The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is awarding the Dres. Volker and Elke Münch Prize to the teams led by Professor Dr Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel and Professor Dr Rainer Haag from Freie Universität Berlin. The prize of the GDCh foundation of the same name is endowed with 7000 euros and is awarded to inventors who have made a pioneering invention in the field of chemistry or chemical process engineering. The prize money is used to support a patent application. The research teams at FU Berlin developed a resource-saving and environmentally friendly process to adsorb chlorine from a chlorine-containing residual gas stream. They will receive the award at the JCF Spring Symposium in Ulm from 13 to 16 March 2024.
Chlorine is one of the most important basic chemicals in the chemical industry. Around 50 per cent of all industrial chemicals, 30 per cent of all agrochemicals and 20 per cent of all pharmaceuticals require chlorine for their production. In 2022, around 96 million tonnes of chlorine were produced worldwide (primarily through chlor-alkali electrolysis). The production of chlorine is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the chemical industry. In Germany alone, chlorine production requires 12 million megawatt hours, around 2.3 per cent of the electrical energy produced in Germany.
This is where the invention of the FU researchers comes in, with which elemental chlorine is reversibly adsorbed with the help of polymers and thus enables selective chlorine storage. The polymer-based chlorine adsorbers developed offer great potential for the safe and simple adsorption, storage and conversion of chlorine gas from residual gas streams, for example. In the future, the process could make chlorine production more efficient, environmentally friendly and resource-saving. The scientists are also currently looking at other possible applications.
Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel heads the Halogen Chemistry working group at Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2019, Hasenstab-Riedel has been the spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre 1349 "Fluorine-Specific Interactions". He has been an active member of the GDCh since 2001 and is currently on the board of the Fluorine Chemistry Working Group and the Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry of the GDCh. He has already been honoured with numerous awards for his research. For example, Hasenstab-Riedel received a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council in 2019 and has held an Einstein Professorship from the Einstein Foundation Berlin since 2021. In 2023, he received the Christel and Herbert W. Roesky Prize from the GDCh and his ChemSysCon project was honoured with the Werner Siemens Foundation Research Prize.Rainer Haag is Professor of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry at the Free University of Berlin. His research focusses on biodegradable and sustainable polymer systems, multivalent macromolecules and supramolecular architectures. He has been a member of the GDCh since 1990 and is active in the Association of German University Professors of Chemistry (ADUC). For example, he chaired the Chemistry Lecturers' Conference in 2013 and was involved in designing the programme for the GDCh's Anniversary Science Forum on Chemistry (WiFo) in 2017. Haag has been spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre 1449 "Dynamic Hydrogels at Biological Interfaces" and the interdisciplinary research building "SupraFAB" since 2021. He has been an elected member of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) since 2019. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant for the "SupraVir" project and was admitted to the European Academy of Sciences in 2023.
Merlin Kleoff studied chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin from 2012 to 2018. In 2021, he completed his doctorate in the group of Professor Dr Philipp Heretsch (FU Berlin) on the development of flow reactors for the synthesis of natural products. Since 2021, he has been working in the group of Professor Dr Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel on new technologies and synthesis methods using chlorine chemistry.
Olaf Wagner completed his doctorate in 2015 at the FU Berlin under Professor Dr Rainer Haag in the field of polymer chemistry and conducted research on self-assembly processes of amphiphilic structures during this time. From 2016 to 2020, he conducted postdoctoral research on 2D materials & polymer-functionalised surfaces for use in adsorption processes. Since 2021, he has been leading research into adsorption processes on functionalised biopolymers and developing sustainable technologies for germ and pollutant reduction in water.
Alejandro Jose Lorente Sánchez is a postdoctoral researcher in the field of polymer science and organic synthesis at the FU Berlin. He received his PhD from the University of Potsdam in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP). His research work focussed on the development of molecular sensors, semiconducting polymers and adsorbing materials. He is working on several research projects focussing on the development of porous materials made of polymers and biopolymers that are used in the adsorption of pollutants or gases.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It has 27 specialist groups as well as 60 local chapters and regional forums of the JCF (Young Chemists' Forum). The GDCh promotes scientific work as well as the exchange and dissemination of new scientific findings. It maintains numerous foundations, such as the Dres. Volker and Elke Münch Foundation, which was established by the founding couple, Dr rer. nat Volker Münch and Dr paed. Elke Münch, in 2021 to promote science and research and the patent protection of the results.
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Dr Dennis Lippmann, President of thyssenkrupp Uhde, Houston/USA, will receive the Meyer-Galow Prize for Industrial Chemistry 2023 on 29 November. The prize, which is awarded by the foundation of the same name at the German Chemical Society (GDCh), is endowed with 10 000 euros. Dr Lippmann and his team have developed and successfully launched a process that can significantly increase the capacity of ammonia plants and improve energy efficiency. The uhde® two-pressure process avoids the risks associated with scaling up other processes. The winner will receive the award from GDCh President Professor Dr Karsten Danielmeier at a ceremony at thyssenkrupp Uhde in Dortmund.
Ammonia has long been one of the most widely produced chemicals - especially for fertilisers. Today, however, the chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen is also being discussed as an energy source and hydrogen transport medium.
At the turn of the millennium, an industrial plant was producing up to 2000 tonnes of ammonia per day. Simply scaling up such a plant further in order to increase the yield is associated with risks, as high-pressure equipment such as the synthesis gas compressor with steam turbine and ammonia reactor would be required in unreferenced orders of magnitude. The excellent dual-pressure process reduces such risks by shifting the necessary additional output to less critical equipment. Not only can new plants be built up to 65% larger without increasing critical high-pressure equipment, but existing plants can also be expanded in capacity. The new process also enables a reduction in energy consumption of up to 4%.
GDCh honours the market launch of this process with the Meyer-Galow Prize for Industrial Chemistry. In 2006, the SAFCO-IV plant in Saudi Arabia was the first such plant to go into operation with a capacity of 3300 tonnes per day - today there are already five, another is under construction and the next is in the planning stage. The process uses a fresh gas reactor that is connected between the two housings of the synthesis gas compressor. At 110 bar, nitrogen and hydrogen are already partially converted to ammonia, which is then cryogenically cooled and condensed. The remaining synthesis gas is compressed to 200 bar and converted to ammonia in the circuit of the existing system. As a result, the synthesis gas compressor, which is critical in terms of size, requires less drive power in the dual-pressure process.The award winner Dr Dennis Lippmann is CEO and President of thyssenkrupp Uhde in the USA. Prior to his move in 2015, he worked as Vice President of KBR's synthesis gas and fertiliser division. Prior to that, he held various positions at Uhde in Germany and the USA from 1995 to 2013. Dr Lippmann completed his chemical engineering studies at the Technical University of Clausthal in 1995 with a doctorate.About the event:
The award ceremony will take place on 29 November 2023 at 6:30 pm at thyssenkrupp Uhde in Dortmund. GDCh President Professor Dr Karsten Danielmeier will present the award to Dr Dennis Lippmann, who will briefly introduce the award-winning project.
The Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker and thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH cordially invite representatives of the media to attend this event in Dortmund. You will be welcomed by Professor Dr Karsten Danielmeier, President of the GDCh, Walter Schön, Member of the Management Board (Chief HR Officer) of thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH, and the founder of the award, Prof Dr Erhard Meyer-Galow. Interviews are possible by appointment. Please register at https://www.gdch.de/gdch/stiftungen/meyer-galow-stiftung/preisverleihung-meyer-galow-preis.html.
About the prize:
The Meyer-Galow Prize for Industrial Chemistry is awarded annually to scientists in German-speaking countries who have successfully introduced a current innovation in chemistry to the market. The focus is on market launches that prioritise the aspect of sustainability. The prize was donated by Professor Dr Erhard Meyer-Galow, former CEO of Hüls AG and former President of the GDCh. Meyer-Galow worked primarily at the interface between chemistry and the market and lectured on "Business Chemistry in the Chemical Industry" at the University of Münster.
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world with around 30,000 members. It has 27 specialist groups as well as 60 local associations and regional young chemists' forums. The GDCh promotes scientific work as well as the exchange and dissemination of new scientific findings. It maintains numerous foundations, such as the Meyer-Galow Foundation for Industrial Chemistry, which Professor Dr Erhard Meyer-Galow established in 2012 to further promote industrial chemistry. Further information at www.gdch.de
thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and servicing of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of basic chemicals, fertilisers and polymers as well as complete value chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals.
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The training programme of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) for 2024 is now available in the GDCh.academy. Courses on law, quality assurance, project management and marketing complement the training courses on classic chemistry topics such as synthesis, analytics and food chemistry. The courses take place on site, online or as an in-house course in your own company. New are courses "on demand": participants can decide for themselves when and how much time they want to invest and can still count on the support of experts at any time.
In the new, flexible "on demand" courses, participants learn on their own using the course materials. They decide when to start the course, how many hours per week they want to study, where they want to study and how much support they need. They can contact the course leader with any questions throughout the course. The new format is now being used for "Business Administration for Chemists (m/f/d)" and "Fundamentals of Macromolecular Chemistry I: Synthesis of Polymers".
Some new courses will also be added to the regular programme in 2024: In the online course "The Wholesale Representative for Veterinary and Human Medicinal Products", graduate engineer Jürgen Ortlepp from Pierre Fabre Pharma GmbH/Pierre Fabre Dermo-Kosmetik GmbH explains how to establish quality management systems, secure them contractually and comply with national and EU regulations.
