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Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Uwe T. Bornscheuer of the University of Greifswald will receive the Otto Roelen Medal 2026. DECHEMA and the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) recognise his outstanding contributions to the identification of enzymes from various classes combined with protein engineering for pharmaceutical and chemical industry applications. The prize is endowed with 5,000 euros and is sponsored by OXEA GmbH. It will be awarded during the 59. Jahrestreffen Deutscher Katalytiker https://dechema.de/katalytiker2026.html (March 18 to 20, 2026) in Weimar/Germany
Uwe Bornscheuer's research focuses on protein and enzyme engineering to produce biocatalysts that meet the highest standards of activity, selectivity, and specificity. His work is based on a broad range of methods, from molecular genetics, protein biochemistry to organic chemistry and bioinformatics. A particular focus is on developing innovative high-throughput screening methods. With his groundbreaking, interdisciplinary work, he has significantly expanded the fundamentals of biocatalysis and its industrial applications. He is also recognised nationally and internationally for his pioneering work on the enzymatic recycling of plastic waste.
Uwe Bornscheuer studied chemistry and received his doctorate from the University of Hannover in 1993. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Nagoya University in Japan, he began his independent research career at the Institute of Technical Biochemistry at the University of Stuttgart. Since 1999, he has been a professor at the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Greifswald. He is the editor and author of several books and serves as an editorial board member and advisory board member for several high-quality scientific journals. He has received numerous national and international awards, including an honorary doctorate from KTH (Stockholm, Sweden), the Senior Award, Biotrans2025 (2025), and the Enzyme Engineering Award (2022). In addition, in 2009, he co-founded Enzymicals AG, a biotechnology company that has established a recognized market position through the marketing of enzymes and the provision of integrated synthesis solutions.
Uwe Bornscheuer has made a significant impact on interdisciplinary biocatalysis, with over 600 scientific articles, more than 60 patents, and 40 book chapters. He is also dedicated to supporting young scientists, having supervised over 200 bachelor's and master's students and more than 80 doctoral candidates to successful completion.
In addition to his research, Prof. Bornscheuer contributes to science policy and society. He has served as a board member of the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS, 2014–2018) and as chairman of the Senate of the University of Greifswald (2020–2024). He is an active member of the DFG Review Board for Biochemistry, as well as the selection committees of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU, German Federal Environmental Foundation). He was recently appointed to acatech, the German Academy of Science and Engineering.
Otto Roelen Medal
The Otto Roelen Medal, awarded every two years since 1997 by the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS), recognises outstanding scientific achievements in catalysis with significant industrial relevance. The 5,000-euro prize is sponsored by OXEA GmbH (https://www.oxea.com/), an international chemical company known for founding the oxo synthesis process and having supported international catalysis research for many years.
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.
https://dechema.de/en/About+DECHEMA/Roll+of+Honour/Otto+Roelen+Medal - learn more about Otto-Roelen-Medal
https://dechema.de/en/Networks/DECHEMA+Committees/German+Catalysis+Society+%28Ge... - more abour GeCATS
Otto Roelen Medal 2026 for Uwe T. Bornscheuer, University of Greifswald
Copyright: Institut für Biochemie der Universität Greifswald
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