Our roots
The MPI CEC is a pioneering young institute, which is just starting out. But its new beginnings do not mean that we have not already left a footprint in the world of research. It is far more the case that our new institute can build on a past rich in successful research work. What began as a separate department of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research has grown in just a few years into an independent MPI with its own research focus. Come with us on a journey from the MPI CEC's new start back to our research roots!
1957 - today
2015
For the second time the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion was awarded a prize by the Max Planck Society for its outstanding education of vocational trainees. The institute was chosen for this prize because of its unique training concept and dedicated trainers.
2012
The formal announcement by the President of the Max Planck Society at its Annual Assembly in 2012 marks the start of excellent research work at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion.
2011
October
On a proposal by the staff council, Professor Dr. Robert Schlögl is appointed Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Bioinorganic Chemistry.
July
We are pleased to welcome our institute's new director! Professor Frank Neese is appointed as Director of the MPI for Bioinorganic Chemistry as well as Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society. The MPI for Bioinorganic Chemistry goes from strength to strength: Professor Dr. Robert Schlögl is appointed Director of one of the departments.
2010
August
Professor Dr. Karl Wieghardt retires and becomes an emeritus professor.
2009
Excellent work is being performed in the area of training at the MPI for Bioinorganic Chemistry! That's what the Max Planck Society thinks and awards our institute for our staff's outstanding achievements.
2008
Something to celebrate: 50 years of research on Stiftstraße!
2006
The Ernst Haage Foundation is launched. Each year, the Foundation awards outstanding achievements by young researchers and fosters young scientists. In addition, our best apprentices are also awarded each year. The Ernst Haage Foundation makes all this possible - Thank you!
2003
The MPI for Radiation Chemistry becomes the MPI for Bioinorganic Chemistry.
2000
Professor Dr. Wolfgang Lubitz is appointed as new director of our institute and joins the circle of Scientific Members of the Max Planck Society. The focus of his research work lies in the biophysical chemistry and spectroscopy of metal proteins.
1999
Professor Schaffner retires and becomes an emeritus professor.
1998
We're 40 now! We celebrate our 40th birthday with a commemorative colloquium and a poster exhibition.
1996
On a proposal by the staff council, Professor Stephen J. Lippard is appointed as External Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society.
1995
Launch of the annual commemorative lecture "Frontiers in Biological Chemistry"
1994
Professor Dr. Karl Wieghardt is appointed as Director of our institute and Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society.
1992
Professor Dr. Dietrich Schulte-Frohlinde retires and becomes an emeritus professor.
1987
Professor Dr. Oskar E. Polansky retires and becomes an emeritus professor.
1983
25th anniversary of our institute! The topic of "Energy" has always been important to us! That's why we installed and put into operation a unit to recover energy from waste air as long ago as 1983.
1981
Professor Dr. Günther O. Schenck retires and becomes an emeritus professor.
May
The Max Planck Institute for Radiation Chemistry evolves out of the Institute for Radiation Chemistry within the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research.
1976 - 1978
Sustainability has a long tradition at our institute: Installation of a pilot plant for environmentally friendly heat recovery on the roof of the institute.
1976
Professor Dr. Kurt Schaffner is appointed as Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society and as Director of our institute at the same time.
1973
We are renamed: Institute for Radiation Chemistry at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research.
1970
Appointment of Professor Dr. Dietrich Schulte-Frohlinde as Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society and Executive Director of the institute. Furthermore Professor Polansky accepts the appointment as Director of our institute.
1968
Professor Dr. Günther O. Schenck withdraws as Director for severe health reasons. Professor G. Wilke, Deputy Director of the MPI for Coal Research, assumes temporary charge of his duties. The Max Planck Society designates Professor Dr. Oskar E. Polansky as External Scientific Member of the Society. He works as a part-time Group Leader at our institute. The focus of his research work lies in organic photochemistry and theoretical chemistry.
1963
Inauguration of the "Special Unit".
1961
First cut of the spade for the construction of the institute's new building, known as the "Special Unit".
1958
Establishment of the Independent Department of Radiation Chemistry at the MPI for Coal Research.
1957
Professor Dr. Günther O. Schenck is appointed as Founding Director of the Independent Department of Radiation Chemistry at the MPI for Coal Research as well as Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society.