Recognizing
the Boundary Breakers

Identifying outstanding scientific talents & breakthrough research topics in the life sciences, and providing unique opportunities for collaboration in science

Outstanding Scientists
Previous Award Winners

We believe science is the basis for societal progress, and that research exploring the frontiers of our knowledge lays the foundation for how we can meet the challenges we face in our ever-changing world. For this reason, we celebrate outstanding scientific achievements with four highly notable awards: The Otto Bayer Award for breakthrough research in chemistry and biochemistry, the Hansen Family Award for advances in medical research, our Early Excellence in Science Awards for outstanding young talents, and the Bayer Thrombosis Research Award.

Pursuing a path that altered the course of science

Nobel laureate & Hansen Family Award winner Stefan Hell “My fascination with doing something that could alter the course of science was greater than my fear of ending up a pauper"

Interview with Ruth Ley

Meet Ruth Ley, 2020 Otto Bayer Award winner: “You look at data that don’t make sense and ask yourself: How could they make sense? You start testing. Then you look at the results, and WOW, it is like you imagined!”

Since our first awards in 1984, we have recognized more than 80 brilliant minds including Nobel laureates Benjamin List, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Stefan Hell, and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard and have recognized fields ranging from synthetic biology, plant genetics, molecular spectroscopy, machine learning and so much more.

To read more about how we think awards are an important mechanism for not only recognizing outstanding achievements but also can be used to encourage collaboration in science, please see our awards page.

Otto Bayer Award for chemisty and biochemistry

2020 Prof. Dr. Ruth Ley

Microbiome

For her groundbreaking discoveries of the importance of human gut microorganisms for human health. She was the first scientist revealing the link between the composition of the human microbiome and the occurrence and manifestation of obesity in humans. Her scientific work has sparked novel research paths towards the understanding of the involvement of the human microbiome in metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer. Her work will certainly support the development of new therapies to treat serious human diseases.

Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany.

2018 Dr. Tobias Erb

Synthetic Biology

For outstanding achievements in the field of synthetic biology, especially the application of artificial photosynthesis. His work is about creating novel enzymes and pathways for the capture and conversion of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. He has successfully designed an artificial photosynthesis process that is more efficient than the natural one evolved in plants. Transplanting this process into plants, algae or synthetic cells could lead to crops with improved productivity or novel processes in chemistry that meets human energy and requirements and at the same time reduce CO2 from the atmosphere.

Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie, Marburg, Germany.

2016 Prof. Dr. Dirk Trauner

Photopharmacology

In honor of pioneering contributions in Photopharmacology and Chemical Optogenetics. Trauner developed novel synthetic photoswitches that can sensitize a wide variety of cellular receptors toward light. His work has potential to open new chemotherapeutical treatment opportunities, including chemical treatment strategies to cure blindness and cancer.

Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.

2014 Prof. Dr. Frédéric Merkt

Molecular Spectroscopy

In honor of his outstanding contributions in Molecular Spectroscopy and the characterization of highly-electronically excited atoms and molecules by high-resolution spectroscopic and XUV laser technology developments. The work of Prof. Merkt made significant contributions to the understanding of the basic chemical structure, bonding and physical behavior of molecules and ions, and to the investigation of unusual properties in high molecular Rydberg states.

Laboratory for Physical Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

2012 Prof. Dr. Benjamin List

Organocatalysis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organocatalysis. Around 80 percent of all chemical products are manufactured with the help of catalyst, making processes efficient and help to save resources. List’s work on enamine catalysis and symmetric counteranion directed catalysis (ACDC) opens up a new path towards more sustainable chemistry.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany.

2010 Prof. Dr. Detlef Weigel

Plant Genetics

In honor of his outstanding contributions to the under- standing of molecular-biological principles governing the variability of plants. His results in genome research enhance the predictability of the responses from crop plants to rapid environmental changes, and thus help to understand how apparent genetic disadvantages might become advantages under changing environmental conditions. This understanding will accelerate the use of green genetic engineering in crop science technologies and agricultural strategies.

Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany.

2008 Prof. Dr. Thomas Carell

DNA Research

In honor of his outstanding work on understanding the devel- opment of damage to deoxyribonucleic acid – particularly through UV light – and DNA repair processes, development of cancer and aging processes. These research findings could have tremendous practical significance, for example in the detection of chemical compounds as mutagens, and the analysis of resistance development in drugs whose mode of action – as with many cancer treatments – is based on an interaction with the DNA.

Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.

2006 Prof. Dr. Alois Fürstner

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding work in the field of organo- metallic chemistry, including especially catalysis research and its application in the production of complex natural substances. At the focus of these activities are extensive studies on the metathesis of alkenes and alkines, and the development of new concepts for homogeneous catalysis. The breakthroughs achieved here enable elegant total synthesis of numerous natural substances such as macrolides, alkaloids and glycoconjugates.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany.

2012 Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger

NMR Techniques

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The method he developed for three-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopy enabled the identification of highly complex protein structures. This in turn has made possible important findings on the function of enzymes and key contributions to understanding biological activity in cells.

Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.

2001 Prof. Dr. Herbert Waldmann

Chemical Biology

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of bioorganic chemistry. By combining organic chemistry and biological methods, he developed important findings on signal transduction in cells that make an important contribution to the understanding of these highly complex biological processes.

Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Physiologie, Dortmund, Germany.

1998 Prof. Dr. Carsten Bolm

Catalysis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of preparative chemistry. As a result, the spectrum of enantioselective reactions – particularly as regards aspects of oxidation and carbon-carbon linkages – has been expanded to include a wide range of new chiral ligands, thus considerably broadening knowledge about asymmetric metal catalysis.

RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.

1998 Prof. Dr. Ulrich Koert

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of preparative chemistry. The stereoselective synthesis of oligotetrahydrofurans enables the buildup of complex molecular structures. Embedded in membranes, such structures enable the simulation and study of natural phenomena such as sodium or potassium transport in ion channels.

University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

1996 Prof. Dr. Stefan Jentsch

Ubiquitinylation

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of cell biochemistry. Based on his molecular biological analyses on the makeup of the ubiquitin proteasome system in yeasts, his research led to the conclusion that the systematic breakdown of protein is vital and of critical regulative importance for the organism of all living things, including humans.

Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, Martinsried, Germany.

1995 Prof. Dr. Paul Knochel

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organometallic chemistry. His research particularly into functionalized zinc and copper organyles provided astoundingly simple solutions for many reactivity and chemoselectivity problems. In this way, he opened up new and efficient synthesis paths to polyfunctional molecules that were previously difficult to access by traditional means.

Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.

1995 Prof. Dr. Gerhard Ecker

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organometallic chemistry. His research particularly into organozirconium chemistry led to the implementation of mechanistic concepts in reactions of preparatory importance for organic chemistry and polymer chemistry. Also, of fundamental importance are his analyses of the elementary steps of important organometallic reactions with respect to the reactivity behavior and mechanism.

University of Münster, Münster, Germany.

1994 Prof. Dr. Robert Schlögl

Catalysis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. His research into the characterization of the microstructure of industrial catalysts’ enabled surface-physical analyses with model systems that are of elementary importance for understanding catalytic processes.

Fritz Haber Institute of Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany.

1993 Prof. Dr. Dieter Hoppe

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the development of extraordinarily effective and practical methods for enantio- and diastereoselective active substance synthesis based on carbanion chemistry in connection with chiral identification through supramolecular interactions. The synthesis building blocks he created represent fundamentally new developments and provide solutions for previously unresolved synthetic problems.

University of Münster, Münster, Germany.

1993 Prof. Dr. François Diederich

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in connection with molecular identification using cyclophane-type receptors and with the chemistry of low-molecular and polymeric carbon allotropes and carbon-rich compounds, for which he enabled widespread and fundamentally new preparative access.

ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

1992 Prof. Dr. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard

Developmental Biology

In honor of her outstanding achievements in the field of developmental biology. Her groundbreaking analysis of the pattern formation mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila played a key role in explaining the genetic steering of embryonic development (Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine 1995).

Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany.

1992 Prof. Dr. Herbert Jäckle

Developmental Biology

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of developmental biology. His molecular-biological characterization of the first segmentation genes active in the Drosophila embryo and their interplay as the basis for further pattern formation led to embryological insight of fundamental importance.

Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.

1991 Prof. Dr. Martin Quack

Physical Chemistry

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of intramolecular molecular dynamics and kinetics – for new approaches in connection with the theory of unimolecular processes and with the mechanism for infrared photochemistry, as well as for taking into account dynamic aspects in high-resolution spectroscopy. In this way he provided key impulses for understanding elementary chemical reactions.

ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

1990 Prof. Dr. Kurt Peter C. Volhardt

Organic Synthesis

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organometallic synthesis, and particularly for the systematic expansion of cobalt-mediated [2+2+2] cycloaddition. He succeeded in using the high selectivity of this reaction to display theoretically interesting molecules and for the total synthesis of complex natural substances.

University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.

1990 Prof. Dr. Wolfgang A. Herrmann

Catalysis

For his outstanding achievements in the field of synthesis and the characterization of transition metal complexes. By opening up new preparative methods, he also provided model compounds for stoichiometric and catalytic reactions that are of great importance in understanding the fundamental steps that take place on catalyst’s surfaces.

Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

1989 Prof. Dr. Helmut Schwarz

Organic Synthesis / Reaction Mechanisms

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organic mass spectrometry – for explaining the decomposition of low-energy organic ions in the gas phase and the elementary processes that take place in this connection. By combining a wide variety of techniques, he succeeded in determining the structures of unusual rearrangement products through experiment and calculation.

Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

1988 Prof. Dr. Hartmut Michel

Photosynthesis Receptors

In honor of his outstanding achievements in explaining the three-dimensional structure of the photosynthetic reaction center of the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis. These findings have drawn tremendous international acclaim, providing key impulses both to research into other membrane proteins and to photosynthesis research (Nobel Prize in chemistry 1988).

Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysik, Frankfurt, Germany.

1988 Prof. Dr. Johann Deisenhofer

Photosynthesis Receptors

1987 Prof. Dr. Martin Jansen

Material Science

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of solid-state research – for the exploration of numerous oxidic and particularly binary systems. Partly through new preparatory methods, he succeeded in exploring and comprehensively characterizing previously unknown or insufficiently described products.

University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

1987 Prof. Dr. Arndt Simon

Material Science

In honor of his outstanding work in the field of solid-state research, with regards to cluster chemistry questions. Using special synthesis and analysis methods, he succeeded in gaining key insight into the general structural principles and properties of the analyzed systems.

Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung, Stuttgart, Germany.

1986 Prof. Dr. Manfred T. Reetz

Organometallics

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of organic synthesis with organometallic compounds, and particularly for the development of stereoselective synthesis methods. These processes have provided crucial impulses to conventional organic chemistry and are now widely used in natural substance synthesis.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany.

1986 Prof. Dr. Horst Kessler

NMR Techniques

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of dynamic stereochemistry and particularly for the development of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy for conformation analysis and its use in bioactive molecules such as peptides. This method is an efficient alternative to X-ray structure analysis in conformation.

Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

1985 Prof. Dr. Klaus Hahlbrock

Plant Genetics

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of plant genetics, particularly for explaining the biochemical and molecular mechanisms with which plants are able to defend themselves against disease pathogens. This provided fundamental knowledge on resistance breeding in plants.

Max-Planck-Institut für Pflanzenzüchtungsforschung, Cologne, Germany.

1985 Prof. Dr. Jozef Schell

Plant Genetics

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of plant genetics, particularly for the development of a transfer and expression mechanism for new genetic information in plant cells. This provided a vital basis for developmental biology, plant-molecular biology and plant breeding.

Max-Planck-Institut für Pflanzenzüchtungsforschung, Cologne, Germany.

1985 Prof. Dr.Heinz Saedler

Plant Genetics

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of plant genetics, particularly for the isolation in plants of so-called “transposable elements” and the analysis of their behavior at the molecular level. The application of “transposable elements” in the isolation and regulation of genes is a fundamental prerequisite for genetic engineering in plants.

Max-Planck-Institut für Pflanzenzüchtungsforschung, Cologne, Germany.

1984 Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wegner

Material Science

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of polymer science and to support his future scientific research. The award thus recognizes his internationally leading work on structural property relationships in polymers, and his findings with regard to the importance of interdisciplinary research for the further development of polymer science and techniques as well as the importance of cooperation between industry and universities.

Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Mainz, Germany.

Hansen Family Award for Medical Sciences

2019 Prof. Dr. Edith Heard

Epigenetics

For groundbreaking insights and paradigm shifting discoveries in the area of epigenetics. She and her team contribute significantly to our understanding of the interplay between chromatin structure and gene activity, which is essential for the development of new drugs aimed at treating cancer and other diseases.

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.

