The Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig (SAW) has admitted Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Peter Seeberger, Scientific Director of the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) and Director at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI), as a corresponding member of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Class. The ceremonial induction took place on April 10, 2026, during the Academy’s Public Spring Session; a total of 19 new members were admitted.
With this election, the SAW honors Peter Seeberger’s outstanding scientific achievements as well as his significant contribution to the transformation of chemistry in Germany. It also underscores the scientific dynamism in the Central German region. At the CTC – which focuses on the development of a circular and thus more sustainable chemistry – Seeberger is responsible for the scientific direction and is driving the establishment of research groups, laboratories, and strategic partnerships in Delitzsch, Merseburg, and Leipzig.
Science thrives on the courage to try new things
“The election to the Academy is a great honor for me – and at the same time a calling. Science thrives on the courage to venture into the unknown, on openness, and on the willingness to constantly question one’s own thinking,” says Seeberger.
With his dual role at the CTC and the MPICI, Seeberger holds a position at the interface of cutting-edge basic research and industrial application. In the SAW video interview, Peter Seeberger discusses several aspects of science that are personally important to him. This includes making complex research understandable to reach people outside the field as well as non-scientists – because understanding fosters acceptance. Furthermore, it is crucial how research and new findings are communicated now and in the future, both within the scientific community and beyond.
The complete German member profile, including the video interview, is available here: https://www.saw-leipzig.de/de/personen/seebergerp
Significance of the Saxon Academy of Sciences
The SAW is one of Germany’s most venerable learned societies. It brings together outstanding scholars from various disciplines, promotes interdisciplinary exchange, and conducts long-term research programs with a focus on the humanities and cultural studies. Admission is by nomination only—self-nominations are not accepted. It is considered a high scientific honor for individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of their field. For more details, visit the German site: https://www.saw-leipzig.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/rueckblick-fruehjahrssitzung-2026
German CTC press release as PDF download
Read German press release of SAW including all new members
About the CTC
Rethinking chemistry – the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) is Germany’s first research centre dedicated to circular chemistry. Its mission is to drive the transformation of the chemical industry toward a more sustainable future. Established in 2025, the CTC is projected to grow up to 1,000 employees by 2038. The team will collaborate on two visionary moonshots for chemistry: the autonomous laboratory and the completely recyclable car. With facilities in Delitzsch (Saxony) and Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt), the CTC will contribute to the structural transformation of Central Germany. The shareholders of the CTC are the Federal Republic of Germany, the Free State of Saxony, and the State of Saxony-Anhalt.
The newly admitted members present at the Public Spring Meeting with Academy President Hans-Joachim Knölker. Front row, from left: Sabrina Hedrich, Olena Volkova, Dimosthenis Trimis, Sabine Koller, Antje Körner, Academy President Hans-Joachim Knölker, Dorit Brixius, Judith Miggelbrink, Birgit Weber. Second row, from left: Peter F. Stadler, Jean Winand, Gerald Steiner, Martin Wolter, Peter H. Seeberger, Martin Joachim Kümmel, Gerhard Heyer, Johannes Grave, Kirsten Küsel. Photo: Jens Schlueter, Image: Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig
The newly admitted members of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Class in attendance at the Public Spring Meeting, with Academy President Hans-Joachim Knölker. Front row, from left: Sabrina Hedrich, Antje Körner, Dorit Brixius, Kirsten Küsel, Birgit Weber. Second row, from left: Peter H. Seeberger, Peter F. Stadler, Academy President Hans-Joachim Knölker, Gerhard Heyer. Photo: Jens Schlueter, Image: Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig
