Ghent University awards Professor Kümmerer an honorary doctorate
2025-03-25 2025-03-25 Lüneburg/Ghent. Professor Klaus Kümmerer from Leuphana University Lüneburg has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Ghent University. On 21 March, the expert in sustainable chemistry received the prestigious distinction during a ceremony held at the Leon De Meyer Auditorium at the Belgian university. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences had previously endorsed the honour. Professors Evelien Wynendaele and Serge Van Calenbergh delivered the laudatory speech in recognition of Professor Kümmerer.
In their speech, they emphasised Professor Kümmerer's outstanding contributions to sustainable pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry. Recognised worldwide as a leading expert in advancing environmentally friendly chemistry, the scientist has conducted important work on the environmental behaviour of pharmaceuticals and on the concept of ‘benign by design’. His research has shaped the field by developing chemicals and materials, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, that reduce environmental damage. This is essential in addressing global environmental challenges.
Professor Kümmerer's international focus and influence is reflected in his leadership positions, including that of Director of the Research and Education Centre at the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Center (until 2024), as mentioned in the laudatory speech. His membership in the European Commission's High-Level Roundtable on the Sustainable Chemicals Strategy underscores his strategic role in shaping environmental policy in Europe and beyond. Additionally, Professor Kümmerer has been an active member of numerous national and international committees, including the DFG Senate Commission on Water Research, the Global Chemical Outlook of UNEP, and the EU technology platform SusChem Europe. He is currently a member of the 9th Government Commission of the State of Lower Saxony. His innovative research has received multiple accolades, including the Wöhler Prize for Sustainable Chemistry and the Federal Cross of Merit. In Stanford University’s global ranking of top researchers, Professor Kümmerer is ranked 16th in his field.
Background
Every year, on the penultimate Friday in March, Ghent University celebrates its Dies Natalis - or birthday - with a formal session in the Aula, and the awarding of honorary doctorates. Contrary to what might be expected from an institution almost 200 years old, this celebration is a relatively recent tradition, first introduced in 1962.