Two Visionary Moonshots Set the Direction for Research
Research at CTC is focused on two so-called moonshots that will change the way chemical research is conducted and the raw materials and developed materials used:
Five Complementary Thematic Areas
The CTC has identified five key and interrelated thematic areas that address the numerous challenges facing the chemical industry and whose progress in one area will drive progress in others.
Our Research Activities
The mission-oriented and interdisciplinary research agenda at CTC lays the foundation for the first research projects, which have been underway since 2024.
A central component of this strategy is the talent factory – an innovation hub for up to 40 independent research groups that are developing new approaches in areas such as automation, data-driven chemistry, and sustainable technologies. More details about the Talent Factory
Pilot Projects
Selected Publications
- T. Kunze, R. Schoemaker, P. H. Seeberger, T. Tyrikos-Ergas, “Information as the limiting reagent in rare-earth circularity: Chem Circularity”, Chem Circularity 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.checir.2026.100107
- M. B. Plutschack, P. H. Seeberger, “Where is chemistry’s moon? Highlights from the 1st conference for the Center of the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) at Ringberg Castle 2023”, Green Chem. 2024, 26, 13, 7443–7455, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4GC90024C
- R. Schoemaker, C. Sun, D. Chiarugi, T. Tyrikos-Ergas, P. H. Seeberger, “Chemistries Moonshot: An Entirely Recyclable Car”, ACS Cent. Sci. 2025, 11, 7, 1052–1061, https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.5c00589
A Dynamic Research Team of International Experts
Contribute your research and ideas to advance solutions for a sustainable circular economy. Contact our scientific coordinator Theodore Tyrikos-Ergas at theodore.tyrikos-ergas@ctc-germany.org to start the transformation of chemistry together!
CTC Science Team ©Andrea Mühlbauer
The growing scientific team at CTC
News From the Field of Research
Successful Debut for the Transforming Chemistry Summit
200 Researchers Discuss the Future of Sustainable Chemistry in Leipzig The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry’s First International Scientific Conference Brings Together Leading Researchers from Germany and Around [...]
Call for Group Leader Position
Sustainable Materials Substituting PFAS in Aerospace Industries The Talent Factory of the CTC is growing steadily. We are seeking a visionary Group Leader who will help to shape the [...]
Information as the Limiting Reagent in Rare-Earth Circularity
New CTC perspective highlights how data and traceability can enable circular rare-earth value chains A new perspective article by researchers from the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC), [...]
Assessing Sustainable Circular Chemical Economy
Insights from the CTC SEEM Focus Day CTC's Focus Day brought together researchers, industry representatives, and policy experts to examine how sustainability and circularity are currently measured across the [...]
CTC Relies on Open Infrastructure with Chemotion
The Digital Chemistry Lab of Tomorrow The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) is steadily advancing the development of its research infrastructure. Alongside the establishment of chemistry laboratories [...]
Challenges and Future of Automation
Exploring the Next Steps for Chemical Research Lab automation is rapidly evolving from a promising concept into a critical enabler of modern chemical research. To discuss current developments and [...]
