CRC Anniversary and Symposium "Perspectives of Catalysis Research" celebrates a decade of excellence in catalysis research

The Catalysis Research Center (CRC) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) marked a double anniversary this summer: ten years of the CRC research building and ten years of the Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award in Catalysis Research. The occasion brought together the CRC community, university representatives, industry partners, and leading international scientists to celebrate a decade of catalysis research at TUM.

The anniversary began with a celebration dedicated to the CRC building and to the people who make it work every day. Chief Academic Director Prof. Roland A. Fischer reflected on the center’s first decade as both “a visible expression of a scientific vision” and the working home of a “lively, large community.” Looking back on the creation of the research building as a place designed to bring together catalysis research, collaboration, and daily operations, he thanked the many people who work across disciplinary boundaries, connecting chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, theory, simulation, analytics, and data science. Fischer emphasized that the CRC is far more than a place: it is shaped by the commitment of scientists, administrative staff, technical teams, and core facilities, whose daily efforts make it “a functioning place for science.” Looking ahead, he described the CRC building as an evolving platform for new professorships, new technologies, and emerging fields from digital catalysis to robot-supported laboratory environments, concluding with a message of gratitude to the more than 300 people who make excellent research at the CRC possible.

From this inward-looking moment of appreciation, the focus then shifted outward to the international stage of the Karl Wamsler Award Symposium. Since 2017, the Karl Wamsler Innovation Award (generously sponsored by Clariant) has recognized outstanding researchers whose work advances both the fundamental understanding and industrial application of catalysis. Reflecting this ambition, the symposium featured award lectures by the 2025 and 2026 laureates, Prof. Tao Zhang (Dalian, CAS) and Prof. Frances H. Arnold (Caltech), alongside keynote talks by previous award recipients and invited speakers from leading international institutions.

Over three days, participants explored the broad landscape of modern catalysis, spanning sustainable energy technologies, CO₂ utilization, chemical synthesis, materials science, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis. Presentations highlighted how catalytic science is driving innovation in areas ranging from renewable resources and recycling technologies to artificial enzymes, data-driven catalyst design, and AI-assisted optimization.

In his opening keynote remarks, TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann reflected on the significance of the occasion, describing it as “a bit home coming” for him as a chemist. He expressed his gratitude to Clariant and especially to Susanne Wamsler for their continued commitment to the award, while also acknowledging former TUM President Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann and his contributions to chemistry and the founding of the Catalysis Research Center (CRC). Highlighting the dual anniversary, Hofmann emphasized that the “10th anniversary of the award and the CRC” represents “a decade with right decisions being made.” He underscored the central role of catalysis in addressing global challenges, stating that “catalysis today is more than a scientific discipline” and calling it “a key enabling technology.” Referring to the legacy of catalysis research at TUM, Hofmann noted that it “dates back to the groundbreaking research of Nobel laureate E.O. Fischer.” He also stressed that the CRC is “much more than a building,” emphasizing that many researchers beyond its walls contribute to the advancement of catalysis.

Hofmann described the CRC as “a catalyst for collaborative research,” pointing to numerous scientific breakthroughs that have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurial ventures. He highlighted TUM’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, which currently includes around 700 founding teams. Thanking Clariant for establishing the Karl Wamsler Award together with TUM after the passing of Dr. Karl Wamsler in 2016, Hofmann said the award has significantly advanced international visibility and strengthened collaborations between academia and industry. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed TUM’s commitment to the field: “The challenges remain, where catalysis needs to play a crucial role. Catalysis is right in the center. We will fully support catalysis research at TUM.”

Representing Clariant, Dr. Marvin Estenfelder spoke about the vital role of innovation in industrial catalysis. In his lecture, From Incremental to Breakthrough Innovation - An Industrial Perspective, he demonstrated how advances in catalyst design are helping industry reduce emissions and improve efficiency. He noted that Clariant’s customers have already avoided 45 million tons of CO₂ emissions, achieved through “innovation in catalysts.” Using examples ranging from formaldehyde production to olefin manufacturing, Estenfelder illustrated how catalyst engineering can transform industrial processes. He explained how controlling heat generation and modifying catalyst structures can significantly improve performance. Discussing the development of new catalytic processes for propylene and ethylene production, he described the ability to achieve uniform temperature profiles while reducing emissions as “beautiful science.” Looking toward the future, he emphasized that breakthrough innovations require a combination of high-throughput experimentation, advanced digital methods, fundamental scientific understanding, and strong partnerships. In this spirit, he closed by expressing his anticipation for the discussions and scientific exchange ahead.

The symposium welcomed a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Prof. Matthias Beller (LIKAT), Prof.Stephen L. Buchwald (MIT), Prof. Matthew J. Gaunt (University of Cambridge), Prof. Kyoko Nozaki (University of Tokyo), Prof. Yang Shao-Horn (MIT), Prof. Veronique van Speybroeck (Ghent University), and Prof. Bert M. Weckhuysen (Utrecht University), all of whom are former Karl Wamsler Innovation Awardees, as well as numerous international and TUM researchers. Their contributions underscored both the scientific diversity and the societal relevance of catalytic research.

In addition to the scientific program, a poster session at the CRC offered more than 90 early-career researchers an opportunity to present their work and engage with leading experts from academia and industry. Networking events like the conference banquet at the TUM Institute for Advanced Study further fostered exchange and international collaboration.

By bringing together established leaders and rising stars, the symposium highlighted the CRC’s ongoing commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. At the same time, it demonstrated the central role that catalysis research will continue to play in addressing global challenges and advancing a more sustainable future.

Further information and links

• TUM Catalysis Research Center (CRC)
• CRC Symposium "Perspectives of Catalysis Research" (full program)
• Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award
• TUM press article: Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award honors Frances H. Arnold and Tao Zhang

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Original article: https://www.nat.tum.de/nat/aktuelles/article/crc-jubilaeum-und-symposium-perspectives-of-catalysis-research-feiern-ein-jahrzehnt-exzellenter-katalyseforschung/