The European Academy of Sciences mourns the passing of Manfred T. Reetz, an outstanding scientist and internationally renowned pioneer in organic chemistry and biocatalysis, who passed away on 23 April 2026 following illness. Prof. Reetz became a Member of the European Academy of Sciences in 2020 and was also awarded the prestigious Blaise Pascal Medal in Chemistry 2020…
The European Academy of Sciences mourns the passing of Manfred T. Reetz, an outstanding scientist and internationally renowned pioneer in organic chemistry and biocatalysis, who passed away on 23 April 2026 following illness. Prof. Reetz became a Member of the European Academy of Sciences in 2020 and was also awarded the prestigious Blaise Pascal Medal in Chemistry 2020 in recognition of his transformative scientific contributions to the field. Over the course of an exceptional career, Prof. Reetz profoundly shaped modern organic chemistry through pioneering work spanning organometallic chemistry, asymmetric synthesis, and, most notably, directed evolution and biocatalysis. His groundbreaking research established biological evolution as a powerful tool for improving enzyme performance in stereoselective organic synthesis, opening entirely new pathways for sustainable and highly efficient chemical transformations. Following studies in the United States and doctoral work at the University of Göttingen, Prof. Reetz developed an internationally celebrated academic career that culminated in his appointment as Director of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr, where he served from 1991 to 2011. Under his leadership, the institute further strengthened its position as a global centre of excellence in chemical research. Prof. Reetz authored a remarkable scientific legacy and trained generations of researchers who continue to influence chemistry worldwide. His work earned numerous prestigious distinctions, including the Karl Ziegler Prize, the Otto Hahn Prize, and most recently the Ryoji Noyori Award in 2025. Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Reetz was widely respected for his dedication to the scientific community, his mentorship, and his visionary approach to research and innovation. The European Academy of Sciences extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former students. His passing represents a profound loss for the international scientific community and particularly for the Chemistry Division of EurASc. Prof. Manfred T. Reetz will be remembered as one of the defining figures of modern chemistry, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists. Source:Based on the original LinkedIn tribute: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7459564884226322432/Photo courtesy © David Baumann / MPI Kohlenforschung.
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) announces with deep sorrow the passing of Prof. Karl Otto Christe, Emeritus Fellow of the EurASc and Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California (USC), who passed away on 19 April 2026, at the age of 89. Born on 24 July 1936 in Ulm, Germany, as a third…
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) announces with deep sorrow the passing of Prof. Karl Otto Christe, Emeritus Fellow of the EurASc and Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California (USC), who passed away on 19 April 2026, at the age of 89. Born on 24 July 1936 in Ulm, Germany, as a third child with two elder sisters, Karl Christe credited his father, a high school chemistry teacher, for blessing him with a logical mind and self-discipline, and his mother, who came from a book, art and music shop, with a fair share of creativity and the ability to improvise. The family moved in 1939 to Bad Mergentheim, a small resort town in northeastern Baden-Württemberg where Karl attended elementary and high school. His father was drafted in 1942 because of his open opposition to the Third Reich and was killed in action in 1944 on the Western Front. Karl Christe began his chemistry studies in 1957 at the University of Stuttgart where he obtained his diploma- (1960) and Ph.D. (1961) research under the supervision of Prof. Josef Goubeau. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1962 and settled in California, where he commenced working as a senior research chemist at Stauffer Chemical Co. in Richmond, California. He joined Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International, Canoga Park, Los Angeles in 1967 where he rose to Manager of Exploratory Chemistry in 1978. In 1994, he accepted joint positions with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base (Mojave Desert) and the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, USC. In 2005, he moved full-time to USC where he continued to work as a research professor. Prof. Christe is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions across a broad front of synthetic/structural inorganic