From Dr Barbara Pohl, start-ups, SMEs and research institutions will learn how to create, apply and monitor standards for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in the classroom course "DIN, norms, technical regulations and standards".
Important for employees in research departments: bioactive molecules can be identified in mixtures of substances. Professor Gertrud Morlock from Justus Liebig University Giessen combines assays with chromatography and mass spectrometry in the "Hyphenated HPTLC" course. In two new courses, Professor Dr Andrea Wanninger from the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences talks about surfactants. In the hybrid user course "Development of surfactant products for skin and hair", she explains to product developers what raw materials, recipes and formulations are contained in current skin and hair care products and how to develop and characterise them. Her online course "Cold Production of Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Emulsions" deals with, among other things, which ingredients and recipes improve cold-produced emulsions and where their limits lie.
In addition to many individual courses, there are the proven GDCh specialist programmes "Certified Industrial Chemist (GDCh)® (m/f/d)", "Certified Quality Expert GxP (GDCh) (m/f/d)" and "Certified Project Manager Industrial Chemistry GDCh (m/f/d)".Most of the courses in the GDCh.academy programme are also available as in-house courses. It can be worth holding the course in your own company for as few as four participants. The GDCh.academy team also realises new in-house course concepts for individual needs together with the relevant experts.
Detailed information on all courses and specialist programmes can be found at https://gdch.academyWith around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It promotes scientific work, research and teaching as well as the exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge. The GDCh supports education in schools and universities as well as continuous professional and career development.
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The August Wilhelm von Hofmann Foundation established by the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is once again awarding scholarships for the 2024 summer semester. Bachelor's, diploma or final-year students of chemistry and related fields can receive a scholarship of 300 euros per month for a period of 18 or twelve months from April 2024. Applications must be submitted via the online portal by 1 February 2024.
Bachelor's, diploma or final-year students in chemistry and related fields with very good academic achievements who find themselves in an economically unfavourable situation can apply for one of around twenty scholarships from the August Wilhelm von Hofmann Foundation. Commitment outside of studies is also a criterion for the award. A further requirement is that students must be in the fourth or fifth semester of their degree programme at the start of the 2024 summer semester. Funding ends at the end of the sixth semester at the latest.The scholarship cannot be extended. A new application cycle takes place every year in the winter semester. The scholarship does not count towards BAföG benefits, but double funding alongside other performance-based material funding from the organisations for the promotion of gifted students is excluded.The August Wilhelm von Hofmann Foundation is named after the first president of the GDCh's predecessor organisation, the German Chemical Society, which was founded in 1867. The founder was a long-standing GDCh member who died in 2010 and bequeathed the majority of his estate to the GDCh in order to support talented chemistry students.
Further information at www.gdch.de/hofmannstiftungThe German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world with around 30,000 members. The GDCh manages numerous dependent foundations on a fiduciary basis. The purpose of these foundations is to award prizes, sponsorship awards and scholarships. Foundation advisory boards decide on the awarding of prizes, awards and scholarships.
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Professor Dr Stefanie Dehnen from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will become President of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) on 1 January 2024. During her two-year term of office, she aims to further open up the GDCh and advance it on its path to becoming a modern, diverse and internationally oriented professional society.
Stefanie Dehnen was unanimously elected as future President at the constituent meeting of the new GDCh Board of Directors on 4 September 2023. She succeeds Professor Dr Karsten Danielmeier, Covestro, who held the office for two years and will now become Deputy President. The Executive Committee will be completed by Junior Professor Dr Sabine Becker, Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau, who will also become Deputy President. The new Treasurer will be Dr Franz von Nussbaum, Nuvisan ICB.The future President already has specific ideas for her term of office. "For me, the GDCh has the role of a 'society for society'," explains Dehnen. "On the one hand, this includes the task of strengthening communication between all groups of people associated with chemistry as well as interaction with non-chemical professional societies and also providing the general public with important information on chemical issues. On the other hand, this also means that the GDCh is opening up further and becoming even more international, modern, young and diverse. We are on the way to a new era - 'Rethinking Chemistry' therefore also means 'Rethinking GDCh'."
Stefanie Dehnen completed her chemistry degree in 1996 at what was then the University of Karlsruhe, one of the predecessor institutions of KIT, with a doctorate. After a post-doctorate in theoretical chemistry, she habilitated in inorganic chemistry in 2004. From 2006 to 2022, she was W3 Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the Philipps University of Marburg and Director of the Scientific Centre for Materials Science (from 2012 to 2014 as Managing Director). Since 2022, she has been Professor of Information-Based Material Design and Nanoscience and Managing Director of the Institute of Nanotechnology at KIT. Dehnen is an elected member of the DFG Review Board for Molecular Chemistry and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Inorganic Chemistry (ACS). She serves on several editorial boards and is a member of several national and international academies such as the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the European Academy of Sciences. Stefanie Dehnen has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the DFG and the Alfred Stock Memorial Prize (now the Marianne Baudler Prize) of the GDCh. In 2022, she received an ERC Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. She has been active on the GDCh Board since 2020 (2020-2021 as Vice President) and was a member of the Board of the GDCh's Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry from 2014 to 2022 (2018-2022 as Chair).
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world with around 30,000 members. It promotes scientific work, research and teaching as well as the exchange and dissemination of new scientific findings. The GDCh supports the creation of networks, transdisciplinary and international co-operation and continuous education and training in schools, universities and professional environments. The GDCh has 27 specialised groups and 60 local associations.
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JOINT PRESS RELEASE
of the City of Frankfurt am Main
of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e. V. (GDCh) and
of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft e. V. (DPG)
Professor Dr Dr h.c. Herbert Waldmann, Director at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology and Professor at the Technical University of Dortmund, receives the Otto Hahn Prize 2023. The award is endowed with 50 000 euros and is jointly sponsored by the City of Frankfurt am Main, the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) and the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG). The award ceremony will take place on 26 October in a festive setting in Frankfurt's Paulskirche.
Herbert Waldmann made a significant contribution to establishing chemical biology as a field of research and had a decisive influence on the development of the discipline. His work inspired innovative research in the field of medicinal chemistry and paved the way for novel therapeutic interventions, including in cancer research."Herbert Waldmann is not only an outstanding scientist and university lecturer. Through his research, he has opened up new sources of active substances and thus taken on social responsibility," explains Professor Dr Karsten Danielmeier, President of the German Chemical Society."Herbert Waldmann's outstanding scientific achievement is also an important contribution to strengthening the public appreciation and visibility of the natural sciences, whose findings are essential for socio-political decisions and for solving complex global challenges," adds Professor Dr Joachim Ullrich, President of the German Physical Society.
"By awarding the Otto Hahn Prize, the City of Frankfurt commemorates one of its most important citizens and honours great researchers. Herbert Waldmann undoubtedly deserves this award", congratulates Frankfurt's Lord Mayor Mike Josef.
In his scientific work, Waldmann designed a novel methodology to synthesise fully functional proteins. In addition, he developed a general conceptual framework for the design and synthesis of bioactive small molecules that modulate the function of proteins. These approaches have been successfully applied in biological research and have provided new insights into important biological processes, in particular signalling.
With his group, the chemist developed a synthesis method for lipidated proteins, in particular the Ras GTPases, which are mutated in around 20 % of all human cancers. This led to significant insights into their role in biological signalling, including the discovery of the dynamic "Ras cycle". This research enables the development of small molecule inhibitors that can inhibit the growth of Ras-dependent tumours and opens up new possibilities for novel therapeutic interventions.
In his current research, the prizewinner and his group are specifically developing so-called pseudonaturals. These are biologically active substances with novel chemical backbones. They consist of building blocks of natural substances, but are not natural substances themselves. In order to develop such pseudo-natural substances, Waldmann analyses how the biological properties of natural substances are encoded in their structure. The elements of this structural code are then linked together to form new substances. Cell cultures are then used to check whether the pseudo-natural substance exhibits new biological activity. If this is the case, it can be used in drug research as the basis for new medicines.
Herbert Waldmann completed his degree in chemistry with a doctorate at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in 1985. After two years at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA, he returned to Mainz, where he qualified as a professor in 1991. Following positions at the University of Bonn and the University of Karlsruhe, he has headed the Department of Chemical Biology at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology since 1999 and is also Professor of Biochemistry at the Technical University of Dortmund. Since 2005, he has also headed the Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society. Waldmann is the author of over 500 scientific publications and has received numerous awards. In 2014, the University of Leiden, NL, awarded him an honorary doctorate. Waldmann has been a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina since 2004. He is also a member of various editorial boards of scientific journals as well as numerous advisory boards and boards of trustees.
The Otto Hahn Prize is awarded jointly by the City of Frankfurt am Main, the German Physical Society (DPG) and the German Chemical Society (GDCh). It serves to promote science, particularly in the fields of chemistry, physics and applied engineering sciences, by recognising outstanding scientific achievements. It is endowed with 50,000 euros and is awarded every two years at a ceremony in Frankfurt's St Paul's Church.The press release as a pdf documentImage material for download:
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is including the König Building at Dresden University of Technology, which houses the Historical Dye Collection, in its "Historic Sites of Chemistry" programme. The building, with its historical sequence of rooms comprising lecture theatre, preparation room, laboratory and stacks for the dye collection, conveys a vivid impression of chemical teaching before the Second World War. The unveiling of the associated commemorative plaque will take place as part of a celebratory event on 12 October 2023.
