniques with nonlinear optical imaging (SHG, TPEF) to generate morphochemical maps at subcellular resolution. Integrated with femtosecond-laser ablation, these probes open the path toward “seek-and-treat” workflows that unite diagnosis and therapy in a single system.

Underlying all approaches is a seamless diagnostic pipeline that spans sample preparation, spectral acquisition, and automated AI-based decision support. This integration minimizes operator dependency and enhances reproducibility, paving the way for robust deployment in diverse clinical settings.

We will conclude with an outlook on translational infrastructures and partnerships required to bring these Raman-based innovations into routine practice. Together, AI and advanced photonics are establishing Raman spectroscopy as a key enabler of intelligent, personalized healthcare.

Acknowledgment: Financial support from the EU, the Thüringer Ministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur, the Thüringer Aufbaubank, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the German Research Foundation, and the Carl-Zeiss Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.

About the speaker:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp is the Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology (IPHT) in Jena and holds the Chair of Physical Chemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

He leads cutting-edge research in biophotonics, molecular spectroscopy, and materials science, with particular emphasis on developing innovative, frequency-, time- and spatially-resolved laser microspectroscopic methods.

His work encompasses molecular multidimensional imaging, biomolecular localisation and identification, and the analysis of structure–property and structure–dynamics relationships in biological systems.

Prof. Popp has co-authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Light: Science & Applications, Nature Protocols, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Among his recent works are:

W. Yang, F. Knorr, I. Latka, M. Vogt, G.O. Hofmann, J. Popp, I.W. Schie Real-time molecular imaging of near-surface tissue using Raman spectroscopy, Light Sci. Appl. 11, 90 (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-00773-0

S. Guo, J. Popp, T. Bocklitz Chemometric Analysis in Raman Spectroscopy From Experimental Design to machine Learning–based Modeling, Nat. Protoc. 16, 5426-5459. (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00620-3

W. Zhu, E.-L. Cai, H.-Z. Li, P. Wang*, A.-G. Shen*, J. Popp, J.-M. Hu* Precise Encoding of Triple-Bond Raman Scattering of Single Polymer Nanoparticles for Multiplexed Imaging Application, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 60, 21846-21852 (2021). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106136

E. Pshenay-Severin, H. Bae, K. Reichwald, G. Matz, J. Bierlich, J. Kobelke, A. Lorenz, A. Schwuchow, T. Meyer-Zedler, M. Schmitt, B. Messerschmidt*, J. Popp Multimodal Nonlinear Endomicroscopic Imaging Probe Using a Double-core Double-clad Fiber and Focus-combining Micro-optical Concept, Light Sci. Appl. 10, 207 (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41377-021-00648-w

J. Meurer, J. Hniopek, T. Batz, S. Zechel, M. Enke, J. Vitz, M. Schmitt, J. Popp, M.D. Hager, U.S. Schubert Shape-memory Metallopolymers Based on Two Orthogonal Metal-ligand Interactions, Adv. Mater. 33, 2006655 (2021). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202006655 

The event is open to all interested audiences.

The activity is implemented as part of the project “WelcomeIChF: Support and Integration of Foreign Employees at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences” (contract no. BPI/WTP/2024/1/00020/U/00001), financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the “Welcome to Poland – 2024 call” programme. The “Welcome to Poland” programme is financed by the European Union through the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 (FERS), under the project “Support for higher education and science institutions in serving foreigners and Poles traveling abroad”, no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24.