The focus on sustainability: Kümmerer receives honorary doctorate in Helsinki!

The focus on sustainability: Kümmerer receives honorary doctorate in Helsinki!

Lüneburg, Deutschland - On May 27, 2025, Professor Klaus Kümmerer was appointed honorary doctor by the University of Helsinki. This was done in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the area of ​​sustainable chemistry and the green pharmacy. Kümmerer has developed environmentally friendly drugs and has worked intensively for the integration of ecological sustainability into pharmaceutical development. A central concept of his work is "Benign by Design", which promotes the development of biodegradable medication in order to meet a steadily growing challenge: the problematic effects of medication on the environment and health.

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical at the University of Helsinki has benefited from Kümmerer's unique expertise since 2016. His cooperation inspired numerous research projects and academic initiatives that contribute to the design of the emerging area of ​​sustainable pharmacy. Kümmerer's research is not only of academic importance, but has also received significant international recognition. These include the University of Ghent's honorary doctorate in March 2023, the Wöhler Prize for Sustainable Chemistry and the Federal Cross of Merit on the volume.

meaning of sustainable chemistry

in the anthropocene, a age that has been regarded as the human influence on earth since 2002, a rethink in pharmaceutical research is required. The FIP's World Architers Association emphasizes that the use of medication not only affects personal decisions, but also have to integrate social values ​​and the climate balance of medicinal products. Future studies should focus more on the interactions between the human body as a dynamic ecosystem and its surroundings.

As a pioneer in this area, Kümmerer initiated two large EU-financed projects: Prime Minister and Transharm. These projects aim to establish innovative approaches to pharmaceutical development, protect natural resources and reduce environmental pollution. Kümmerer's approach ensures that social and ethical aspects flow into the application of chemicals in order to achieve a better understanding of their effects.

academic initiatives and educational offers

Kümmerer has developed significant academic programs, including the part -time course "Sustainable Chemistry M.Sc." And a corresponding certificate program. These are aimed at working people with a background in chemistry or related disciplines. In addition, he has been organizing the International Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference since 2016 and co -founded the magazine "Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy". These platforms offer experts the opportunity to discuss sustainable chemical solutions for environmental problems.

his work also supported fruit that were published internationally. In the context of research projects, antibiotics of the active ingredient group Fluorquinolone were improved with sustainable chemical methods. The new molecules developed by this approach show promising properties in terms of biological degradation, which is of great importance against the background of the development of resistance, which is also funded by antibiotics. Kümmerer's commitment in this area underlines urgency to anchor sustainability in the chemical industry.

The recognition of Kümmerer's achievements and his tireless commitment to sustainable development in pharmacy reflect a growing awareness of the need to put ecological questions in the foreground. The University of Helsinki and the International Community hope for a more sustainable future through its visions and achievements.