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) has been using the "Historic Sites of Chemistry" programme to commemorate achievements of historical significance in chemistry since 1999. In a ceremonial act, places where important scientists have worked are honoured with a commemorative plaque. The aim of this programme is to keep alive the memory of the cultural heritage of chemistry and to raise public awareness of chemistry and its historical roots.
The current König Building was inaugurated in 1926 as the Laboratory for Colour and Textile Chemistry and home to the institute of the same name. The laboratory was founded in 1893 as the first university laboratory of its kind in Germany by Richard Möhlau (1857 - 1940), who headed it until 1911. Hans Theodor Bucherer (1869 - 1949) succeeded Möhlau as director of the laboratory from 1911 to 1913, and under the leadership of Walter König (1878 - 1964) from 1913 to 1954, the institute developed into one of the world's leading institutions for research into synthetic dyes and their applications. König's work on polymethine dyes was groundbreaking for the development of colour photography. The König-Bau was given the name König-Bau during his time in office in 1953, and in 1926 it also became the home of the dye collection, whose oldest holdings date back to the middle of the 19th century. Systematic collecting for the purpose of research at the Institute of Colour and Textile Chemistry resulted in a unique collection that documents the development of synthetic dyes from the discovery of mauveine in 1856 to the present day.
Celebratory event
On 12 October, the building will be formally included in the "Historic Sites of Chemistry" programme and the commemorative plaque will be unveiled. The rest of the programme for the celebratory event will range from historical dye research to modern OLED displays. Registration for the free event is still possible until 1 October at www.gdch.de/historischestaetten.
Brochure
To mark the occasion, the GDCh is publishing a brochure on the history of the König Building and the Historical Dye Collection. The brochure will be available from 1 November via the GDCh shop at https://shop.gdch.de.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. The "Historic Sites of Chemistry" programme aims to keep alive the memory of the cultural heritage of chemistry and to raise public awareness of chemistry and its historical roots. A key criterion for selection as a Historic Site is that the discoveries associated with it are of great importance to people and society.
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From 4 to 6 September, the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) will take place in Leipzig under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry". The most important chemistry congress in the German-speaking world is organised by the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the largest specialist chemical organisation in the EU. In addition to scientific lectures and discourses, the programme also offers a diverse supporting programme ranging from a breakfast session on the topic of start-ups to a science slam all about chemistry.
Climate change, recycling and energy shortages are just three of the pressing challenges of our time. To meet them, chemistry must also break new ground and establish a new way of thinking. The WiFo 2023 will focus on the individual contributions that chemistry is already making and can still make to overcoming these challenges.
Two high-calibre plenary symposia will focus on concepts and sustainable strategies for "Rethinking Chemistry". The more than 30 sessions organised by the GDCh specialist groups on the topics of "Synthesis and Catalysis", "Materials", "Energy, Resources and the Environment", "Life Sciences" and "Chemistry Education" will also showcase current approaches and solutions from the respective specialist areas. Interdisciplinary symposia such as "Rethinking History of Chemistry: Fascinating stories and reflections for the future", "Chemistry meets art" and "Setting boundaries between science and politics" build bridges between the disciplines and invite visitors to think outside the box.The WiFo also offers numerous highlights outside of the scientific programme. For example, a breakfast session promises inspiration for founding start-ups in chemistry. Three short presentations will be dedicated to the start-up scene in Saxony, an international perspective from and on Australia and the motivating success story of a biochemist. Afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to discuss and network.
The 5th ChemSlam, a mixture of science and entertainment, will be exciting and funny. Several scientists will present their chemical topics in an easily understandable and entertaining way, in a maximum of ten minutes per presentation. The audience also plays an active role, as it decides who delivers the best slam and evaluates not only the scientific content, but also the comprehensibility and entertainment value of each presentation. In addition to congress visitors, chemistry classes from local schools will also be taking part.The WiFo has a special programme for students, doctoral candidates and graduates in particular: Young scientists can present their research to a broad scientific plenum at a poster party. As part of the GDCh Career Days, interested parties can find out about the various job profiles and career entry. Workshops and lectures on all aspects of careers will provide chemists with valuable input for starting and continuing their careers. Institutions, publishers and companies will be presenting themselves in an exhibition accompanying the WiFo. The GDCh is also represented with a stand and offers plenty of information and space for dialogue. Staff from the various GDCh departments will be on hand to answer questions and the GDCh careers service will be on hand to provide advice, questions and tips.With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The WiFo 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industrial exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de
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As part of the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 (WiFo) of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), Professor Dr Dr h.c. Henning Hopf will be awarded the Primo Levi Prize on 4 September. He will receive the prize, which is jointly sponsored by the GDCh and the Italian Chemical Society (SCI), at the opening ceremony of the WiFo 2023 in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig.
The Primo Levi Prize is awarded to chemists or scientists from chemistry-related disciplines who are particularly committed to the protection of human rights and thus promote dialogue between chemistry and society. This year's winner, Professor Dr Dr h.c. Henning Hopf, receives the award for his significant contributions to both the chemical community and society in general. His commitment as a member of various academies and chemical societies, including the GDCh, is exemplary. In particular, he has long been committed to uncovering the involvement of German chemists and their organisations in the structures of the Nazi state. Among other things, Hopf initiated a scientific investigation of the GDCh's predecessor organisations, which resulted in the book 'Chemiker im "Dritten Reich" - Die Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft und der Verein Deutscher Chemiker im NS-Herrschaftsapparat', commissioned by the GDCh in 2015. The work was written by science historian Professor Dr Helmut Maier and examines the history of the GDCh's predecessor organisations in detail, with a particular focus on the National Socialist era.
Hopf's tireless commitment to responsible chemistry is also reflected in his work within the International Organisation for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD), where he is an active member of the Chemists for Sustainability (C4S) group. His essays on topics such as resilience, circular chemistry/economics, ethics, diversity and inclusion have attracted much attention and Hopf's initiatives to promote international collaboration and support chemists in less affluent countries also make him a worthy recipient of the Primo Levi Award.
Henning Hopf was born in Wildeshausen, Lower Saxony, in 1940 and studied chemistry at the University of Göttingen and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. After completing his doctorate in the USA, he returned to Germany to complete his habilitation, first at the University of Marburg and then at the University of Karlsruhe. After a professorship at the University of Würzburg, Hopf was appointed to the Technical University of Braunschweig in 1978. He has received numerous high honours, including the GDCh's Adolf von Baeyer Medal in 1996. He has held several guest professorships, served on a number of editorial boards of scientific journals and conducted extremely successful research in the field of organic chemistry. He has been associated with the GDCh for many years: In addition to his work on the Executive Board and holding the office of President in 2004 and 2005, he has represented the GDCh with commitment on numerous committees and provided the GDCh with a great deal of impetus. He was therefore made an honorary member in 2015.
The Primo Levi Prize honours the Italian writer and chemist who was deported to Auschwitz as a Jewish resistance fighter. He survived and is considered an important representative of Holocaust literature. His works are dedicated to the memory of the victims and oppose forgetting. Primo Levi would have been 104 years old on 31 July 2023.With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The WiFo 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industrial exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de .Press release as a pdf document
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The 51st German Food Chemistry Days will take place at the University of Bonn from 21 to 23 August. The annual conference of the Lebensmittelchemische Gesellschaft (LChG), the largest specialist group of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh), will focus on food quality and consumer protection. Topics include the analysis of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) from kitchen products, the use of artificial intelligence in analysing meat spoilage and the potential opportunities and risks of edible insects as animal feed. During the conference, the GDCh will also be honouring Professor Dr Thomas Henle, Dresden University of Technology, with the Joseph König Memorial Coin for his special services to scientific development and the promotion and recognition of food chemistry.
PFAS are industrial chemicals that are used as coating materials in functional jackets, tarpaulins, umbrellas, pizza boxes and baking paper, for example. However, we now know that PFAS have an impact on the environment and health and accumulate in food chains, among other things. For this reason, the monitoring of PFAS levels in materials that come into contact with food is becoming increasingly important. PFAS are also used in the manufacture of non-stick coatings. With this in mind, Nancy Wolf from the Technical University of Dresden and her team developed a new method for analysing PFAS emissions from cookware. Using thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), it was found that no heat-induced release of PFAS was observed in the baking tins and frying pans analysed up to 250 °C. Wolf will explain exactly how she went about this and what these results mean in her presentation.The lecture by Professor Dr Ulrich Busch from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety in Oberschleissheim will focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse meat spoilage. As part of the "Future Lab 2030", artificial intelligence is to be used to predict the sensory and microbiological quality of food. In this context, Busch and his team carried out next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based analyses, particularly of the microbiome, in order to investigate how this changes as a result of storage duration or conditions. Their initial investigations focused on perishable and non-fermented foods such as minced meat, where microbiological spoilage is a relevant aspect of food safety. The lecture will present the first results of the microbiome analysis of microbial populations in measurement series of minced meat.
