Welcome Prof. Dr Aljaz Godec, Professor of Theoretical Physics
Freiburg, 13/02/2026
Since January 2026, Dr Aljaz Godec has been Professor of Theoretical Physics with a focus on mathematical physics and stochastic dynamics. In this interview, Godec talks about how his work can contribute to a better understanding of biological signalling pathways and explains why moving to the Black Forest also aligns with his hobby.
What excites you about your research?
I deal with complex stochastic systems far removed from thermodynamic equilibrium – in other words, systems characterised by random processes in which energy is constantly being converted and which make life possible in the first place. Recent theoretical and experimental methods make it possible to understand the principles and laws of living matter in ever greater detail. They allow us to observe and manipulate complex materials as well as biological and chemical processes on the scale of billionths of a metre (nanoscale) and along individual stochastic realisations. This development raises exciting and fundamental questions and challenges in theoretical and mathematical physics beyond traditional concepts, requiring an interdisciplinary approach. I develop methods of mathematical physics and stochastic analysis to understand the above-mentioned processes and to model them both quantitatively and predictably. This work creates the conceptual basis for, for example, developing new strategies for tailor-made materials, optimising processes in a targeted manner and understanding biological signalling pathways physically. It builds a “natural” bridge between mathematics and physics. On the one hand, we strive for abstract mathematical proofs, but on the other hand, we cannot “escape” the reality of physics, specifically the complexity of biological systems. This adds an extra challenge to the whole endeavour.
What solutions can you find in your research for present and future challenges?
We mainly conduct basic research at the interface between theoretical physics and mathematics. When it comes to the socially relevant aspects of our work, I prefer to be a little more cautious. We can certainly make a constructive contribution, but that is (as things stand at present) a matter for the future.
What would you like to pass on to your students, and what would you like to gain from teaching?
My research is highly interdisciplinary, and I work closely with scientists from the fields of physics and mathematics in particular. A key objective of my teaching is to promote interdisciplinary research. I also want to encourage students to visualise learning content – especially abstract mathematical concepts – in order to understand it better. Since today’s society is confronted with populism from all ideological sides, I attach great importance to teaching students to think critically. Only then can they draw their own well-founded conclusions instead of blindly accepting information.
For me personally, teaching is both challenging and rewarding. After all, in order to explain something well, you need a very deep understanding of the subject matter so teaching helps me grow too.
What topics are you personally most concerned with at the moment, outside of your research?
In addition to the ‘normal madness’, I am currently busy looking for a house or flat for myself and my family in Freiburg, which is obviously anything but easy with three children. I really hope we will succeed soon. In our spare time, my wife and I are passionate runners.
What are you looking forward to the most in Freiburg?
In addition to the exciting research and new colleagues, I consider nature – including the proximity to the Black Forest, which my children are most excited about – and the sunny and warmer weather to be among the absolute highlights. Both of these factors are also very conducive to my hobby.
Infobox
Name: Prof. Dr. Aljaz Godec
Professorship: Professor of Theoretical Physics with a focus mathematical physics and stochastic dynamics
Research focus: Statistical physics along individual stochastic trajectories, stochastic thermodynamics and kinetics of complex (biological) systems far from equilibrium, control of uncertainty in inference from small data sets, macromolecular dynamics and biological signalling pathways