This international prize was first presented in 2009. It is awarded annually in three categories: chemistry, biology and materials. To be eligible for the awards, candidates must have completed their doctorate within the last five years.
Nicolai Cramer from École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland took the award in the chemistry category for his research into new catalytic organometallic reactions for activation of carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds.
Oliver Daumke from the Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine in Berlin received the award in the biology category for his contributions to the understanding of the structure and function of GTP-binding (G) proteins. G proteins can act as molecular switches that control growth signals in biological cells. Other G proteins function as molecular motors that deform cellular membranes. The group headed by Daumke has investigated the differences and similarities between these two classes of G proteins.
Oliver Daumke wins biology award
Andreas Walther from Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland was presented with the materials award for the development of pearlescent biomimetic materials that exhibit impressive properties in terms of their mechanical stability and flame retardance. This makes them suitable for use in maritime, aviation and aerospace applications. A new production process enables the cost-effective manufacture of hybrid materials thanks to the self-organising properties of the individual components.
Andreas Walther took the materials award