In the search for alternative sources to cover the demand for animal protein, edible insects have recently become more and more of a focus. While the acceptance of insects as food is still low among the European population, their use in the animal feed sector in fish and poultry feed is generally accepted. In order to ensure the quality and safety of animal feed, it is necessary to investigate whether contaminants such as mycotoxins, i.e. mould toxins, can enter the feed via insects. Dr Ronald Maul, Max Rubner Institute, Institute for Safety and Quality in Milk and Fish, Kiel, and his team investigated whether contaminant transfer into insects is possible. At the same time, he analysed whether a transfer of minerals can occur. In his lecture, Maul will present the opportunities and risks of edible insects as animal feed.On 22 August, Professor Dr Thomas Henle, Dresden University of Technology, will also receive the Joseph König Memorial Coin, endowed with 7500 euros. The GDCh is honouring his achievements in promoting the field of food chemistry nationally and internationally as well as his scientific activities. Henle has advanced the field of food chemistry with his fundamental work on chemical changes during food processing, e.g. under high-pressure treatment. Through his research on the physiological significance of protein modifications and on bioactive peptides, including in connection with hypertension, he has broken new scientific ground and published internationally recognised work. Henle played a key role in shaping the Food Chemistry Society through his activities on the board, of which he was chairman from 2005 to 2010. In 1998, he established a centre for food chemistry training and research at the Technical University of Dresden, which is now one of the largest in Germany.
During the conference, the Food Chemistry Society will also award the Werner Baltes Prize, the Future Prize of the Food Chemistry Society, the Bruno Rossmann Prize and the Josef Schormüller Scholarship. Who will receive the awards in 2023 will be announced on site.Further information at www.gdch.de/lchtage2023
With around 30,000 members, the GDCh is one of the largest chemical science societies in the world. It has 27 specialist groups, including the Food Chemistry Society, whose task is to promote the exchange of ideas in the field of food chemistry and its neighbouring disciplines and to provide technical suggestions. With over 2600 members, the Food Chemistry Society is the largest specialist group in the GDCh.
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In 2022, a total of 8137 new students started a chemistry degree programme - 1.2 % fewer than in the previous year (2021: 8233). This is according to the annual statistics for chemistry degree programmes published by the German Chemical Society (GDCh). The number of students who completed a chemistry degree programme with a Master's degree or the First State Examination rose to 3761 (2021: 3727). After a record number of doctorates were reported in the previous year (2021: 2231), the number fell to a moderate level of 1883 in the reporting year. The number of job-seeking graduates and those who initially accepted temporary positions fell once again to a lower level than in the previous year.
The following results emerged for the individual degree programmes:98% of all Bachelor's graduates from universities and 68 % from universities of applied sciences went on to study for a Master's degree. Around 86% of Master's graduates at universities began a doctorate. This figure is still lower than the long-term average (90%) and now appears to have levelled off at a lower level.
Of 46 % of graduates with a doctorate in chemistry are known to have taken their first step into professional life. According to data from the universities, around 44 % took up a position in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry (2021: 34 %), 17 % (2021: 21 %) took up a temporary position in Germany (incl. postdoc). 14 % worked in the rest of the economy after graduation (2021: 14 %) and 9 % took up a position abroad after graduation (2021: 13 %). Around 5 % remained at a university or research institute (2021: 4 %) Around 4 % of graduates held a position in the public sector (2021: 6 %). At the time of the survey, 5 % were considered job seekers (2021: 7 %).As in every year, the number of "genuine" jobseekers is likely to be slightly lower. Due to the survey cut-off date of 31 December, graduates who start their new job in January or February are still recorded as jobseekers.The brochure "Statistics on Chemistry Degree Programmes 2022" is available as a flip catalogue at www.gdch.de/statistik.With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Among other things, it deals with current developments at universities and on the labour market. The GDCh has been collecting extensive statistical data on chemistry degree programmes every year since 1952. The 2022 statistics are based on data from chemistry and business chemistry, biochemistry and life sciences, food chemistry and chemistry degree programmes at universities of applied sciences (HAW), formerly universities of applied sciences. The survey asked about the number of first-year students and students, the number of final examinations passed and the respective final grades and duration of study. In addition, some universities provided information on the career entry of their graduates after completing their degree or doctorate. The cut-off date for the survey is 31 December.
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The five major mathematical and scientific societies with over 130 000 members (wissenschaft-verbindet.de) have submitted their comments on the planned changes to the law on fixed-term contracts for science to the BMBF. The umbrella organisation for the geosciences (DVGeo), the German Mathematical Society (DMV), the German Physical Society (DPG), the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and the Association of Biology, Biosciences and Biomedicine in Germany (VBIO) support the aim of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to make employment relationships in science more predictable. However, they criticise individual points of the planned law.
In the opinion of the five organisations, reforming the law on fixed-term contracts is an important step towards attracting excellent researchers and providing them with reliable career paths. However, it must be accompanied by adequate basic funding for universities and research institutions. This also includes sufficient resources for the necessary permanent contracts. As the draft law applies equally to all disciplines, it must be sufficiently flexible to meet the specific requirements of different subjects. Instead of defining fixed exceptions for individual subjects, a flexible design should be made possible that is geared towards specific needs.The societies welcome a minimum contract period of three years for the first contract during the doctorate. However, the proposed fixed-term regulation for postdocs after the doctorate of four years (plus two years if there is a prospect of a permanent position) is the lower time limit for a fixed-term contract. Mathematical and scientific research often requires more time to achieve reliable results. Blanket maximum time limits that do not take into account specific subject areas and do not provide more permanent positions restrict the prospects and planning security of researchers and jeopardise the international competitiveness of Germany as a science location.The mathematical and scientific societies also emphasise that, in addition to tenure track, alternative qualification paths for permanent positions in the academic sector must be maintained, such as national and international early career support programmes. The traditional habilitation should also continue to be possible, as should third-party funding during this phase.The societies are in favour of increasing the maximum fixed-term period for employment during studies to eight years. However, the blanket minimum contract term of one year does not meet the requirements of teaching and research at mathematics and natural sciences faculties and should be able to be flexibly adapted to the duration of the tasks assigned.The planned opening up within the framework of collective agreements is viewed critically by the societies, as this could jeopardise the comparability of employment contracts at universities and research institutions and impair the mobility of researchers. The academic career system must not become a patchwork of different fixed-term regulations in collective agreements.
The detailed statement can be viewed at https://wissenschaft-verbindet.de/presse.Under www.wissenschaft-verbindet.de, the five major mathematical and scientific societies - the Umbrella Organisation of Geosciences (DVGeo), the German Mathematical Society (DMV), the German Physical Society (DPG), the Society of German Chemists (GDCh) and the Association of Biology, Biosciences and Biomedicine in Germany (VBIO) - have joined forces. Together they represent over 130,000 members. They are united by the awareness that those working in science have a particularly high degree of responsibility for shaping human life as a whole.
Press release as pdf documentThe German Chemical Society (GDCh) is awarding Professor Dr Thomas Fässler, Technical University of Munich, the Arfvedson-Schlenk Prize, endowed with 7500 euros. The award, which is sponsored by the company Albemarle Germany GmbH, honours scientists for outstanding work in the field of lithium chemistry. Fässler receives the prize for his outstanding contributions to lithium-rich intermetallic compounds, which could contribute to efficient and safe high-performance lithium batteries in the future. The award ceremony will take place on 4 September as part of the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) in Leipzig.
In his research, Fässler deals with the synthesis, characterisation and theoretical description of materials based on inorganic solids and molecular compounds. Starting from substance classes of intermetallic compounds and Zintl phases with soluble Zintl ions, he investigates novel main group element-based materials at the transition from molecular compounds to solids. The classes of materials investigated have potential applications in the fields of energy storage and energy conversion materials, solar cells and superconductors as well as catalysts.Fässler received the Arfvedson-Schlenk Prize for his significant contributions in the field of Zintl phases, in particular lithium-rich intermetallic compounds. These innovative materials could be highly useful in the future as solid-state ion conductors for safe high-performance lithium batteries. The selection committee emphasised that Fässler had set international standards for the development of new, lithium-rich compounds and lithium ion conductors through his pioneering research work in the field of lithium-containing compounds and had provided significant impetus for further development in both solid-state and molecular chemistry.
Thomas Fässler, born in 1959, studied chemistry and mathematics at the University of Constance and completed his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. After a post-doctoral stay at the University of Chicago, USA, he completed his habilitation at ETH Zurich. He began his teaching career with a professorship at the Technical University of Darmstadt. Since 2003, he has held the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry, specialising in new materials, at the Technical University of Munich. Fässler has headed the elite "Advanced Materials Science" degree programme since 2004 and was Dean of Studies from 2007 to 2010.
About the prizeThe GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in a nutshell
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 at the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, specialist symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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At the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo), the German Chemical Society (GDCh) will award Professor Dr Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel, Free University of Berlin, the Christel and Herbert W. Roesky Prize. The award of the Christel and Herbert W. Roesky Foundation established by the GDCh is endowed with 10,000 euros and is being presented for the first time. Hasenstab-Riedel receives the prize for his outstanding achievements in the field of transition and main group chemistry as well as modern molecular spectroscopy under cryogenic conditions. The award ceremony will take place on 6 September as part of the WiFo Closing Lecture.
Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel is recognised as a leading international scientist in the field of halogen chemistry, which is important for numerous applications ranging from modern plastics to novel substitutes for greenhouse gases. In his research into the chemistry of halogens - from the element fluorine to the element iodine - various methods are used. For example, he uses matrix isolation spectroscopy at -269 °C to analyse these usually very reactive compounds. His work in the field of synthetic halogen chemistry includes fundamental studies as well as applied science, as demonstrated by numerous patents and several industrial collaborations.
Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel, born in 1975, began his professional career by training as a chemical laboratory assistant before studying chemistry at the University of Siegen and Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg from 1998 to 2003. He then completed his doctorate in theoretical chemistry in Würzburg in 2006. After research stays at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, he completed his habilitation in inorganic chemistry at the University of Freiburg in 2013. In the same year, he accepted a professorship at the Free University of Berlin. Since 2019, Hasenstab-Riedel has also been spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre "Fluorine-Specific Interactions" and Director of the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He has been an active member of the GDCh since 2001 and is currently on the board of the Fluorine Chemistry Working Group and the Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry of the GDCh. He has already been honoured with numerous awards for his research. For example, Hasenstab-Riedel received a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council in 2019 and an Einstein Professorship from the Einstein Foundation Berlin in 2021. In 2023, his ChemSysCon project was honoured with the Werner Siemens Foundation Research Prize.
About the awardWith around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is awarding Professor Dr Alfred Flint, University of Rostock, the Heinz Schmidkunz Prize, endowed with 7500 euros. With this award, the society honours Flint's commitment, his charisma and his ability to combine theory and practice in a lively way. The award ceremony will take place on 4 September as part of the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) in Leipzig.
The Heinz Schmidkunz Prize, which is endowed with 7500 euros, is awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to chemistry didactic research, the training of chemistry teachers and chemistry teaching in schools. This year's winner, Alfred Flint, is recognised as one of the most active chemistry didacticians in Germany. However, he also impressed the selection committee with the fact that he not only develops his experiments and concepts, but also presents them authentically and demonstrates them in lectures and workshops.
For his "Chemistry for Life" project, he developed a structured and systematic chemistry lesson with substances that children and young people are familiar with from their everyday lives. As a result, everyday substances such as citric acid, pipe cleaners and oxygen bleach (oxy-cleaner) have found their way into chemistry lessons. The everyday relevance makes this form of teaching particularly motivating and sustainable for pupils.Alfred Flint passed the 1st state examination for secondary school teachers in chemistry, physics and geography at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg in 1985/1988. In 1989, he obtained his doctorate - also in Oldenburg - in the didactics of chemistry. This was followed in 1992 by the 2nd state examination at the State Teaching Seminar in Oldenburg, before he taught as a teacher at the Albert-Schweitzer-Schule grammar school in Nienburg/Weser from 1992 to 1999. In 1998, Flint habilitated in the didactics of chemistry at the University of Oldenburg, while from 1997 to 1998 he took on a deputy professorship for the didactics of chemistry at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. Flint has been Professor of Chemistry Education at the University of Rostock since 1999 and has headed the GDCh Teacher Training Centre in Rostock for over fifteen years. He has already been honoured for his work by the GDCh's Chemistry Teaching Group (FGCU) with the Heinrich Roessler Prize (2006) and the Manfred and Wolfgang Flad Prize (2017).The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in a nutshell
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 at the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, specialist symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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Two sustainability researchers have been honoured for their work by the German Chemical Society (GDCh). Professor Dr Klaus Kümmerer, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, will receive the Wöhler Prize for Sustainable Chemistry for his pioneering research achievements in the field of sustainable chemistry. Dr Philipp Demling, RWTH Aachen, will be awarded the Prize for Bioconversion of Renewable Resources for his dissertation. Both prizewinners will receive their awards on 6 September at the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry.
Circular plastics, wastewater reuse and end-of-life management of solar systems - these are just a few examples of the research areas in which Professor Dr Klaus Kümmerer has made outstanding contributions to sustainable chemistry. The prizewinner was also one of the first to establish the "Benign by Design" concept, in which environmental pollution is reduced through the targeted design of molecules. Kümmerer was able to successfully test the concept in practical examples, such as the development of ionic liquids that are less harmful to the environment and biodegradable antibiotics. He is also committed to ensuring that sustainable topics are integrated into the training of chemists and has designed and established corresponding degree programmes. For his pioneering contributions to the development and implementation of sustainable chemistry, the GDCh is honouring Kümmerer at the WiFo with the Wöhler Prize for Sustainable Chemistry, which is endowed with 7500 euros.Klaus Kümmerer studied chemistry at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg and the Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, where he also obtained his doctorate in 1990. In 1999, he was awarded the venia legendi for environmental chemistry and environmental hygiene at the Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg. After his habilitation, Klaus Kümmerer first became Assistant Professor and later Head of the Section for Applied Environmental Research at the University Medical Centre Freiburg. In 2005, he became an associate professor at the University of Freiburg. From 2008 to 2010, he was both Deputy Chairman of the Commission for Environment and Sustainability and Environmental Officer at the University Medical Centre Freiburg. Kümmerer has been Professor of Sustainable Chemistry and Physical Resources at Leuphana University Lüneburg since 2010 and Director of the Research & Education Hub at the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) since 2017. He is and has been a member of numerous national and international committees and regularly advises the EU and UNEP as well as national and international policymakers on sustainability issues.Also at the WiFo, the prize for bioconversion of renewable raw materials will be awarded, which was established at the GDCh in 2021 by GDCh member Prof Dr Manfred Schneider. The award, which is endowed with 2000 euros, is given to young doctoral students who completed their doctorate no more than two years ago. This year's winner is Dr Philipp Demling. In his dissertation at RWTH Aachen University, he focussed on process engineering improvements in fermentative rhamnolipid production. He has developed new processes to prevent foam formation as well as new digestion and bioreactor concepts that would improve industrial applications.
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in a nutshell
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 at the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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The German Chemical Society (GDCh) will award Professor Dr Rainer Herges, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, with the Adolf-von-Baeyer-Denkmünze on 5 September in Leipzig. The award ceremony will take place during the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - the most important chemistry congress in the German-speaking world. Herges impressed the jury with the quality, originality and wide range of his work on organic chemistry.
The Adolf von Baeyer Memorial Medal, which is endowed with 7500 euros, is awarded to scientists for outstanding work in the field of organic chemistry. The namesake Adolf von Baeyer was one of the most important chemists of his time and was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1905 for the synthesis of indigo and triphenylmethane dyes. This year's winner, Professor Dr Rainer Herges, receives the award for his many original, fundamental and internationally outstanding contributions, with which he has left his mark on organic chemistry. The thematic breadth of his work ranges from theory to synthesis and practical application. Thirty years ago, for example, he successfully developed methods based on machine learning to predict new chemical transformations. Herges' ACID method for visualising the density of delocalised electrons is also used worldwide. The prizewinner also succeeded in producing the first magnetically switchable molecule at room temperature, which enables highly precise and spatially high-resolution temperature measurements in MRI, for example.Rainer Herges was born in St. Ingbert (Saar) in 1955. After studying chemistry at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, he completed his doctorate at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich in 1994. After research stays at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, USA, and at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, he habilitated in Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1992. In 1996, he became a professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Since 2001, he has held the Chair of Organic Chemistry at the Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel. He has already received numerous awards for his research - including the ADUC Prize of the GDCh Association of German University Professors of Chemistry (ADUC) for his habilitation.
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in a nutshell
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 at the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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The German Chemical Society (GDCh) will honour Professor Dr Michael Ruck, Dresden University of Technology, with the Wilhelm Klemm Prize on 6 September. The award ceremony will take place as part of the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry 2023 in Leipzig. The prizewinner will receive the award for his contributions to the chemistry and material properties of solid-state compounds - in particular with bismuth and phosphorus.
The Wilhelm Klemm Prize, which is endowed with 7500 euros, commemorates Professor Wilhelm Klemm from Münster, who advanced inorganic chemistry with his research. The GDCh awards the prize to individuals who have done outstanding work in the field of inorganic chemistry. This year's winner, Professor Dr Michael Ruck, is characterised by the unusually broad conceptual and methodological scope of his work. The starting point for his preparative research work was classical inorganic solid-state chemistry, which he continuously developed further. Ruck convinced the commission with his decisive contributions to solid-state compounds, ranging from synthesis and structural characterisation to nanomaterials and coordination compounds. One result of his research, for example, was the discovery of the fibrous modification of the element phosphorus - also known today as Ruck's phosphorus.Michael Ruck, born in Pforzheim in 1963, studied chemistry at the University of Karlsruhe. In 1991, he completed his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research and the University of Stuttgart. Ruck then worked first as a research assistant and later as a research assistant at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Karlsruhe. During this time, he habilitated in 1997 in the field of inorganic chemistry and was appointed private lecturer. He has been a university professor of inorganic chemistry at the Technical University of Dresden since 2000.
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in briefWith around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.
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The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is honouring the project 'Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) - an international network supporting equality, diversity and inclusion within supramolecular chemistry' with the Hildegard Hamm-Brücher Prize for Equal Opportunities in Chemistry. The team led by Junior Professor Dr Anna McConnell, University of Siegen, will receive the award on 4 September at the opening event of the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry in Leipzig.
Women in the chemical sciences have less chance of being offered further employment or even advancement. They are more often given short-term, precarious contracts, publish less and are cited less frequently. Disproportionately fewer women sit on editorial boards, are nominated for prizes and file patent applications. In 2018, a study by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) showed that many talented women leave academia before reaching their full potential. Previous measures to counteract this have not been sufficient to ever achieve gender parity.
