Exner Lectures 2024

Registration starts at 9.00 am. Please register on time...

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10:00 am

Ferdi Schüth, 2024 Medalist

'Heterogeneous Catalysis – a Key Topic in Chemistry between Basic Research and Commercial Application'

Abstract: Most of the production processes in the chemical industry rely on solid catalysts, which reduce the temperature of reactions, direct them to the desired products, or make them possible at all. Also for the transformation of our energy systems, heterogeneous catalysis is a key technology. In spite of the tremendous importance of heterogeneous catalysis and the progress reached in understanding the molecular level processes, the discovery of new catalysts is still largely empirically driven. High-throughput methods have helped in the last two decades to accelerate discovery with novel experimental and data science methods. Such processes are by now industrial practice, with hte – the high throughput experimentation company in Heidelberg, founded by the speaker, being market leader with now approximately 350 employees.

A more recent development is also on the brink of becoming commercially relevant: mechanocatalysis, which means the use of catalysts in chemical transformations under input of mechanical energy – mostly in ball mills – opens up new options for more sustainable chemical production. Reactions proceed under milder conditions and often with higher yields of target products, and several examples will be highlighted, including the possibility to run the Haber-Bosch-process, needed to provide ammonia fertilizers to the world, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure instead of at around 450 °C and 200 bar. Also in this field start-up companies are commencing their operations, and it is foreseen that such approaches will enter commercial practice.

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Lunch break 12 pm-1.30 pm

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1:30 pm - 3:30pm

Giulio Superti-Furga, 2024 Medalist

'Biological, chemical and societal engineering for all-round innovation'

Abstract: When it comes to innovation, there are no simple recipes. It always boils down to the people involved—their level of freedom, support, and respect for ideas. I have had the privilege of working with research organizations to foster early-career individuals from as diverse cultural backgrounds as possible, encouraging them to dare to formulate solutions that others typically shy away from. Invariably, it begins by alleviating fears. Minds cannot soar if they are burdened by fear—fear of competition, fear of failure, fear of lacking capability and stamina, and fear of being perceived as cultural trespassers. Thus, creating a psychologically safe environment through radical kindness is crucial. Research communities can be designed to value cooperation and ideas. The rest tends to fall into place if the environment provides sufficient basic support. Each invention that has emerged from my lab was the result of some meeting of minds and areas of competence. This was the case when analysing protein complexes, using human genetics to identify drug targets, inventing a functional precision medicine platform, and focusing on membrane transporters for drug discovery. Membrane transporters, which allow chemical substances to enter and leave biological systems, represent a critical interface between chemistry and biology. By modulating access to one or many chemical ingredients, it is possible to alter the function of biological systems. In recent years, we have systematically investigated the role of these transporter molecules and have started a biotech company focused on developing drugs that regulate their function. The hope is that by understanding and controlling the traffic of chemical compounds, we will unlock key insights into disease and the flow of matter across ecosystems, heralding a "one health" perspective in biomedicine.

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Closing & Posterwards: 3.30pm

End of Lectures: approx. 4 pm

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POSTER SESSION 2024

We invite students, scientists & any bright head to participate in this years poster session "Milestones for a future worth living"

Enter your Poster here: bit.ly/ExnerPoster2024

Submitters will be granted free access to the lectures after submission.

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