Two Awards for Success and Dedication

The Institute congratulates Sabrina Brunner and Connor Schulz on their Award

Sabrina Brunner and Connor Schulz received the Max Planck Society’s Trainee Award for outstanding achievements and social commitment during their training at the MPI. Both will remain at the institute.

A great honor for outstanding work: Sabrina Brunner and Connor Schulz have been awarded the Max Planck Society’s Trainee Prize. The two young people have now received their awards from the head of the institute.

According to the Max Planck Society, the Apprentice Award—which has been in existence for nearly 20 years—recognizes outstanding professional and academic achievements as well as exceptional social commitment during the apprenticeship. The selection committee awards up to 20 of these prizes.

“What I particularly liked about my training at Kofo was the training lab,” says Sabrina Brunner, reflecting on her apprenticeship. She notes that this facility was very helpful in preparing for the practical exams, adding, “Not many apprentices have that luxury.” Her colleague Connor Schulz adds: “I can’t stress enough how great the atmosphere is here in the team. No matter what came up, I could always turn to my colleagues with any questions, and they always helped me.”

“We are incredibly proud that, once again, trainees from our institute have received this award from the Max Planck Society,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Frank Neese, Managing Director of the institute.

And quite rightly so, as Laila Sahraoui, Head of Training at the MPI für Kohlenforschung, explains: “Sabrina Brunner shortened her apprenticeship to two and a half years—and still graduated with a very good grade. Not many people manage that.” She notes that Connor Schulz has always been positive and helpful as both an apprentice and a colleague, and for that reason alone, he’s been a real asset.

Speaking of which: “We’re glad that both award winners will be staying with us,” says Dr. Verena Schultz-Coulon, Administrative Director at the MPI. Sabrina Brunner works in the Service Department for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Connor Schulz has joined the Homogeneous Catalysis Department.

The institute is currently seeking new trainees to start in September 2027. Anyone interested in an apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory technician, physics laboratory technician, or industrial mechanic can find more information on our website.