Profiles of early-career researchers at the Faculty of Natural Sciences
"Curious minds – What's yours?"
In July 2025, a team from the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry led by Prof. Dr Sebastian Polarz published a widely noted article in Nature Communications. They described how microplastics in water can be broken down using a self-regulating material. But who is behind this fascinating research? We spoke to the paper’s first author, Dennis Kollofrath, and asked him three quick questions.
Three questions for a young chemist: Dennis Kollofrath
Editorial team, Faculty of Natural Sciences: Could you describe your research in four lines?
Dennis Kollofrath: I work on hybrid materials combining porous organosilica nanoparticles and functional polymers. I am interested in smart systems that actively interact with their environment. One key focus is on materials for water purification. To this end, I use a wide range of analytical methods to precisely understand structure, surface and function of the materials.
What drives your scientific spirit?
I am excited by research that makes a tangible difference – whether through developing materials to remove pollutants from water or creating new implant models for the SIIRI Collaborative Research Centre. I enjoy working close to real-world applications and seeing the materials I design in action. At the same time, I am driven by the desire to spark enthusiasm for science in others, to strengthen trust in facts, and to demonstrate how exciting, relevant, and solution-oriented science can be.
Was there a lightbulb moment that drew you into research?
That moment came in my fifth semester during a practical course in solid-state and materials chemistry. For the first time, we created something that actually had a use, not just "rubbish".. That’s when I knew: I wanted to pursue in materials chemistry and do research with practical applications.
Dennis Kollofrath studied chemistry at the University of Konstanz (2012–2018). He then began his doctoral research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sebastian Polarz. When Prof. Polarz was appointed to the Leibniz University Hannover in 2020, Dennis followed him there to complete his dissertation. During this time, he developed the structure of the hydrogel and successfully obtained his doctorate in 2025 with his dissertation ‘Hybrid Materials from Porous Organosilicates and Functional Polymers’. He is a research assistant in the Inorganic Molecular and Materials Chemistry Group and conducts research as a postdoctoral fellow in the interdisciplinary SIIRI Collaborative Research Centre – Safety-integrated and infection-responsive implants for sequential drug release.
Further information
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry: Inorganic molecular and materials chemistry group
- SIIRI projekt: B05 Autonomous sequential release systems
- Press release, Leibniz University Hannover: Research team at Leibniz University Hannover deploys hydrogel to combat microplastics
- SAT.1 Regional feature (German)
- Studying chemistry in Hanover: Chemistry and biochemistry degree programmes
The portrait series "Curious minds – What's yours?" introduces early-career researchers from our Faculty. Through a set of concise questions, it offers personal insights into the variety of current research. Following the idea of big questions and short answers, readers can discover not only the science itself – but also the people who pursue it with dedication and passion.