2017 Prof. Dr. Jens Claus Brüning

Diabetes/Obesity

For groundbreaking insights into the physiology of insulin action and the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. His fundamental discoveries about the role of insulin action in the CNS and his research on systemic feeding control signals and obesity-induced deregulation pathways paved the ground for novel treatment options in obesity and type-2-diabetes mellitus.

Max-Planck-Institut für Stoffwechselforschung, Cologne, Germany.

2017 Univ.-Prof. Dr. med Matthias H. Tschöp

Diabetes/Obesity

For paradigm shifting discoveries about gut-brain communication pathways related to hunger signals. His pioneering combination of physiology research with human biology and peptide-based pharmacology has led to break-through discoveries resulting in multiple novel drug candidates with unprecedented potential to stop the worldwide obesity and type-2-diabetes pandemic.

Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Germany.

2015 Prof. Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier

Genome Editing

In honor of her pioneering contributions in harnessing the ancient immune defense system of bacteria – called CRISPR/Cas9 – into a powerful biotech tool which can cut any DNA at any desired position by designing the appropriate guide-RNA. This is an ingenious develop- ment with enormous impact on all life science areas.

Max-Planck-Forschungsstelle für die Wissenschaft der Pathogene, Berlin, Germany.

2013 Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Rammensee

Cancer Immunology

In honor of his pioneering contributions in cancer immunotherapy. Through active immunization of cancer patients with synthetic “tumor-associated” peptides, he was able to demonstrate the importance of personalized medicine, tailor-made to the specific genetic constellation of a tumor disease. This opens up new opportunities for the treatment of cancer patients by activating the body’s immune system – an important contribution to medical progress.

The University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

2011 Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell

Light Microscopy

In honor of his breakthroughs in the field of light microscopy that provide insights into living cells and tissue that were inconceivable before. With his invention and development of Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy, Hell revolutionized fluorescence microscopy and was the first person to find a way of radically overcoming the light microscope’s resolution barrier of 200 nanometers as established by Ernst Abbe in 1873 (Nobel Prize in chemistry 2014).

Max-Planck-Institut für medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, Germany

2009 Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer

Genetic Research

In honor of his outstanding research into the dynamic processes of gene transcription and regulation. His research has played a key role in explaining the structure and function of cellular RNA polymerase, thus opening up completely new methods for understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, the elementary process of life.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2007 Prof. Dr. Magdalena Götz

Neurobiology

In honor of her outstanding achievements in the field of neurobiology. Through her multifaceted and outstanding research, she found that radial gliacells are not fully mature supporting cells, but rather can themselves develop into highly differentiated neurons and display the self-regeneration characteristic of stem cells. These findings revolutionized the conventional wisdom and are of central importance for new approaches to treating brain injuries and diseases.

Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Germany

2005 Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Klein

Nerve Growth

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of neurobiology. His multifaceted and outstanding research into the development of the nervous system resulted in important findings on known and new nerve growth factors and their intracellular signal transduction paths. Understanding of these processes is of tremendous importance for the complex interaction between biological cells during the development of organisms, and thus serves as the basis for new therapeutic approaches.

Max-Planck-Institut für Neurobiologie, Planegg, Germany

2002 Prof. Dr. Christian Haass

Alzheimer’s Mechanism

In honor of his outstanding achievements in Alzheimer’s disease research. The presenilin 1 and 2 genes were characterized and their function explained in cell culture models and transgenic mice with the help of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These genes enable the proteolytic generation of the beta-amyloid peptide, which is responsible for the formation of amyloid plaques. This research revealed new approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2002 Prof. Dr. Ralf Baumeister

Alzheimer’s Mechanism

In honor of his outstanding achievements in Alzheimer’s disease research. The presenilin 1 and 2 genes were characterized and their function explained in cell culture models and transgenic mice, as well as with the help of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These genes enable the proteolytic generation of the beta-amyloid peptide, which is responsible for the formation of amyloid plaques. This research revealed new approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2000 Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Jürgen Jentsch

Ion Channels

In honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of molecular neurobiology. He was the first to clone the gene for a voltage-dependent chloride channel from the electric organ of the electric ray, thereafter, expanding his research to include human ion channels. Here he was able to demonstrate that certain hereditary diseases are caused by changes in ion channels. This in turn revealed new therapeutic approaches for these and other diseases.

Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany

Early Excellence in Science Awards in Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, Medical Science and formerly Materials (until 2013)

2020 Dr. Marinka Zitnik

Data Science

For her innovative use of machine learning approaches to analyze multidimensional biomedical data.

Harvard University (Harvard Medical School), Boston, MA, USA

2020 Dr. Julia Mahamid

Biology

For her important contributions to the development of in-cell structural studies by electron cryo-tomography.

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany

2020 Dr. Josep Cornella

Chemistry

For his innovative research on the design, invention, and implementation of catalytic strategies for organic synthesis.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany

2020 Dr. Nicolai Franzmeier

Medical Sciences

For development of novel approaches in imaging to study the pathology of Alzheimer´s disease.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2019 Prof. Dr. Julian Stingele

Biology

For his discovery of an entirely unexpected DNA repair pathway, which is crucially important to prevent ageing and tumorigenesis.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2017-18 Dr. Christoph Engel

Biology

For outstanding research providing the molecular basis for ribosomal RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase in eukaryotic cells. By solving the first 3D crystal structure of the 14-subunit RNA polymerase I (Pol I) he concluded a decade long attempt to elucidate atomic structural details of 590 kDa enzyme complex.

Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung von Gemeinschaftsgütern, Bonn, Germany

2016 Dr. Christopher Aylett

Biology

For outstanding research on structural studies to understand the machinery of cellular signalling – his work contributes largely to explain the function of a protein complex implicated in cancer, obesity and neurodegeneration.

Imperial College London, London, UK

2015 Dr. Cigall Kadoch MD

Biology

For outstanding contributions in understanding and targeting human cancers driven by aberrant chromatin regulators, including the discovery of the mechanism of human synovial sarcoma. One of her most significant findings is that high mutation frequency is present in genes involved in chromatin biology-based processes.

Harvard University (Harvard Medical School), Boston, MA, USA

2013 Dr. Steven Spoel

Biology

For outstanding contributions in gene function research. The work of Steven Spoel has led to a better under- standing of how living cells translate environmental signals into changes in gene expression. This knowledge is of high relevance for the understanding of gene expression mechanisms in human, animal and plant cells, and thus likewise important for cancer research, animal health and crop breeding.

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

2012 Dr. Christiane Opitz

Biology

For outstanding contributions to the understanding of the relevance of the tryptophan metabolism in cancer biology. Together with her team she discovered the first endogenous ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) which is involved in promoting tumor growth and suppressing anti-tumor immune responses. This discovery could enable the development of drugs which are expected to inhibit the malignant phenotype of cancer cells and restore anti-tumor immunity.

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany

2011 Prof. Dr. Cristobal Uauy

Biology

For outstanding research contributions in the area of crop genetics. Among a number of high-class achievements, Cristobal Uauy cloned the first QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) in wheat, he identified a resistance gene against wheat yellow rust pathogen, and he is very active in the translation of basic research results into applied crop breeding. His scientific work provides the basis for a powerful new toolkit for improved crop productivity, and thus opens the horizon for new strategies in wheat breeding.

The John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

2010 Prof. Dr. Oliver Daumke

Biology

In recognition of his contributions to the understanding of the structure and function of GTP-binding (G) proteins. G proteins can act as molecular switches that control growth signals in biological cells. Other G proteins function as molecular motors that deform cellular membranes. Prof. Daumke investigates the differences and similarities between these two classes of G proteins.

Max-Delbrück-Center, Berlin, Germany

2009 Dr. Noriyuki Nishimura

Biology

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the identification and characterization of specific stress hormone receptors in plants. These receptors ensure that plants are better able to survive stress conditions such as drought. The work of Dr. Nishimura greatly facilitates the ability to discover new ways to ensure food supplies for a growing world population.

Kobe University, Kobe, Japan

2019 Dr. Christina Woo

Chemistry

For her pioneering research on the role of small molecules influencing protein function and biological signaling using large-scale chemical biology approaches.

Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA

2017-18 Dr. Keary M. Engle

Chemistry

For unparalleled contributions at the interface of organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis, and catalysis – particularly in the area of effective syntheses of small molecules by smart catalysis.

Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA

2016 Prof. Dr. Bill Morandi

Chemistry

For outstanding contributions in green catalysis – particularly his work on novel methods for a sustainable transformation of hydrocarbons and polyols into high-value chemical building blocks of high relevance to biologically active small molecule and materials research.

ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

2015 Prof. Dr. Tanja Gaich

Chemistry

For the development of a novel method for efficient synthesis of polycyclic natural products from plants and microorganisms – which play an important role in novel drug development strategies.

Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany

2013 Prof. Dr. Abigail Doyle

Chemistry

For the development of novel nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and the identification of new reagents and strategies for catalytic nucleophilic (radio) fluorination. The work of Abigail Doyle is of high relevance for the application in drug discovery, agro science and material research.

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA

2012 Univ.-Prof. Dr. Nuno Maulide

Chemistry

For developing new routes to synthesize highly functional small ring molecules. These molecules are excellent starting points for various active ingredients or natural products. By developing new synthetic methods beyond well-established chemical reactions, the Maulide group has discovered unprecedented new phenomena and introduced novel concepts in the field of asymmetric catalysis to be used in all Life Sciences.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany

2011 Prof. Dr. Andreas Bender

Chemistry

For outstanding research work in the field of cheminformatics and the development of new prediction models for drug properties. The work of Andreas Bender discloses new opportunities for a better prediction of modes of action of drugs with in-silico methods, and thus promotes the efficient development of pharmaceutical products on the road from the idea to an optimized drug candidate.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

2010 Prof. Dr. Nicolai Cramer

Chemistry

For the developments of new catalytic organometallic reactions for activation of carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds. With his research he contributes to the field of production of complex active and natural substances.

ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

2009 Prof. Dr. Tobias Ritter

Chemistry

In recognition of his detailed investigations into fluorination reactions. His new method of integrating fluorine highly selectively in aromatic substances by mild and simple means is a significant advance for active ingredient research in medicinal chemistry and crop protection.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim, Germany

2019 Dr. Susanne van Veluw

Medical Sciences

For developing and applying cutting-edge imaging techniques to visualize hitherto undetectable micro infarct lesions in the human brain.

Harvard University (Harvard Medical School), MA, USA

2017-18 Dr. Kathryn Susan Hayward

Medical Sciences

For making a collective impact on the field of stroke rehabilitation and recovery focused on individuals with significant loss of arm and hand function in early post-stroke.

Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia

2016 Dr. Theresa Bunse

Medical Sciences

For outstanding work in the field of tumor immunotherapy – particularly for her contributions towards the development of mutation-specific vaccines for patients with gliomas.

ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

2015 Dr. med. Marie-Luise Berres

Medical Sciences

For outstanding contributions to a better understanding of the pathogenetic role of Langerhans Cell in Histiocytosis, a barely understood hematological disorder with incidence similar to acute myelogenous leukemia and a mortality rate of 20 – 40 % in high risk patients (mostly children).

RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2013 Dr. Javier Fernández

Materials

For outstanding contributions in materials engineering. Javier Fernández has developed a new biologically inspired material, called “Shrilk”, that replicates the exceptional capabilities of one of nature’s most exceptional materials – insect cuticle. This is a milestone in material design and of high relevance in many applications, including biocompatible packaging and tissue engineering.

Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore

2012 Prof. Dr. Volker Presser

Materials

For outstanding research on novel nanomaterials that can be used in energy storage and transformation technologies. The work of his team focuses on the development of super- and pseudocapacitors using state-of-the-art methods like electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. Volker Presser’s research contributes substantially to advancing the technologies urgently needed for efficient large-scale use of renewable energies and for energy storage.

INM-Institute, Leibniz, Germany

2011 Prof. Dr. Arne Thomas

Materials

For outstanding research contributions in the area of functional materials. The work of Arne Thomas discloses new pathways for the synthesis of highly porous materials. These materials provide new solutions for long unsolved technical challenges, because their properties can be adapted to a wide range of applications, e.g. for gas storage, catalysis support, purification and separation purposes, for column chromatography and ion exchange, and as insulation material.

Technical University Berlin, Germany

2010 Prof. Dr. Andreas Walther

Materials

For the development of innovative, pearlescent biomi- metic materials that exhibit impressive properties in terms of their mechanical stability and flame retardance. This makes them very interesting for use in maritime, aviation and aerospace applications.

Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany

2009 Prof. Dr. Jürgen Groll

Materials

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of new types of biocompatible polymeric hydrogels. The new hydrogels enable more targeted drug transport and controlled release in target tissues, thereby facilitating lower dosages of drugs and helping to reduce their side effects.

Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

Bayer Thrombosis Research Award for basic and clinical thrombosis research

2021 Dr. Stefano Barco

Epidemiology and risk-adjusted treatment of acute pulmonary embolism

For his research on the epidemiology and management of venous thromboembolism. Dr. Barco´s work provided novel insights on the burden of venous thromboembolism and related mortality on a global scale, contributing to raising awareness on this condition and to the implementation of healthcare measures on a population level. Additionally, his work allowed the development or optimization of risk-adapted therapeutic approaches for acute pulmonary embolism and its sequelae. These results have been translated into clinical practice and serve to guide treatment decisions.

University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.

2019 Dr. Changjun Yin

Immunity of atherosclerosis-brain interfaces

For outstanding innovative work for new treatment strategies in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) since both are prototypical unresolvable inflammatory diseases with high risks to develop thrombosis-related diseases and his work has shown that anti-complement C5 therapy can reduce thrombotic events in patients afflicted with complement-triggered diseases. Recent research indicates that oxidized lipids from diseased arteries or A β plaques in the brain trigger both the complement and coagulation cascades. A better understanding of such regulation of complement cascades in chronic inflammation may therefore facilitate the development of novel therapies for patients with thrombotic conditions, i.e. atherosclerosis and AD.

Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.

2017 Dr. David Seiffge

Clinical work on management of non-vitamin K dependent oral anticoagulants in acute stroke patients

For outstanding clinical research in the area of anticoagulation risk management. David Seiffge’s innovative studies provide pioneer evidence for the clinical relevance of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in stroke patients. Particularly his research on the bleeding risk of acute stroke patients taking NOACs and rapid availability of NOAC plasma levels to assess anticoagulant effect have potential to open new treatment opportunities with improved benefit-risk ratio for stroke patients.

The University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

2015 Prof. Dr. Markus Bender

Platelet receptor research

In recognition of his work in the field of rare congenital blood platelet disorders in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Dr. Bender showed that the severe blood clotting and immune system disorders in patients suffering from this condition are attributable to a deficiency of the cytoskeleton-stabilizing protein profilin-1 in the precursor cells of blood platelets. This could open new opportunities for the early detection and treatment of this severe illness in future.

The University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

2013 Dr. Krystin Krauel

Immune responses in cardiovascular diseases

In recognition of her contributions to a better understanding of the interactions between thrombotic processes and immune defense mechanisms. Her work on the role of platelet factor 4 (PF4) in the antibacterial immune response system provided a new level of awareness about the pathophysiology of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Dr. Krauel was able to demonstrate that the binding capabilities of cytokine signaling molecule to bacteria is a significant cause for the immune-mediated adverse drug reaction HIT. This better understanding of HIT opens new horizons for patient treatment and prevention.

The University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany.

Recognizingthe Boundary Breakers

Identifying outstanding scientific talents & breakthrough research topics in the life sciences, and providing unique opportunities for collaboration in science

Outstanding Scientists Previous Award Winners

Pursuing a path that altered the course of science

Interview with Ruth Ley

Otto Bayer Award for chemisty and biochemistry

Microbiome

Synthetic Biology

Photopharmacology

Molecular Spectroscopy

Organocatalysis

Plant Genetics

DNA Research

Organic Synthesis

NMR Techniques

Chemical Biology

Catalysis

Organic Synthesis

Ubiquitinylation

Organic Synthesis

Organic Synthesis

Catalysis

Organic Synthesis

Organic Synthesis

Developmental Biology

Developmental Biology

Physical Chemistry

Organic Synthesis

Catalysis

Organic Synthesis / Reaction Mechanisms

Photosynthesis Receptors

Photosynthesis Receptors

Material Science

Material Science

Organometallics

NMR Techniques

Plant Genetics

Plant Genetics

Plant Genetics

Material Science

Hansen Family Award for Medical Sciences

Epigenetics

Diabetes/Obesity

Diabetes/Obesity

Genome Editing

Cancer Immunology

Light Microscopy

Genetic Research

Neurobiology

Nerve Growth

Alzheimer’s Mechanism

Alzheimer’s Mechanism

Ion Channels

Early Excellence in Science Awards in Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, Medical Science and formerly Materials (until 2013)

Data Science

Biology

Chemistry

Medical Sciences

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Biology

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry

Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences

Recognizing
the Boundary Breakers

Outstanding Scientists
Previous Award Winners