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IT WAS THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT in Gothenburg that attracted him in particular, with its proximity to advanced infrastructure and instruments. At the same time, there was also the opportunity for the rest of the family to come along, which was another important piece of the puzzle. He started preparing for the move in 2022, and he now lives in the forest near Lerum with his wife, son and parents. His research is inspired by the design and functionality of nature at molecular level, investigating how mechanisms seen in fungi, bacteria or plants could be adapted to humans. This is a broad field, which includes identifying new types of antibiotics and new ways to treat cancer.

How could your research affect cancer treatment? 

“There are two types of cancer, one of which consists of solid tumours in tissue. The tumours are solid, but individual cells can start to move to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. Ninety  percent of people who die from cancerous tumours don’t die from the original tumour, but from metastasis. Today, cancer tumours are treated by trying to kill the cancer cells. However, there are almost no drugs that inhibit the cell from moving.” “In our most recently published research, we have worked with scientists in Germany to use cytochalasin B, a natural fungal substance with properties that include preventing cells from moving. For the first time, we have succeeded in modifying its properties so that it prevents cell movement selectively. It therefore affects cancer cells, but not other cells that need to migrate such as immune cells. Used in combination with standard cytostatics, it could remove the tumour’s aggressive ability to spread and thereby revolutionise cancer care.”

How did you become a chemist? 

“I had a chemistry teacher who was incredibly inspiring, and who demonstrated experiments that fascinated me and made me want to understand how the molecular world works.”

Do you have any thoughts about how chemistry teaching can be developed?

“I think it’s interesting to find new ways of teaching chemistry. In the past it was almost a barrier if, as a chemist, you had a broad background in biology, for example, when you were employed. Now, in addition to scientific skills, it’s more common for other types of knowledge to be in demand. Our students are expected to end up in leadership positions, and knowledge about issues such as conflict management is in demand. I think we should try to teach our students the ‘hard’ scientific skills in a way that allows them to use their softer skills at the same time. So it’s important to actively involve students in their teaching in various ways.”

I understand that you’ve initiated a number of social activities with your research team?

“Yes, I think it’s important to have a good atmosphere within the group. A professional atmosphere – after all, we are colleagues – but we are all people who need a social context. We tend to forget that people who come here from different parts of the world have different cultural backgrounds that they need to share in order to be understood. Their family are also often far away, and they need a ‘home for their souls’. We have study retreats a couple of times a year, and we also meet up on other occasions. I usually invite them to my home for dinner at Christmas. They ‘cook’ things in the lab for me all year round, so I cook dinner for them at Christmas!”

Philipp Klahn

Work: Senior Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Family: Wife and 6-year-old son.

Leisure interests: Likes spending time in nature, and fishing. Works out a lot, including judo. Has been chair of Lerum Judo Club for a couple of weeks.