idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

Grafik: idw-Logo
idw-Abo

idw-News App:

AppStore

Google Play Store



Instance:
Share on: 
03/19/2026 10:44

Leipzig University and Center for the Transformation of Chemistry conclude collaboration agreement

Dipl.-Journ. Carsten Heckmann / Translation: Matthew Rockey Stabsstelle Universitätskommunikation / Medienredaktion
Universität Leipzig

    Leipzig University and the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) intend to work closely in research and teaching to support a future-proof, sustainable chemical industry in Central Germany and to accelerate the transfer of research findings into innovative industrial applications. To this end, they are also establishing the necessary staffing structures through joint appointments. The first step will be a professorship in organic chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry at Leipzig University.

    Professor Eva Inés Obergfell, Rector of Leipzig University, and Professor Peter Seeberger, Scientific Director of CTC gGmbH, recently signed the relevant agreements.

    “The CTC is a key player in the structural transformation of the Central German mining district. Through a strategically designed partnership with the CTC, we aim to contribute our strengths in research, teaching, and knowledge and technology transfer. Together with other partners in the region, we intend to steadily expand this collaboration,” says Rector Obergfell. “The joint professorship exemplifies our commitment to linking scientific excellence with societal impact.”

    “A future-proof chemical industry can only emerge if excellent basic research is consistently translated into practical applications and industrial use,” adds Seeberger. “This is precisely where the CTC comes in. The joint professorship will enable effective transfer to the region, support the training of urgently needed skilled professionals and strengthen the link between research and value creation as a foundation for successful transformation.”

    The professorship in organic chemistry will be based at the Faculty of Chemistry at Leipzig University. Its research will focus on the sustainable synthesis of fine and bulk chemicals, organometallic catalysis, microchemistry and the use of artificial intelligence in chemistry. The professorship will be advertised internationally. It is aimed at outstanding researchers with a clearly defined research profile at the interface between basic research and application. The position will also involve research activities at the CTC.

    Further joint appointments and collaborative projects are planned in the longer term. “We see this joint appointment as the starting point for a deeper development of our scientific profile, including with other faculties,” says Rector Obergfell.

    More information about the professorship in organic chemistry and the application process will be published on the Leipzig University website shortly.

    About the CTC
    Rethinking chemistry – the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) is Germany’s first research centre dedicated to circular chemistry. Its mission is to drive the transformation of the chemical industry toward a more sustainable future. Established in 2025, the CTC is projected to grow up to 1,000 employees by 2038. The team will collaborate on two visionary moonshots for chemistry: the autonomous laboratory and the completely recyclable car. With facilities in Delitzsch (Saxony) and Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt), the CTC will contribute to the structural transformation of Central Germany. The shareholders of the CTC are the Federal Republic of Germany, the Free State of Saxony, and the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

    About Leipzig University
    Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is among the oldest in Europe. It is a comprehensive university with 14 faculties, more than 450 professorships and over 30,000 students. With its wide range of subjects and particular emphasis on the humanities, natural and life sciences, the higher education institution has gained a reputation as an outward-looking institution at home and abroad. As a member of the German U15 network, it is one of the country’s leading universities when it comes to top-class research and medical expertise. Conducting interdisciplinary basic and applied research, it is an important partner for the transfer of knowledge and technology.


    Contact for scientific information:

    Prof. Dr. Holger Kohlmann
    Leipzig University , Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry
    Phone: +49 341 97-36000 / +49 341 97-36201
    holger.kohlmann@uni-leipzig.de

    Dana Marschner
    Strategic Communication
    CTC gGmbH – Center for the Transformation of Chemistry
    Phone: +49 34202 996 447
    info@ctc-germany.org


    More information:

    https://transforming-chemistry.org/forschung/ Research at CTC is focused on two so-called moonshots


    Images

    Leipzig University and the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry intend to work closely together. Professor Eva Inés Obergfell, Rector of Leipzig University, and Professor Peter Seeberger, Scientific Director recently signed the relevant agreements.
    Leipzig University and the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry intend to work closely togethe ...
    Source: Christian Hüller
    Copyright: Leipzig University

    Collaborating in research and teaching (from left): Scientific Director Professor Peter Seeberger, Leipzig University Rector Professor Eva Inés Obergfell and Professor Holger Kohlmann, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry.
    Collaborating in research and teaching (from left): Scientific Director Professor Peter Seeberger, L ...
    Source: Christian Hüller
    Copyright: Leipzig University


    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists, Scientists and scholars
    Chemistry
    transregional, national
    Cooperation agreements
    English


     

    Leipzig University and the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry intend to work closely together. Professor Eva Inés Obergfell, Rector of Leipzig University, and Professor Peter Seeberger, Scientific Director recently signed the relevant agreements.


    For download

    x

    Collaborating in research and teaching (from left): Scientific Director Professor Peter Seeberger, Leipzig University Rector Professor Eva Inés Obergfell and Professor Holger Kohlmann, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry.


    For download

    x

    Help

    Search / advanced search of the idw archives
    Combination of search terms

    You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.

    Brackets

    You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).

    Phrases

    Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.

    Selection criteria

    You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).

    If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).