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In 2026, the Jochen Block Prize of the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) will be awarded to two outstanding scientists for their exceptional achievements. TT Prof. Dr. Schirin Hanf of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is honoured for her innovative work on new, alternative concepts for the synthesis and application of catalytic systems with isolated active centers. Dr. Alexis Bordet of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion is recognised for his outstanding research on multifunctional and adaptive catalytic systems.
Sponsored by Clariant SE, the 3,000-euro prize is awarded to outstanding young scientists. It will be presented at 59. Jahrestreffen Deutscher Katalytiker https://dechema.de/katalytiker2026.html(March 18 to 20, 2026) in Weimar.
TT-Prof. Dr. Schirin Hanf, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Schirin Hanf conducts research at the interface of molecular and solid-state chemistry, exploring new concepts for catalysis. Her work shows that the targeted isolation of active centers in crystalline solids formed by combining transition metals and main-group elements represents a promising design principle for highly selective and active catalysts. By transferring molecular ligand designs - in particular, the steric and electronic modulation of metal centers using p-block elements - to solid-state systems, she combines the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. In doing so, she contributes to the development of sustainable, resource-efficient, and digitally supported catalyst systems for a wide range of applications.
TT Prof. Schirin Hanf studied chemistry at the Leipzig University and received her doctorate from the University of Cambridge in 2019, funded by the Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (German Chemical Industry Association) and the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. She received the Highly Commended PhD Thesis Award for her dissertation. After a postdoctoral fellowship at hte (BASF SE) in Heidelberg, she took on a junior group leadership position at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Since 2021, she has been a tenure-track professor there and leads an independent research group that develops catalysts at the interface between molecular and solid-state chemistry. In addition, she and her working group are committed to the digitization of catalysis and research data management.
Dr. Alexis Bordet, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
The research of Alexis Bordet centers on the development and fundamental understanding of multifunctional heterogeneous catalytic systems capable of activating and transferring molecular hydrogen in complex reactions. Besides his research activities on hybrid organic-inorganic catalysts and adaptive catalytic systems, he is exploring the potential of magnetic induction heating in catalysis as an innovative approach to promote electrification and innovation in the chemical industry. As a pioneer in the field of magnetically induced catalysis, he focuses on the use of magnetic induction. This involves supplying energy directly to the catalyst locally and almost instantly in order to achieve adaptability to intermittent power supply and enable new reactivity.
Dr. Bordet studied chemistry at the ENSIACET and Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France. He completed several research stays in France, Sweden, and the USA. After earning his doctorate at the Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of Nano-Objects (LPCNO), he served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University under Prof. Dr. Walter Leitner. Since 2018, he has led the research group Multifunctional Catalytic Systems in the Molecular Catalysis Department of the MPI CEC. He received the Carl Zerbe Prize from the German Society for Sustainable Energy Carriers, Mobility, and Carbon Cycles e. V. (DGMK) in 2024 for his groundbreaking work.
Jochen Block Prize
The German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) awards the Jochen Block Prize to promote young scientists in the field of catalysis.
The prize recognizes research and developments by young scientists, with a focus on those early in their careers who do not yet hold permanent professorships or equivalent positions in industry or research. Key assessment criteria include independence, originality, and scientific and technical progress.
The annual prize includes an award of 3,000 euros and is sponsored by Clariant SE, a leading specialty chemicals company.
German Catalysis Society (GeCatS)
The German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) serves as the central platform for the German catalysis community in both research and application. With approximately 1,000 members from industry and academia, GeCatS fosters collaboration among industry, universities, research institutions, and policy organisations, and represents the community’s interests nationally and internationally. GeCatS is supported by DECHEMA, VDI-GVC, GDCh, DGMK, and DBG.
Jochen Block Prize 2026 of the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) will be awarded to two outstanding ...
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Jochen Block Prize 2026 of the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) will be awarded to two outstanding ...
Copyright: Dechema e.V. / privat
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