Departments

Inorganic
Chemistry
Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Interim
Interface
Science
Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Molecular
Physics
Gerard Meijer
Physical
Chemistry
Martin Wolf
Theory
 
Karsten Reuter

Science News

Schematic representation of the chemical reactions that take place on the surface of the gold catalyst.
Researchers from the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society (FHI) have uncovered how carbonate molecules affect the conversion of CO2 into valuable fuels on gold electrocatalysts. Their findings reveal key molecular mechanisms in CO2 electrocatalysis and hydrogen evolution, pointing to new strategies for improving energy efficiency and reaction selectivity.
Magneto-optical trap for the laser cooling and capture of aluminum monofluoride
Researchers from the Department of Molecular Physics at the Fritz Haber Institute have demonstrated the first magneto-optical trap of a stable ‘closed-shell’ molecule: aluminum monofluoride (AlF).  They were able to cool AlF with lasers and selectively trap it in three different rotational quantum levels - breaking new ground in ultracold physics. Their experiments open the door to advanced precision spectroscopy and quantum simulation with AlF. 
Diagram showing transformation between active and inactive catalyst states.
Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Chemical Energy Conversion and Clariant have unveiled new insights into the complex catalyst systems used in industrial ammonia production. By examining the structural evolution of these catalysts, the study highlights the critical role of promoters in enhancing performance and stability.

Institute News

Berlin PostDoc Day 2025: Networking, Careers & Innovation
The Fritz Haber Institute is once again proud to have supported the Berlin PostDoc Day (PDD25), an annual event that has established itself as a significant platform for PostDocs across various disciplines. This year, the event took place on November 6th and 7th as part of the Berlin Science Week and was organized by a diverse team of Berlin-based PostDocs from MDC, FMP, FHI, Charité, and BAM. Around ten FHI researchers attended, with five FHI postdocs and senior PhD students presenting their work in the poster session, showcasing the institute’s commitment to fostering scientific exchange and early-career development.
Four researchers of the Fritz Haber Institute are among the Highly Cited Researchers 2025: Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya, Prof. Robert Schlögl, Dr. Arno Bergmann, and Dr. Janis Timoshenko (from left to right).
Four scientists from the Fritz Haber Institute are on the list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025 published by Clarivate Analytics: the Director of the Interface Science Department, Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya; two group leaders of the same Department, Dr. Janis Timoshenko and Dr. