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 the World

With approximately 200 participants, the first Transforming Chemistry Summit organized by the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) came to a successful close. Over the course of two days, renowned scientists discussed current developments in the fields of sustainable chemistry, the circular economy, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and sustainable material cycles. The event marks the launch of a new international scientific forum, which is scheduled to take place annually in the future.

At the official opening, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Peter Seeberger, Scientific Director of the CTC, Prof. Dr. Eva Inés Obergfell, President of the University of Leipzig, and Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann, State Secretary at the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism, welcomed the participants.

“The major challenges of our time can only be overcome through interdisciplinary research and international cooperation. The Transforming Chemistry Summit has demonstrated the significant interest in combining scientific excellence in the fields of sustainability, digitalization, and chemistry. Central Germany, and Leipzig in particular, offer excellent conditions for this,” said Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Peter Seeberger.

“The strong international response to the first Transforming Chemistry Summit shows that the transformation of chemistry is a global challenge that can only be achieved through collaboration across national and disciplinary boundaries. For the University of Leipzig, the close partnership with the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry is a key component in jointly advancing excellent research, early-career researchers, and knowledge transfer. The summit has impressively demonstrated the potential of this network,” said Prof. Dr. Eva Inés Obergfell, President of the Leipzig University.

Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann, State Secretary at the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism, explained: “With the Transforming Chemistry Summit, we have succeeded in establishing a new scientific forum in Saxony. The event has shown the innovative power that emerges when researchers from different disciplines and nations work together on solutions to key questions for the future.”

Focus on Artificial Intelligence, the Circular Economy, and Sustainable Material Cycles

The program included plenary lectures, scientific sessions, poster presentations, and discussion forums. Thematic highlights included AI-supported chemical research, sustainable catalysis, chemical recycling, renewable raw materials, automated synthesis platforms, and data-driven methods for the development of new molecules and materials.

Among the scientific highlights was the presentation by the internationally renowned chemist Prof. Bartosz Grzybowski from UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea). Grzybowski is considered one of the pioneers in the application of artificial intelligence in chemistry. In his presentation, he demonstrated how modern algorithms can analyze chemical knowledge and identify new reaction pathways. Such approaches could significantly accelerate the development of sustainable chemicals and materials in the future and open up new avenues for resource-efficient chemistry.

Further insights were provided by, among others, Prof. Alexei Lapkin from the University of Cambridge on sustainable chemical value chains; Prof. Philippe Schwaller from EPFL Lausanne on the use of language models in chemistry; Prof. Bert Sels from KU Leuven on sustainable catalysis; and Prof. Katalin Barta from the University of Graz, who presented new approaches to the use of renewable raw materials.