The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung (Fundation under Private Law) Mourns the Loss of its Long-Standing Director Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Manfred T. REETZ

The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung (Fundation under Private Law) Mourns the Loss of its Long-Standing Director

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Manfred T. REETZ
13. August 1943 – 23. April 2026
Emeritus Scientific Member of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

With the passing of Manfred T. Reetz, the scientific community has lost an internationally highly respected figure, who has had a profound and lasting impact on the field of catalysis research, broadly defined.

During the early stages of his scientific career in Ann Arbor (USA), Göttingen, Marburg, and Bonn, his significant contributions to ligand-tuning and protecting group-controlled organometallic reactions quickly earned him international renown. Since his appointment to Mülheim in 1991, he focused his attention primarily on homogeneous catalysis. This led, inter alia, to the development of novel concepts and innovative types of ligands for asymmetric synthesis, which helped to overcome the then existing paradigms in the field.

Of particular significance, however, are his pioneering achievements in the area of directed in vitro evolution of enzymes according to the Darwinian principles of mutation, expression, and selection. Since the first application in 1997 in the field of enantio- and regioselective catalysis, he has systematically explored the power of this concept. He managed to integrate new biochemical and biological methods into the synthetic chemist’s repertoire and solved difficult analytical problems, such as the accurate determination of enantiomeric excesses in a high-throughput manner.

Manfred T. Reetz has always taken particular interest in the fundamental questions related to this novel field of chemical research. His conceptual contributions to how one might best navigate the seemingly infinite protein sequence space undoubtedly constitute a lasting legacy. No less impressive was his success in applying the in vitro evolution of biocatalysts to numerous questions of practical significance.

Even after his retirement in 2011, he continued this line of research with his characteristic drive, first as Hans-Meerwein-Research Professor at the University of Marburg and then at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, without ever severing his ties with our Institute.

During his tenure as Managing Director of our Institute (1993–2002), Manfred T. Reetz also rendered outstanding service through its organizational and programmatic restructuring. To this end, he was even willing to relinquish part of his own executive power. His efforts were characterized by great personal dedication, clear objectives, and unwavering optimism.

Numerous national and international awards as well as his membership in several scientific academies attest to his achievements and his high reputation worldwide.

The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung commemorates Manfred T. Reetz with deep gratitude and admiration.
Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy go out to his family.

Frank Neese
Managing Director