Honorary award for Prof. Dr. Frank Glorius in Schweinfurt!

Honorary award for Prof. Dr. Frank Glorius in Schweinfurt!

On May 23, 2025, Prof. Dr. Frank Glorius from the University of Münster was awarded the prestigious Carus Medal from the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to catalysis research, a key technology that plays a central role in modern society.

The medal award ceremony took place in Schweinfurt, where Glorius was recognized for his specialization in the development of new catalytic methods in organic chemistry. His research goal includes simplifying and enabling the production of organic molecules, which has broad applications in the chemical industry, energy supply, materials science, as well as in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Research priorities and achievements

Glorius' research focuses on several innovative methods such as C-H activation, photocatalysis, aromatic hydrogenation and organocatalysis. Through these techniques, he aims to develop molecules that can perform important functions in life sciences and materials science, including engineering surfaces and materials for applications in membranes and batteries.

Glorius is not only a highly respected scientist, but also a member of the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. He has been one of the most cited researchers in the field of chemistry for over ten years and has already been awarded the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize in 2013 and the Gay Lussac Humboldt Prize in 2019. The Carus Medal, which Glorius received, was established in 1896 and honors significant scientific achievements by young researchers.

One area of ​​catalysis that has become increasingly important in recent years is photocatalysis. Modern methods in this sector are characterized by gentleness and selectivity, with innovative approaches to late C-H functionalization often combined with the use of low energy photons to provide a controllable energy source. This combination opens up new regio- and chemoselective possibilities that can benefit drug development and other areas, as described in an article exploring the strategies of photocatalytic late C-H functionalization, which will be of interest to both professionals and a broader audience to explore future developments PubMed reports.

Catalysis research in Europe

The importance of catalysis research is also reflected in the history of the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) in Rostock, which looks back on 70 years of experience in this area. The previous “Institute for Catalysis Research” was founded in 1952 and was the first research institute in Europe dedicated exclusively to catalysis. Today, LIKAT is one of the leading publicly funded research institutes in the field of applied catalysis in Europe. Catalytic processes are crucial because four out of five chemical products undergo a catalytic cycle during their production. Efficient use of resources and environmentally friendly processes are not possible without successful catalysis research Catalysis reports.

Overall, Glorius' award highlights not only his personal success, but also the central role of catalysis research in the chemical and biological industries, as well as its importance for a sustainable future.