This is where the award-winning project comes in: WISC aims to create an international community and access to resources for all supramolecular chemists. The project also supports the retention and advancement of all those who identify as women at every career stage and seeks to remove potential barriers. It is important for the WISC team to be involved in bringing about change rather than simply addressing it. The network conducted an online survey to identify the needs of the supramolecular community. Based on the results, the network developed numerous supportive initiatives such as a mentoring network, community clusters to build peer communities and workshops on inclusion and diversity for early career scientists.
The award selection committee sees the WISC initiative as a "beacon with radiance beyond supramolecular chemistry". The project is an example of how committed female chemists have successfully and sustainably joined forces to form an international network alongside their professional obligations in order to achieve more equal opportunities and inclusion. With its tireless commitment and values for more equal opportunities, the team demonstrates a consistent attitude that also characterised Hildegard Hamm-Brücher.
The GDCh has been awarding the Hildegard Hamm-Brücher Prize for Equal Opportunities in Chemistry since 2021. With the prize, which is endowed with 7500 euros, the GDCh wants to set a visible example and honour exemplary commitment to equal opportunities in chemistry. Hildegard Hamm-Brücher (1921-2016) was a chemist and received her doctorate in 1945 under Nobel Prize winner Professor Heinrich Wieland in Munich. After the end of the war, she became science editor at the Neue Zeitung. There she met Theodor Heuss, her political mentor, and many other democratically-minded people. Hildegard Hamm-Brücher was regarded as the "grande dame" of German post-war politics. She not only stood for freedom and democracy, but also for consistent value-based action. She fought tirelessly against grievances. Among other things, she campaigned for a better education system and encouraged women to become more involved. In 1994, she was the first woman to be nominated for the presidential election. In addition to her public offices, she showed great social commitment and received numerous honours.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The WiFo 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is possible at www.wifo2023.de .The press release as a pdf document
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From 4 to 6 September, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) invites you to the Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry in Leipzig. The motto of this year's most important chemistry congress in the German-speaking world is "Rethinking Chemistry". Around 1,500 chemists from Germany and abroad are expected to attend.
The event picks up on the motto of the current GDCh Executive Board. GDCh President Dr Karsten Danielmeier explains what is meant by this: "Rethinking chemistry is more important than ever in order to overcome the most urgent challenges of our time, such as climate change, recycling, energy shortages and diseases, and to comply with new legislation (e.g. the European Green Deal). Every area of chemistry can and must make its own contribution to overcoming these challenges. And WiFo 2023 will show how many valuable contributions chemistry can make and which new technologies can be used to do so."Two high-calibre plenary symposia will deal with the topic. On 5 September, Professor Leroy 'Lee' Cronin, University of Glasgow/UK, Dr Sarah Fakih, CureVac AG, Tübingen, and Professor Dr Peter R. Schreiner, Justus Liebig University Giessen, will present concepts for "Rethinking Chemistry". Cronin is regarded as a pioneer in the field of digital chemistry and founded the company Chemify. With the company, he wants to help digitalise chemistry and develop solutions that can be used to execute chemical codes for the discovery of chemicals, drugs, synthesis and materials research. Fakih, a chemist by training, is Vice President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations at CureVac and can provide fascinating insights into mRNA technology. As GDCh President in 2020 and 2021 and current Deputy GDCh President, Schreiner has been instrumental in advancing the GDCh on the path to digitalisation, for example by initiating the development of the GDCh.app.
In the second plenary symposium on 6 September, Dr Melanie Maas-Brunner, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Professor Dr Evamarie Hey-Hawkins, University of Leipzig, and Professor Dr John C. Warner, Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, LLC/US, will focus on sustainable strategies. Maas-Brunner is a member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE and will provide an insight into how sustainability aspects are implemented at the world's largest chemical company. Hey-Hawkins, an award-winning phosphorus chemist, knows how important sustainable strategies are, especially against the backdrop of limited raw materials. Together with Paul Anastas, Warner founded the field of green chemistry over twenty years ago and laid the foundations for sustainable chemical product development.
In addition to the plenary symposia, over 30 sessions of the GDCh specialist groups will be dedicated to the topics of "Synthesis and Catalysis", "Materials", "Energy, Resources and the Environment", "Life Sciences" and "Chemistry Education". In addition, interdisciplinary symposia such as "Rethinking History of Chemistry: Fascinating Stories and Reflections for the Future", "Chemistry Meets Art" and "Setting Boundary Values between Science and Politics" invite visitors to think outside the box.
In addition to scientific lectures, the WiFo also offers a varied supporting programme. The GDCh will be awarding some of its most important prizes and honouring outstanding chemists. Students and doctoral candidates have the opportunity to present their research at the WiFo as part of a poster party. Graduates will receive important information and tips for starting a career at the GDCh Career Days. An exhibition will enable publishers, companies and institutions to present themselves. The GDCh Science Party in the historic "Auerbachs Keller" and other social activities offer opportunities for informal networking.
The GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) - in a nutshellThe GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2023 will take place under the motto "Rethinking Chemistry" from 4 to 6 September 2023 in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo in Leipzig. Participants can expect a varied programme of plenary lectures, main symposia, a poster exhibition and an industry exhibition. Numerous prestigious prizes will also be awarded. Registration is open from 3 May at www.wifo2023.de.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. Every two years, it organises the GDCh Science Forum (WiFo) Chemistry at different locations in Germany. The GDCh also invites renowned international scientists to give lectures at this most important German chemistry congress.The press release as a pdf document
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Professor Dr Robert W. Smith, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, will receive the 2023 Paul Bunge Prize for his life's work and in particular his inspiring contributions to space telescopes. The award ceremony will take place on 31 May as part of the "Writing the History of Scientific Instruments" conference at the Deutsches Museum in Munich. The Hans R. Jenemann Foundation Prize is endowed with 7500 euros and is awarded jointly by the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry (DBG). It honours outstanding work on the history of scientific instruments.
Robert W. Smith's best-known work "The Space Telescope: A Study of NASA, Science, Technology, and Politics" places the history of the Hubble Space Telescope in the context of 'Big Science'. The large-scale research project, which cost two billion euros, delivered practically unusable images after being launched into space due to design faults. Smith analyses how the processes of 'Big Science', in particular the state funding procedures for large-scale projects, contributed to these errors. He reveals the astonishingly complex interactions between science, government and industry and describes the wide range of personalities and forces - scientific, technical, political, social, institutional and economic - that played a role in the history of the space telescope.Since the beginning of his research career, Smith has dedicated himself to investigating the history of scientific instruments. He is particularly interested in how these instruments have shaped scientific operations and how these in turn have shaped the instruments. Smith's work has won numerous awards and is cited and recommended not only within the scientific community but also by NASA and other organisations. In addition to his research, he imparts his knowledge both as a teacher and in popular science lectures. His work fascinates academic colleagues, museum professionals, government agencies and the interested public alike, helping to broaden the audience and enhance the reputation of the history of scientific instruments.
Robert W. Smith studied physics at Queen Mary College in London/UK and completed the Mathematical Tripos at the University of Cambridge, UK. In 1979, he completed his doctorate in the history and philosophy of science, also at Cambridge. Since 1998 he has been Professor in the Department of History and Classics at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Prior to that, he was Chair of the Department of Space History at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, USA. He was Lindberg Chair in Air and Space History at the Smithsonian Institute and a Fellow of the National Humanities Centre, as well as McCalla Professor and Killam Annual Professor at the University of Alberta.
The Paul Bunge Prize is considered the world's most important honour in the field of the history of scientific instruments and is announced publicly and internationally. The award is decided by the advisory board of the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation, which is supported by the GDCh and the DBG. Hans R. Jenemann (1920-1996), a chemist at Schott Glaswerke in Mainz, became known for his contributions to the history of scientific instruments, especially historical balances. He himself established the foundation in 1992. The prize is named after the Hamburg precision mechanic Paul Bunge (1839-1888), one of the leading designers of laboratory balances for chemical analysis.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical science societies in the world. It maintains numerous foundations, including the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation. The Paul Bunge Prize of the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation is awarded annually, usually alternating between the Bunsen Conference and the lecture conferences of the GDCh History of Chemistry Division.
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An amendment to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG) is currently being discussed. In principle, a discussion of the career paths of young academics within and outside academic institutions is very welcome. However, from the perspective of the undersigned scientific societies, key aspects have not yet been sufficiently described in the debate on the amendment of the WissZeitVG for the natural and life sciences disciplines.
Scientific work in the natural and life sciences as well as in biomedicine generally requires the collection of complex data sets and elaborate quantitative analyses of processes that inherently take place on long-term time scales. The associated contributions are recognised by the scientific community through scientific publications in leading international journals, which require internationally competitive work opportunities well beyond the envisaged 3-year postdoc phase. Visible publications then enable scientists to independently manage their own research projects and thus form the basis for appointment to a permanent professorship or comparable management positions.Limiting the postdoc phase to just three years is therefore far too short, especially in an international comparison, and would massively restrict the individual employment opportunities of researchers, particularly with regard to a further academic career. An exodus of scientists abroad and a significant loss in the quality of research in the natural and life sciences as well as in biomedicine would be the inevitable negative consequences. Furthermore, such a tight time restriction on the postdoc phase would lead to a considerable disadvantage for women in science.We would also like to point out that the planned amendment to the WissZeitVG, which is currently being discussed by all parties involved, will not create more permanent positions. This can only be achieved through a significant increase in permanent funding for the basic funding of universities and non-university institutions.The signatory professional societies represent more than 45,000 members in the natural and life sciences and biomedicine.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It promotes scientific work, research and teaching as well as the exchange and dissemination of new scientific findings, including through transdisciplinary and international cooperation. The GDCh is also committed to modern education and training in schools, universities and professional environments.
