Professor Klaus Kümmerer stands as a preeminent authority in sustainable chemistry, currently serving as Professor for Sustainable Chemistry and Material Resources at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg where he directs the Institute for Sustainable Chemistry. Appointed Professor for Environmental Chemistry in 2005 and subsequently for Material Resources in 2010, he has established an exemplary academic career dedicated to transforming chemical practices for environmental benefit. As Director of the Research & Education Hub of the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre, he leads global initiatives that bridge scientific research with practical applications for sustainability. His professional journey includes founding the Evaluation and Design of Chemistry organization in the early 2000s, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to advancing environmentally responsible chemical innovation.
Dr. Kümmerer's pioneering development of the Benign-by-Design approach represents a paradigm shift in chemical product development, fundamentally changing how scientists consider environmental impact throughout the design process. His research demonstrates that sustainable chemistry serves as an indispensable foundation for creating processes and products essential for a viable future, with applications spanning multiple industrial sectors. Recognized as one of Germany's most frequently cited environmental scientists, his scholarly impact is further evidenced by his position at #16 among top scientists in Environmental Science worldwide according to the 2023 Stanford Ranking. Additionally, he has innovated in academic education by creating the world's first dual online master's programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Sustainable Chemistry Management through collaboration between ISC3 and Leuphana University.
Beyond his research contributions, Professor Kümmerer has received significant recognition for his transformative work, including the prestigious Federal Cross of Merit in January 2024 awarded for his Benign-by-Design approach and decades of research contributions to sustainable chemistry. His international influence is underscored by honorary doctorates from the University of Ghent in March 2024 and the University of Helsinki in May 2025, highlighting global acknowledgment of his contributions to sustainable chemistry education and research. As a member of the newly formed Commission for Sustainability in Chemistry, he continues to shape policy and research directions at the highest levels while mentoring the next generation of sustainable chemistry professionals. Looking forward, Professor Kümmerer remains convinced that startups will be instrumental in driving sustainable chemistry thinking into large corporations and ultimately society, with his current work focused on developing innovative approaches that balance chemical functionality with environmental responsibility.
