Torsten John is a Ph.D. Candidate in Biophysical and Computational Chemistry at Leipzig University, Germany. He performs his research jointly at the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Germany, and at Monash University, Australia. Torsten graduated with a Bachelor (2012) and Master (2015) of Science degree in chemistry from Leipzig University (Germany) and he undertook multiple research stays in Australia during his studies (RMIT University, Monash University and The University of Queensland).
During his career, Torsten became interested in studying biomolecules and biological processes on a molecular level. His current research focuses on the aggregation mechanisms of amyloid peptides and proteins, and its relevance for ageing-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or type II diabetes. In particular, Torsten studies the role of biological membranes and external interfaces, such as nanoparticles, on the peptide aggregation process.
Next to his studies, Torsten has been a member of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) since 2009. After several years of volunteering for the regional office of the young chemists in Leipzig, he has been on the national board of the German Young Chemists Network (JCF) between 2014 and 2017 and he is now the Secretary of the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN). In these roles, Torsten connects young chemists within Germany and across countries. As the Secretary of the EYCN (2017-2019), he supports projects that promote the (career) opportunities and soft-skills of young chemists and improve the visibility of chemistry to a wider audience.