fluorine chemistry and high-energy density materials (HEDM) research. Since the 1960s, Christe had investigated the synthesis of new fluorides of nitrogen, halogen fluorides, oxyfluorides, and the halogen oxides, as well as their cations and anions. Some notable examples are the syntheses and structural characterizations of the powerful oxidants, NF4+, NOF2+, ClF6+, ClO2F3, and ClF6−. In 1986, the centenary of Henri Moissan’s first production of elemental fluorine by an electrolytic procedure, Christe reported the first true chemical synthesis of F2. He subsequently developed a method to make the truly anhydrous “naked’ fluoride source, (CH3)4N+ F−,which enabled the syntheses of numerous high-coordination-number main-group hypervalent fluoride and oxyfluoride anions such as PF4−, POF2−, POF4−, TeOF62− TeF7−, IOF6−, IO2F52−, and XeF5−. Another outstanding aspect of his research are his contributions to polynitrogen chemistry and his synthesis of the bent pentazenium cation, N5+. This work was extended to homoleptic high-nitrogen-content main-group and transition metal polyazido species such as Nb(N3)72− and to the N5+ salts, N5+B(N3)4− and N5+P(N3)6− for applications as energetic materials. He was the first to experimentally detect the cyclic pentazolate anion, N5− and to prepare stable high-nitrogen-content pentazolates. Prof. Christe was a member of the American Chemical Society and the German Chemical Society and received numerous awards: ACS M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main Group Inorganic Chemistry (2021); ACS Award for Creative Research and Applications of Iodine Chemistry (2015); ACS Richard C. Tolman Award (2011); Alfred Stock Memorial Prize, Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (2006); ACS Award in Inorganic Chemistry (2003); Prix Henri Moissan, Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie, Paris (2000); U.S. Air Force Star Team Award (1999); ACS Award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry (1986); and NASA’s Apollo Achievement Award (1969). He was elected to the European Academy of Sciences (Brussels) in 2009, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (Salzburg) in 2010, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2017. Prof. Christe authored approximately 550 scientific publications and held approximately 65 patents. The EurASc community extends its sincere condolences to Karl Christe’s family, and to his many friends and colleagues worldwide.
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) expresses its deepest condolences to its Vice-President, Alain Tressaud, on the recent passing of his wife, Viviane, following a long illness. On behalf of the Academy, the President, the Presidium, and the entire EurASc community extend their sincere sympathy and support to Prof. Tressaud and his family during this time…
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) expresses its deepest condolences to its Vice-President, Alain Tressaud, on the recent passing of his wife, Viviane, following a long illness. On behalf of the Academy, the President, the Presidium, and the entire EurASc community extend their sincere sympathy and support to Prof. Tressaud and his family during this time of great loss. The European Academy of Sciences stands in solidarity with Prof. Tressaud and respectfully acknowledges this difficult moment, while expressing appreciation for his continued dedication to the Academy.
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) warmly congratulates Prof. Maria Antonietta Loi, Member of the Academy and Professor at the University of Groningen, on her election to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina is the oldest academy of sciences in Germany and one of the most prestigious scientific institutions worldwide, bringing together leading…
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) warmly congratulates Prof. Maria Antonietta Loi, Member of the Academy and Professor at the University of Groningen, on her election to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina is the oldest academy of sciences in Germany and one of the most prestigious scientific institutions worldwide, bringing together leading researchers to provide independent advice on key societal challenges. Prof. Loi has been recognised for outstanding contributions to materials science, physics, and optoelectronics, particularly in advancing the understanding and application of organic semiconductors, quantum dots, and perovskite-based technologies. Her work has significantly contributed to the development of next-generation solutions in energy, sensing, and electronic devices. This election represents a distinguished recognition of scientific excellence and international impact. The European Academy of Sciences proudly acknowledges this important achievement and congratulates Prof. Maria Antonietta Loi on this honour. Source / Further information:https://www.rug.nl/research/zernike/news/newsitems/202503-loi-mrs-fellow?lang=en Photo credit: University of Groningen / Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Candidatures/Nominations within the framework of the EurASc By-Elections 2026, to fill vacant positions within selected Divisions. These elections represent an important opportunity for Active Members to contribute to the leadership, governance, and scientific direction of their respective Divisions. Open…
