Prof. Sandra Luber receives the 2024 EuChemS Walter Thiel Award

At the EuCompChem Conference in Naples, the 2024 EuChemS Walter Thiel Award in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry was presented to Prof. Sandra Luber (University of Zurich) by Dr. Tanja Mourik, Chair of the EuChemS Division of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry.

Prof. Luber is recognized for her innovative contributions to theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly the development of quantum mechanical approaches and their application to complex systems at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science.

“We are delighted that EuChemS keeps the memory of our Emeritus Director Walter Thiel alive within the computational chemistry community through this award,” said Prof. Frank Neese, Director at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung. “Sandra Luber is an outstanding choice for this award, and we congratulate her on her achievements on behalf of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung.”

The Walter Thiel Award

The EuChemS Walter Thiel Award recognizes outstanding scientific contributions by a young researcher based in a country affiliated with EuChemS. Granted every two years, it includes a prize of €1,000, the EuChemS Walter Thiel medal, and an invitation to publish a feature article in Chemistry – A European Journal. The award was in 2022 and is sponsored by the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS), and Chemistry Europe.

Prof. Walter Thiel (1949–2019)

Emeritus Director of the Kohlenforschung Prof. Walter Thiel was among the world’s leading theoretical chemists, known for advancing computational methods to predict and explain fundamental processes across chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Beyond his scientific excellence, he was admired as an outstanding personality, respected for his integrity and collegial spirit. The award in his name honors his vision and keeps his legacy alive.