Contact:Prof. Dr Volker Haucke
President of the Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie e.V.
Phone +49 (0) 30 947 93 100
Email: haucke@fmp-berlin.de
https://gbm-online.de
Dr Karin J. Schmitz
Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V.
Public Relations
Phone +49 69 7917-493
Email: pr@gdch.de
www.gdch.de/presse
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After publication of the press release, the following companies (with more than 10,000 members in total) have joined the appeal:
To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the death of chemist Karl Ziegler, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is inviting all interested parties to a public symposium in Frankfurt am Main on 25 April 2023. The programme includes presentations on Nobel Prize winner Karl Ziegler and his research: the history of polymers, their benefits, their disadvantages and how sustainable recycling can be achieved. In addition, Nobel Prize winner in chemistry Benjamin List will present organocatalysis, another exciting field of Ziegler's research, and the Karl Ziegler Prize, endowed with 50,000 euros, will be awarded.
On the fiftieth anniversary of his death, the GDCh remembers Karl Ziegler and his work, which is still relevant today. As part of a public symposium, scientists will present Ziegler's life and research and show the direct influence his discoveries still have on our lives today. Current developments such as issues of sustainability, the circular economy and recycling will not be neglected. As a special highlight, the 2021 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Professor Dr Benjamin List from the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr, will give a lecture on organocatalysis (i.e. catalysis using small organic molecules). He will explain why life without catalysis is unthinkable and how organocatalysts can be used for the resource-saving and sustainable production of medicines, fuels and materials, for example. The event will be hosted by GDCh President Dr Karsten Danielmeier and Deputy GDCh President Katharina Uebele.
Karl Ziegler, who was born in 1898, is best known for his contributions to the development of polymer chemistry and catalysis. In particular, Ziegler-Natta catalysis, named after him and his Italian colleague Giulio Natta, revolutionised the plastics industry and contributed to the development of lightweight, robust and durable materials. Together with Natta, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1963. Karl Ziegler also has a special significance for the GDCh: he was its first president after it was founded in 1949.
Karl Ziegler Prize and Karl Ziegler Sponsorship AwardYoung scientists will also receive an award at the symposium: Dr Christopher Teskey from RWTH Aachen University will receive the Karl Ziegler Award for his research project to develop a new reductive cross-olefin coupling reaction using visible light. The junior research group leader will receive funding totalling 30,000 euros to finance a postdoctoral position for the project for one year.
The event
The Karl Ziegler Anniversary Symposium will take place on 25 April 2023 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Max Buchner Lecture Hall of DECHEMA (Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25, 60486 Frankfurt am Main). All interested parties are cordially invited to attend the event, which is also expressly aimed at the interested public. Admission is free, registration is requested by 10 April.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It promotes scientific work, research and teaching as well as the exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge. The GDCh manages numerous dependent foundations on a fiduciary basis. The purpose of these foundations is to award prizes, grants and scholarships. Foundation advisory boards decide on the awarding of prizes, awards and scholarships. At 50,000 euros, the Karl Ziegler Prize is the GDCh's most highly endowed prize alongside the Klaus Grohe Prize and the Otto Hahn Prize. It was first awarded in 1998 with funds from the Karl Ziegler Foundation to Gerhard Ertl, the 2007 Nobel Prize winner.
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Joint press release by the German Mathematical Society (DMV), the German Physical Society (DPG), the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and the Association of Biology, Biosciences and Biomedicine in Germany (VBIO)
This year's Ars legendi Faculty Award for excellent university teaching in mathematics and the natural sciences goes to Holger Schielzeth, University of Jena (biology), Sebastian Seiffert, University of Mainz (chemistry), Claudia Kirch, University of Magdeburg (mathematics) and Ivonne Möller, University of Bochum (physics).
Now in its tenth year, the Ars legendi Faculty Prize for Mathematics and Natural Sciences honours academics who have distinguished themselves through outstanding, innovative and exemplary achievements in teaching, advising and mentoring. It is organised by the Stifterverband, the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung, the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft and the Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften und Biomedizin in Deutschland. The award has been presented in the categories of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics since 2014 and is endowed with prize money of 5,000 euros each.
This year, the prizewinners were selected by a nine-member jury made up of representatives from the scientific disciplines and students. They awarded the Ars legendi Faculty Prize 2023 to the following people from teaching and degree programme coordination:In the Biology
category, the Ars legendi Faculty Award goes to Professor Dr Holger Schielzeth from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where he took over the Professorship of Population Ecology in 2016 "and has since developed an exemplary teaching profile that runs from the first semester of the Bachelor's degree programme in Biology through to the Master's degree programme in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics". Prof. Schielzeth has developed innovative teaching formats for compulsory courses on the Bachelor's degree programme in Biology and, in addition to providing subject-specific qualifications, teaches key skills in the areas of data management and interpretation as well as hypothesis formation using simulation models," the jury explained.
In the Chemistry
category, the Faculty Award goes to Professor Dr Sebastian Seiffert from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He is being honoured "for his pioneering combination of teaching formats as part of his courses in physical and macromolecular chemistry, in particular for the creation of a textbook that depicts a physical chemistry course in blended learning format, as well as for his commitment to bringing the current topic of climate change closer to the student body and a wider audience in courses, lectures and panel discussions", according to the jury's statement.
In the Mathematics
category, the award goes to Professor Dr Claudia Kirch from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. "She has skilfully combined elements from classroom teaching with digital formats. These include, for example, a weekly schedule, short lecture videos and assignments with mutual assessment by the students. Mrs Kirch has succeeded in demonstrating in her teaching how modern teaching concepts can be used effectively and realistically in practice in mathematics. She is also recognised for her commitment to making skills in statistics, such as data literacy, accessible to students and the general public in outreach events," said the jury.
In the Physics
category, course coordinator Dr Ivonne Möller from Ruhr University Bochum received the Ars legendi Faculty Award "for her new compulsory modules 'Learning Group Management' in the second Bachelor's year, which are anchored in the curriculum with the aim of increasing study skills and reducing student attrition at the beginning of the degree programme, and for 'Project Management' in the first Master's year to improve professional qualifications", according to the jury's statement.
The award ceremony for the Ars legendi Faculty Awards for Mathematics and Natural Sciences will take place on 25 April 2023 at 5 pm in the Magnus-Haus of the DPG in Berlin Mitte. Interested parties are cordially invited. Please register by 3 April 2023 by e-mail to vogt@mathematik.de.
Further information on the Ars legendi Faculty Prize for Mathematics and Natural Sciences at https://www.stifterverband.org/ars-legendi-mn
Press contact
German Mathematical Society
Thomas Vogt, Tel. 030 838-75657
Email: vogt@mathematik.de
Stifterverband
Peggy Groß, Tel. 030 322982-530
Email: presse@stifterverband.de
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) awards Professor Dr Mario Thevis, German Sport University Cologne, the Fresenius Prize. He receives the award, which comes with a gold medal and prize money of 7500 euros, for special services to analytical chemistry. The internationally renowned doping expert's work demonstrates how important and relevant analytical chemistry is for society. Thevis will receive the award on 11 April at ANAKON 2023 in Vienna. The specialist group prize for analytical chemistry and the DAAS prize will also be awarded at the event.
Mario Thevis is a world-renowned doping expert and a figurehead of German analytical chemistry. He has been active in the field of doping control at World Championships and Olympic Games for around twenty years. Thanks to the associated public visibility in all media, he represents analytical chemistry not only within the scientific community, but also in the public perception. But his research results also speak for themselves: Thevis has already developed numerous new, powerful analytical methods for a variety of substances and their metabolites that are currently used as doping agents or could be used in the future.The expert is always aware of his great responsibility. After all, every analytical result can have a direct and decisive influence on the career, reputation and future of the person concerned. He has often shown that initially inexplicable and particularly rare analytical results require further detailed investigations. For this reason, Thevis is also regularly called upon as an expert in sports law and criminal proceedings. Last but not least, he succeeds in presenting his research in a captivating way. He has already been a guest plenary speaker at many international conferences and has been nominated by the GDCh Analytical Chemistry Division as a speaker for the Fresenius Lecture in 2022/23.