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Candidatures/Nominations within the framework of the EurASc By-Elections 2026, to fill vacant positions within selected Divisions. These elections represent an important opportunity for Active Members to contribute to the leadership, governance, and scientific direction of their respective Divisions. Open Positions Materials Science Division 1 Scientific Committee Member (Division Officer) Earth & Environmental Sciences Division 1 Head of Division (HoD) 2 Scientific Committee Members (Division Officers) Mathematics Division 4 Scientific Committee Members (Division Officers) 1 Scientific Committee Member (Division Officer) Eligibility Criteria Only Active Members of the European Academy of Sciences are eligible to submit candidatures, nominate candidates, and participate in the voting process. Members seeking election or re-election must comply with the provisions established in the Academy’s regulations, including applicable term limits. Duration of Mandates All elected positions carry a three-year mandate, in accordance with the Academy’s Statutes and Bylaws. Timeline Call for Candidatures15 April – 30 April 2026 Validation of Candidacies1 May – 5 May 2026 Voting Period7 May – 20 May 2026 Announcement of Results25 May 2026 Start of Mandate1 June 2026 Submission of Candidatures Candidatures must be submitted using the official candidature form, duly completed and sent to the EurASc Secretariat within the candidature period. >>Official Candidature Form<< Members may: submit their own candidature, or nominate another eligible member (subject to their acceptance) 📧 contact@eurasc.eu Call to Participate EurASc strongly encourages all eligible members to actively participate in this process. Your engagement is essential to ensuring effective leadership and the continued excellence of the Academy’s scientific activities. 🔗 Further Information Additional details and updates regarding the by-elections will be made available on this page.
The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Fellow of EurASc and recipient of the Blaise Pascal Medal in Earth and Environmental Sciences (2014), has been elected to the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research. Founded in 2008 and based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the Academy is an international, non-profit foundation…
The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Fellow of EurASc and recipient of the Blaise Pascal Medal in Earth and Environmental Sciences (2014), has been elected to the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research. Founded in 2008 and based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the Academy is an international, non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing polar research, education, and sustainable development. With a bipolar perspective encompassing both the Arctic and the Antarctic, it brings together leading experts to promote interdisciplinary research, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to a better understanding of the rapidly changing polar environments. This election constitutes a significant international recognition of Prof. Gattuso’s scientific contributions. An internationally renowned expert in oceanography and climate science, his work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge of ocean–climate interactions, ocean acidification, and the role of the ocean in regulating the Earth’s climate system. His research has also contributed to informing global policy discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability. Through his long-standing engagement with leading scientific institutions, including CNRS, Sorbonne University, and IDDRI, Prof. Gattuso has played a key role in bridging science and policy, particularly in areas of direct relevance to marine and polar ecosystems. The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Jean-Pierre Gattuso on this distinguished honour and on his continued contributions to global scientific advancement. Photo: Justine Meddah
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) warmly congratulates Luisa Torsi, Fellow of EurASc, on her election as International Member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Election to the NAE is widely regarded as one of the highest professional distinctions in engineering, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education….
