Professor Dirk-Peter Herten

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dirk researches tools to enable quantitative studies of the composition and dynamics of cellular structures and enzymatic reactions in living cells. This highly interdisciplinary research will improve our general understanding of intracellular functions and cellular responses to external stimuli in the context of various diseases by bridging biochemistry and cell biology. The design of fluorescent probes for live-cell single-molecule studies has potential for biomedical research and diagnostic applications.

Dirk is currently active in three areas in single-molecule research:

Single photon based molecular counting.
Switchable fluorescent probes for advanced fluorescence microscopy, e.g. super-resolution in living cells.
Single-molecule studies of chemical reaction pathways.

Scientific Inspiration

I was inspired by the biography of Marie Curie who despite all resistance at her time achieved outstanding scientific findings that changed the world.

Research Groups

Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

School of Chemistry

Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science and AI

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, collaborative, inclusive.

Provision of Training

I prefer to plan your technical training together with you and others in our team, supporting you to gain independence.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to discuss your progress and troubleshoot problems in regular meetings with the whole team and I will be available for individual meetings, preferably in person, to discuss details of your projects and consider your suggestions.

Communication

I follow an open-door policy preferably with face-to-face meetings, but also online when I’m away; additionally, I like using Teams or email to exchange information where I usually don’t expect responses outside of core working hours.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once a week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once a week, depending on the level of independence you gain

In year 2 of PhD study

Once per week or less, depending on the level of independence you gain.

In year 3 of PhD study

Once per week or less, depending on the level of independence you gain.

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team. Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during core hours; however, certain tasks may need to occur at set times requiring a rota/timetable with other members of my team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Timothy Barendt.