We are happy to share a new publication, “Microbiome-host communication via vaccenic acid modulates LRH-1/NR5A2 activity and ameliorates metabolic liver disease“, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine. This work results from a collaboration with Prof. Thomas Brunner and colleagues at the University of Konstanz and other partner institutions. The study identifies the bacteria-derived fatty acid vaccenic acid as a novel activator of the nuclear receptor LRH-1, revealing a new mechanism through which the gut microbiota can influence host metabolism and ameliorate metabolic liver disease in a preclinical model. [Read more]

Miriam gave a plenary lecture at the GDCh Conference on Inorganic Chemistry in Jena. The conference brought together researchers from across the inorganic chemistry community and provided a wonderful setting for scientific exchange, inspiring discussions, and catching up with colleagues. Following an exciting program of lectures, Miriam presented a talk entitled “Hydrothermal Synthesis as a Platform Method for Materials Chemistry” and enjoyed a lively discussion with the audience afterwards. [Read more]

After two months in our lab, the time has come to say goodbye to Kuzey! During his Erasmus+ internship, Kuzey worked together with Celine on the synthesis and processing of waterborne high-performance polymers, concluding his time with us by presenting his project and the work he carried out during his stay. [Read more]

We are happy to welcome Joël, who joined the lab for a research internship. His project explores synthetic strategies toward molecules designed to target liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Joël is currently pursuing his master’s degree in chemistry at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. We are very happy to have him with us and wish him a great and productive time in the lab! [Read more]

We are pleased to share that both Rafael and Elisha successfully defended their Bachelor’s theses. Rafael presented his work entitled “Towards Polypyrrone-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks”, while Elisha presented her thesis “Polyimide-Intercalated MnO₂ via Chemical Oxidation Strategies”. Both did a great job presenting their research and engaging in the subsequent scientific discussion. [Read more]

What if students could explore crystal structures not only on a page or screen, but walk around them, rotate them, scale them, and investigate them together in augmented reality? A new peer-reviewed book chapter by Timon Saatzer, Sabrina Syskowski, Miriam M. Unterlass, and Johannes Huwer presents the results of an exploratory study on the use of head-mounted augmented reality (AR) in solid-state chemistry teaching. [Read more]

For our annual group excursion, we swapped the lab for the Franconian countryside and hiked around 10 km from Würzburg to Veitshöchheim. After a well-earned picnic together, the afternoon was spent exploring the palace gardens, playing minigolf, and enjoying the sunshine before taking the boat back to Würzburg along the Main. [Read more]

We are happy to share that Daniel successfully presented his Bachelor’s thesis entitled “Synthesis and characterization of core-substituted perinones as functional pillars for layered metal oxide frameworks.” We thank Daniel for his contributions to the project and wish him every success in his future academic and professional endeavors.

We are delighted to welcome Kuzey Önçeken to the UnterlassLAB. Kuzey is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Türkiye. He joined our group for an internship in late June 2026 as part of the Erasmus+ Program. In his project, Kuzey works with Celine Kuchler on the synthesis and characterization of waterborne high-performance coatings. [Read more]

Miriam was invited to give one of this year’s Evonik Lectures as part of the GDCh Kolloquium at the University of Duisburg-Essen. In her lecture, “Exploring Chemical Space through Hydrothermal Synthesis” she presented how hydrothermal synthesis can be used to access and explore new pathways in chemical and materials synthesis. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to exchange perspectives on innovation in chemistry and materials science, reconnect with colleagues, and engage in stimulating discussions with the audience. [Read more]