Mario Thevis, born in Aachen in 1973, studied chemistry at RWTH Aachen University and sports science at the German Sport University Cologne, where he also completed his doctorate at the Institute of Biochemistry in 2001. After a research stay at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA, he habilitated at the German Sport University Cologne. He has been Professor of Preventive Doping Research there since 2006. Since 2016, he has been Director of the Institute of Biochemistry and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-certified Cologne Anti-Doping Laboratory. He supported the Helsinki (Finland) doping control laboratory during the 2001 Nordic World Ski Championships while working on his doctoral thesis and has since provided his scientific expertise at numerous world championships and Olympic Games. Thevis has published his research in over 450 scientific publications in renowned journals and has received numerous awards for his work. He is Director of the European Monitoring Centre for New Drugs (EUMOCEDA) and Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Drug Testing and Analysis", published by Wiley-VCH.The ANAKON will also award the Specialist Group Prize for Analytical Chemistry and the DAAS Prize: Professor Dr Nicole Strittmatter, Technical University of Munich, will receive the specialist group's award for her work in the field of multimodal mass spectrometric imaging in pharmaceutical and oncological research. Dr Carla Kirschbaum is awarded the prize of the German Working Group for Analytical Spectroscopy (DAAS) of the GDCh Division of Analytical Chemistry for her dissertation entitled "Lipid Fingerprinting by Mass Spectrometry and Laser Light", which she wrote at the Free University of Berlin and the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It has 27 specialist groups, including the Analytical Chemistry specialist group with around 2,500 members. The division sees its main task as bringing together all scientists and practitioners interested in analytical chemistry in the broadest sense for the purpose of promoting this field of knowledge. The specialist group maintains nine working groups for the various analytical disciplines.
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The spring symposium of the JCF (JungesChemieForum) of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) will take place in Giessen from 21 to 24 March. Under the motto "Chemistry is coming home", around 300 young scientists will come together at one of the birthplaces of modern chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen. The conference programme includes scientific lectures - including one by a Nobel Prize winner - poster sessions and workshops, an industry exhibition and a varied supporting programme. Other highlights include the presentation of the Carl Roth Award and the Dres. Volker and Elke Münch Award.
For 25 years, the JCF Spring Symposium has been one of the largest conferences in Europe organised by and for young researchers. The event is organised annually by different regional forums of the JCF (JungesChemieForum), the GDCh's organisation for young researchers. In 2023, the Giessen, Frankfurt and Marburg regional forums have taken over the organisation and jointly created a varied programme. In addition to internationally renowned scientists, the event will be attended by junior research group leaders and young researchers in particular. One of the best-known speakers this year is Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry Professor Dr Benjamin List, Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, Mülheim. The former and current Deputy President of the GDCh, Professor Dr Peter R. Schreiner, Justus Liebig University Giessen, and Professor Dr Stefanie Dehnen, GDCh Board Member and Managing Director of the Institute of Nanotechnology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, will also be speaking at the spring symposium.
To mark the anniversary of the event, there will be a review of past symposia and Professor Dr Peter R. Schreiner will provide a chemical-historical background to the event motto with a Liebig lecture. In two poster sessions, students and doctoral candidates from all areas of chemistry and related natural sciences will have the opportunity to exchange ideas. In addition, young chemists can present their topic in "5 min pitches", i.e. short presentations. The best posters or pitches will be honoured with a prize. The conference will be accompanied by an industrial exhibition. Workshops, excursions and social activities round off the programme.
On 22 March, the Carl Roth Sponsorship Award will be presented during the conference. The GDCh awards the prize, which is endowed with 5,000 euros, to young chemists who develop resource-saving synthesis methods or use chemicals in innovative ways. The prize is financed by Carl Roth GmbH & Co KG, which also contributes a further 3000 euros in the form of a voucher. The prize is awarded to Simon B. H. Karnbrock, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, for the outstanding and independent work he did during his Master's degree. As part of his master's thesis, he succeeded for the first time in developing a phosphorus-based organocatalyst that promotes redox processes via phosphorus-ligand redox cooperation. The results of his work were published by him as first author in Angewandte Chemie - one of the world's most important chemistry journals, which is published by the GDCh.
The Dres. Volker and Elke Münch Prize will also be awarded on 22 March. The prize from the GDCh foundation of the same name is endowed with 7,000 euros and is awarded to young inventors who have made a pioneering invention in the field of chemistry or chemical process engineering. The prize money is used to support a patent application. This year, the award goes to a team consisting of Maximilian Röhrl and Professor Dr Josef Breu from the University of Bayreuth, Dr Pier-Lorenzo Caruso and Dr Emily Boswell, both from Procter & Gamble. Together they developed a sustainable paper barrier laminate for flexible packaging applications. The foundation's advisory board sees the invention as an interesting and practical approach that can fulfil society's need for sustainable packaging.
On 23 March, Professor Dr Johanna R. Bruckner, University of Stuttgart, and Professor Dr Lena Daumann, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, will also receive the FAIR4Chem Award for their published data sets from chemical research. The prize is awarded by the NFDI4Chem consortium, in which the GDCh is involved, and is supported by the Chemical Industry Fund.Further information can be found at https://symposium.jcf.io.
With around 30,000 members, the German Chemical Society is one of the largest chemical societies in the world. It promotes scientific work, research and teaching as well as the exchange and dissemination of new scientific knowledge. The GDCh supports the creation of networks, transdisciplinary and international co-operation and continuous education and training in schools, universities and professional environments. The GDCh has 27 specialist groups as well as 60 local chapters and regional forums of the JCF (Young Chemists' Forum) at 54 university locations. Nationwide, the JCF provides a platform for around 10,000 young members of the GDCh.
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The German Chemical Society (GDCh) will be awarding two of its prestigious prizes at the Chemistry Lecturers' Conference, which will take place from 13 to 15 March at the Technical University of Dresden. Professor Dr Kai Exner, University of Duisburg-Essen, will receive the Carl Duisberg Memorial Prize and Professor Dr Oliver Trapp, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, will be honoured with the Horst Precejus Prize. The GDCh Working Group of German University Professors of Chemistry (ADUC) is hosting the conference for university lecturers in chemistry faculties from Germany and neighbouring countries. The working group will also award its three ADUC prizes on site.
The GDCh is awarding Professor Dr Kai Exner, University of Duisburg-Essen, the Carl Duisberg Memorial Prize for his outstanding conceptual contributions in the highly topical and competitive fields of theoretical electrocatalysis and battery research. Exner has undergone an impressive scientific development. Even at an early stage of his academic career, his work demonstrates pioneering approaches and a high degree of independence. The Carl Duisberg Memorial Prize, endowed with 7500 euros, has been awarded since 1936 to young university lecturers who are working at a German university or as a German at a foreign university, do not yet hold a W2/W3 or comparable position and have not yet reached the age of 40. 5000 euros of the prize money will go directly to the award winner and the remaining 2500 euros to the working group.Kai Exner, born in Bad Arolsen in 1987, studied chemistry at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where he completed his doctorate in physical chemistry in 2015. After postdoctoral stays at the University of Ulm and in Giessen, he went to Sofia University, Bulgaria, in 2017 as a Feodor Lynen Research Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In 2020, he received a return fellowship from the Foundation to conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He has been a junior professor there since June 2021, specialising in theoretical inorganic chemistry. Exner has already received numerous awards (including an ADUC prize in 2022), scholarships and third-party funding. He has published over 60 articles in scientifically renowned journals, including more than 50 articles as first author or corresponding author.The GDCh is also presenting another award to Professor Dr Oliver Trapp, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He receives the Horst-Pracejus-Prize for his fundamental contributions to self-amplification in asymmetric catalysis, to enantioselective autocatalysis and to the determination of the absolute configuration by direct methods. With his developments of the first self-amplifying asymmetric reactions and the elucidation of the mechanism of asymmetric autocatalysis, Trapp showed for the first time that such chemical processes are a general phenomenon and can even be rationally designed. He identified the generic principles of autocatalysis and made the enormous potential accessible both conceptually and experimentally. Since 1997, the GDCh has honoured scientists for outstanding work in the field of enantioselectivity or chirality with the Horst Pracejus Prize, which is endowed with 7500 euros. Professor Horst Pracejus, who gave the prize its name, was known for his research in the field of chiral catalysis and was head of the Catalysis Research Institute in Rostock.
Oliver Trapp, born in 1973, studied chemistry at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, where he gained his doctorate in organic chemistry in 2001. After research stays at Stanford University, California, USA, and the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr, he taught at Ruhr University Bochum, where he also completed his habilitation. In 2008, he was appointed to the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, where he was also Managing Director of the Heidelberg Institute of Organic Chemistry from 2012 to 2015. Since 2016, he has been Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He has also been Director of the Department of Organic Chemistry there since 2018 and Director of the Department of Chemistry since 2021. In 2010, Trapp founded the company Trapp ChemTech, which develops software tools for data processing and data management in chemical, pharmaceutical and environmental analysis. Trapp has received numerous awards and prizes and supports committees and advisory bodies with his expertise.
During the conference, the ADUC will also honour three young scientists for establishing an independent field of research. Junior Professor Dr Christoph Kerzig, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, will receive an ADUC award for the further development of photochemical energy conversion, particularly in water, and for the development of novel two-photon processes for photocatalysis with visible light. Dr Golo Storch, Technical University of Munich, was also honoured for the biomimetic development and investigation of substituted flavins as molecular redox catalysts in organic synthesis. And Dr Terrance Hadlington, Technical University of Munich, receives an ADUC award for the implementation of the single-centre ambiphilic concept, which enables sophisticated cooperative bond activations on transition metal complexes with low-valent, redox-active main group ligands and makes them usable for homogeneous catalytic processes, especially hydroamination.Further information on the conference can be found at www.gdch.de/cdt2023
The German Chemical Society (GDCh) is one of the largest chemical societies in the world with around 30,000 members. It has 27 specialist groups and awards numerous prizes for special achievements in chemical research. Every year, the GDCh's long-established Association of German University Professors of Chemistry (ADUC) honours up to three young scientists (during their habilitation, fellowship or junior professorship) for establishing an independent field of research.
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