UAlbany, Leibniz Institute Connect Through Laser-Based Technology
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 27, 2023) — University at Albany chemist Igor Lednev has pioneered the use of Raman spectroscopy, coupled with advanced machine learning methods, for forensic applications over the last decade.
Nearly 4,000 miles across the globe, in Jena, Germany, Jürgen Popp has spent a career dedicated to the research and application of biophotonic and Raman spectroscopic methods to solve biomedical challenges. Popp has been the scientific director of the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology for 17 years and chair of Physical Chemistry at the Friedrich-Schiller University for 22 years.
The two scientists have built a strong connection over their use of the same, laser-based technology.
“We’ve known each other for quite some time,” said Lednev, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and faculty member at The RNA Institute. “I was very fortunate to spend a sabbatical in Germany at Jürgen’s institute and we published eight papers with his colleagues. It’s an exciting partnership that we hope continues to grow."
“Independently, we are using the same technology. The field of application is different — one mainly focused on forensics and the other on biomedical applications,” Popp said. “By working together, it can lead to a very nice success story for both research labs.”
World-Renowned Spectroscopists
Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique that works by shining monochromatic light on a sample and measuring the scattered interaction. No two samples produce the same scattered light, offering a unique measurement (similar to a fingerprint). The results are instantaneous, with the sample preserved for future testing.
While much of Lednev’s research is focused on the use of Raman spectroscopy for forensic purposes, he’s also made advances in medical diagnostics and fundamental biochemistry.
Lednev’s accomplishments include the development of new and innovative approaches for the identification and characterization of biological stains, gunshot residue, hair and other trace evidence recovered at a crime scene, and a noninvasive, early diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Popp is a leading international expert in the field of optical health technologies and biophotonics. Among his areas of research focus is the investigation of Raman spectroscopic methods for rapid diagnosis and a targeted therapy of infectious diseases as well as for intraoperative tumor diagnostics.
Like Lednev, Popp’s spectroscopic measurement data is obtained in the form of complex molecular fingerprints that are reliably analyzed and evaluated using machine learning methods.
Inter-Institutional Collaboration
Last June, Lednev and Popp made their collaboration official through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the University at Albany and the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology.
The five-year agreement is focused on promoting scientific exchange between the two research labs, combining expertise at both institutions and offering training and exchange opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows.
“One of our goals is to bring the technology developed at Jürgen’s institute into the U.S.,” Lednev said. “We want to use this collaboration to further develop and validate our technologies before making them available to the public.”
New small businesses will be started based on the outcomes of research and development work performed through the agreement. Lednev has already co-founded multiple start-up companies, including SupreMEtric LLC and Early Alzheimer’s Diagnostics LLC, both funded through Small Business Technology Transfer grants. Popp is the co-founder of Biophotonics Diagnostics GmbH, a company focused on AI-based analysis of Raman data.
“By combining our expertise, sharing knowledge and further developing the tools in both of our labs, we believe that we can translate our technologies much easier from lab to market,” Popp said.
Lednev and Popp also plan to establish a joint center, based at UAlbany, that will be equipped with novel instrumentation from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology and used for collaborative research opportunities.
Honorary Degree
In recognition of his significant scientific achievements, and partnership with the University, Popp was awarded the honorary doctorate of the State University of New York during UAlbany’s Commencement 2023 festivities.
The honorary degree, awarded following Lednev’s nomination, was officially conferred by President Rodríguez and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Kim in front of more than 3,000 new graduates and their families and the University-wide undergraduate ceremony in May.
“This is one of the highest awards I’ve received in my career,” Popp said. “I was very touched and honored to be recognized. In Germany, we do not have large graduation ceremonies. It was a memorable experience that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life.”
You can view the presentation of Popp’s honorary degree on the University’s YouTube channel.