Clariant has marked a major milestone in its commitment to sustainable chemistry by celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Catalysis Research Center (CRC) and the Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award for Catalysis Research. The event recognized two internationally renowned scientists for their groundbreaking contributions to catalysis and sustainable chemistry while reaffirming Clariant’s long-standing partnership with TUM.
The ceremony honored Prof. Frances H. Arnold, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2018) and Professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with the 2026 Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award for her pioneering work in biocatalysis and the directed evolution of enzymes. The 2025 award was formally presented to Prof. Tao Zhang, Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, for pioneering the concept of single-atom catalysis, a breakthrough that has transformed modern catalysis research.
Speaking at the event, Clariant CEO Conrad Keijzer said the dual anniversary reflects the company’s enduring commitment to advancing catalysis research and nurturing scientific talent. He described the collaboration with TUM as more than a sponsorship, emphasizing that it has become a foundation for innovation and the development of future researchers.
As part of the celebrations, the Clariant Foundation also renewed its research partnership with TUM for another three years, extending a collaboration that began in 2010 through the Munich Catalysis Alliance (MuniCat). The partnership continues to support cutting-edge research aimed at developing more efficient and sustainable catalytic technologies for industrial applications.
The Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award, established in 2017 in memory of renowned German chemist and industrial leader Dr. Karl Wamsler, recognizes outstanding achievements in catalysis, biocatalysis, and white biotechnology. Sponsored by Clariant, the award carries a €50,000 prize and highlights research with significant scientific and industrial impact.
Catalysis plays a vital role in enabling cleaner chemical processes, improving energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Through its continued partnership with TUM, Clariant aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable chemistry while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to address future global challenges.
Source: ICN