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) warmly congratulates Luisa Torsi, Fellow of EurASc, on her election as International Member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Election to the NAE is widely regarded as one of the highest professional distinctions in engineering, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education. Members and international members are elected by their peers for pioneering technological advances and for shaping the future of engineering innovation. Prof. Torsi was recognised for her contributions to the engineering of ultrasensitive and high-performance bioelectronic devices for clinical applications. Her work has significantly advanced the field of bioelectronics, enabling highly sensitive diagnostic technologies with important implications for medical and clinical research. She is Full Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, and an internationally recognised leader in molecular electronics and biosensing technologies. The EurASc community is proud to celebrate this prestigious recognition and congratulates Prof. Torsi on this remarkable achievement. Further information:https://www.nae.edu/345149/NAENewClass2026
Prof. Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), was invited to participate in the Symposium for Foreign Experts, a high-level international meeting organised by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The symposium took place on 13 February 2026 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and gathered 57…
Prof. Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), was invited to participate in the Symposium for Foreign Experts, a high-level international meeting organised by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The symposium took place on 13 February 2026 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and gathered 57 international experts from a wide range of scientific and technological disciplines, together with approximately 100 Chinese policymakers. The event forms part of consultations contributing to China’s forthcoming quinquennial national development programme, expected to be launched in May 2026. The meeting was held under the presidency of Li Qiang, with the participation of Ding Xuexiang, who led the discussions with foreign experts. Many participants were recipients of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, recognising their contributions to cooperation with China. Discussions addressed key areas including scientific and technological innovation, agricultural development, cultural exchange, talent cultivation, and international investment cooperation. The symposium aimed to strengthen dialogue between China and the global scientific community and to promote collaborative approaches to shared global challenges. During the event, Prof. Martins submitted a written statement emphasising the importance of science, innovation, and international collaboration, and outlining potential avenues for expanding cooperation with Europe. On the margins of the symposium, Prof. Martins had the opportunity to exchange views with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang during a working lunch, where the importance of strengthening international scientific collaboration was highlighted. The participation of EurASc in this event reflects the Academy’s continued commitment to supporting global scientific dialogue and fostering international partnerships. Further information:https://tv.cctv.com/2026/02/13/VIDEu08KVpUUnXOQOwMGCyHm260213.shtmlhttps://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/zyxw/202602/t20260227_11865330.html
The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. Yarub Al-Douri, Fellow of EurASc, has been awarded the NCPD International Prize 2025, conferred by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD). The NCPD International Prize is a global distinction recognising outstanding innovation, scientific research, and technological excellence in the palm and…
The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. Yarub Al-Douri, Fellow of EurASc, has been awarded the NCPD International Prize 2025, conferred by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD). The NCPD International Prize is a global distinction recognising outstanding innovation, scientific research, and technological excellence in the palm and date sector. The award aims to promote sustainability, food security, and technological advancement, honouring researchers and institutions whose work contributes significantly to the development of this strategic field. Prof. Al-Douri is an internationally recognised materials scientist and nanotechnology expert, whose research spans nanotechnology, renewable energy, nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, semiconductors, modelling and simulation, and optical studies. He has held academic and research appointments across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and has played a key role in the establishment of advanced academic programmes and research laboratories in nanotechnology. In addition to the NCPD International Prize 2025, Prof. Al-Douri is also the recipient of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation 2024, and a Fellow of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences. His scientific output includes more than 960 publications, extensive international collaborations, and leadership roles in several high-impact scientific journals. The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Yarub Al-Douri on this further distinguished international recognition.
The European Academy of Sciences is delighted to announce that Prof. Federico Rosei, Head of the Materials Science Division at EurASc, has been appointed Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.) in the 2025 Canadian Honours list. This prestigious recognition is one of the highest honours in the Canadian Honours System, celebrating extraordinary and sustained…
The European Academy of Sciences is delighted to announce that Prof. Federico Rosei, Head of the Materials Science Division at EurASc, has been appointed Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.) in the 2025 Canadian Honours list. This prestigious recognition is one of the highest honours in the Canadian Honours System, celebrating extraordinary and sustained contributions to society and the nation. Prof. Rosei is an internationally recognised nanotechnology and materials science specialist, whose seminal, prolific and impactful research has advanced the frontiers of materials engineering and energy science. His work has enabled practical applications and improvements in key technological domains such as solar and renewable energy, contributing to scientific innovation with broad societal relevance. In addition to his research excellence, Prof. Rosei has served in leadership roles within academic and professional associations, advocating for the advancement of science on a global scale. The Order of Canada acknowledges individuals whose achievements have enriched the lives of others and helped shape Canada’s national identity. Prof. Rosei’s appointment as an Officer reflects his exceptional contributions to science and innovation, and the esteem in which his work is held by the international community. 🔗 more info here The Academy offers its warmest congratulations to Prof. Rosei on this well-deserved honour.