Evonik honored Dutch chemist Prof. Dr. Bernard Lucas Feringa, recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, with the Friedrich Bergius Lecture Award during the Evonik meets Science forum in Heidelberg, Germany.

“With this award, we recognize individuals whose research is shaping the future of chemistry – and Ben Feringa does so in an outstanding way,” said Christian Eilbracht, Chief Innovation Officer at Evonik. “His work on molecular machines, asymmetric catalysis, and photopharmacology is not only scientifically groundbreaking but also highly relevant for sustainable industrial applications.”

Feringa, a professor at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 alongside Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Jean-Pierre Sauvage. His research on molecular motion has expanded opportunities in nanotechnology and drug development. Feringa has also long supported collaboration between academia and industry, including joint projects with Evonik.

“I am deeply honored by this award,” Feringa said. “Evonik is a company that actively seeks and fosters dialogue with the scientific community. Collaborating with industry is essential to translate scientific insights into tangible solutions for societal challenges.”

Presented annually since 2014, the Evonik Friedrich Bergius Lecture Award recognizes scientists whose work advances the field of chemistry. Named after Nobel laureate Friedrich Bergius, the award includes a lecture at the Evonik meets Science forum, which fosters exchange between research and industry.

“Innovation emerges where scientific excellence meets entrepreneurial curiosity,” said Eilbracht. “With formats like the Bergius Lecture and Evonik meets Science, we create spaces for exactly this kind of exchange.”

Learn more about research and innovation in sustainable coatings and materials on PCI’s Sustainable page.