2025 Ertl Lecture Awardee: Prof. Dr. Héctor D. Abruña
The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society is pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Héctor D. Abruña has been selected as the 2025 Ertl Lecture Awardee. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of electrocatalysis, honoring individuals who have made significant advancements in scientific research.
About Prof. Dr. Héctor D. Abruña
Prof. Dr. Héctor D. Abruña is a distinguished scientist renowned for his pioneering work in electrochemistry and analytical chemistry. A native of Puerto Rico, he has been instrumental in developing innovative techniques to study electrochemical interfaces, with a focus on X-ray methods, transmission electron microscopy, and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of fuel cells, batteries, and molecular electronics.
Prof. Abruña's academic journey began with a B.S. in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been a faculty member at Cornell University since 1983, where he continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Abruña has received numerous accolades, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Faraday Medal from the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Allen J. Bard Award in Electrochemical Science. In 2024, he received the Enrico Fermi award from the U.S. Government as one of the few chemists in the illustrious history of the award. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, reflecting his significant contributions to the scientific community. Aside from his outstanding research achievements, Prof. Abruña is also heavily involved in educational and outreach projects, giving back to the community. This includes partnerships with universities in his native Puerto Rico and a Research and Education in Materials program that brings underrepresented groups to the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) to perform energy-related research.
About the Ertl Lecture
The Ertl Lecture Award, a tribute to the legacy of Gerhard Ertl, former FHI director and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2007, is an annual accolade that highlights the exceptional work of researchers in the field of catalysis. Sponsored by BASF and established in 2008 by the three Berlin universities (Humboldt University, Technical University, and Free University) and the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, the award not only honors outstanding achievements but also fosters the exchange of innovative ideas in catalysis research. The 2025 laureate, Prof. Dr. Héctor D. Abruña, embodies the spirit of this award through his groundbreaking contributions to the field.
The prize is awarded for the 18th time by a commission consisting of members of the Berlin universities - Joachim Sauer (HU Berlin), Matthias Drieß (TU Berlin) and Eckart Rühl (FU Berlin) - and the directors of the Fritz Haber Institute. Gerhard Ertl advises the commission on the final selection of candidates.
The award ceremony and lecture will take place on December 10, 2025. Prof. Abruña will deliver a lecture on his latest research, offering insights into the future of electrochemical science. The title of his lecture will be announced at a later date.
We invite the public and members of the scientific community to join us in celebrating Prof. Abruña's achievements and to gain a deeper understanding of the innovative work being conducted in the field of chemistry. This event promises to be an inspiring occasion, highlighting the vital role of scientific research in addressing global challenges.