On June 5, Prof. Dr. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya, Director of the Interface Science Department of the Fritz Haber Institute, delivered the prestigious Nanqiang Lecture at Xiamen University in China. This distinguished Named Lectureship is awarded to leading scientists worldwide to promote cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary exchange.

On 11 June 2026, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in Adlershof hosted the launch of ASCEND (Accelerated Solutions for Catalysis using Emerging Nanotechnology and Digital Innovation). The event took place in the presence of the Minister of Research, Dorothee Bär, President of the Helmholtz Association, Prof. Dr. Martin Keller, and President of the Max Planck Society, Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer. Bringing together leading partners from industry and research, ASCEND is supported by BMFTR with €30 million in funding and officially started on 1 April 2026. The initiative aims to accelerate the discovery of next-generation catalysts and enable more sustainable chemical processes.

On June 6, Berlin hosted the Long Night of Science and also the Fritz Haber Institute participated with a colorful program featuring hands-on experiments, lab tours, lectures, and entertainment – all based on the science currently pursued at the institute. A highlight of the evening was the opening of the new exhibition on “Electron Microscopy: Life and Legacy of Ernst Ruska.”

Prof. Karsten Reuter, has been named an honorary fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society for his contributions to catalysis and international collaborations.