From User to Application Scientist: Meet Hans Gildenast

A 5-minute read

Hans Gildenast joined DECTRIS in June as our new Application Scientist. A former DECTRIS detector user and passionate crystallographer, he is eager to share his enthusiasm for X-ray science and connect with our community of researchers.

A Crystallographer with Deep Expertise in X-ray Science

Before coming to DECTRIS, Hans worked as a researcher. He earned his PhD in chemical crystallography, focusing on coordination chemistry and metal-organic frameworks. Throughout his academic career, he has accumulated experience in various X-ray methods, including powder diffraction, XAS, XES and EDX. However, his favorite remains single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which he learned through daily use of laboratory instruments and experiments at synchrotron beamlines across Europe. He has also investigated polyoxovanadate molecular electronics and sustainable polymer materials.

Supporting Researchers through Collaboration and Insight

Having been a user of DECTRIS detectors himself, Hans joined the company to share his passion for X-ray science with other researchers as an Application Scientist, and to ensure they get the most from their equipment. He is looking forward to connecting with researchers, understanding their projects, and helping them achieve their scientific goals. Hans is naturally curious, patient, and has a passion for sharing knowledge and teaching - qualities that will help him bring the perspective and needs of the community into DECTRIS.

“I am excited to start my first job in a company,” he says. “Thanks to all the scientists for the great conversations and contributions so far, especially at the Annual Meeting of the American Crystallographic Association this summer.”

Hans will be joining the DECTRIS team at many of our upcoming conferences. Next up: the European Crystallographic Meeting (ECM) 2025 in Poznań. If you see him, don’t hesitate to say hello and ask him for a ticket to our famous PubQuiz night!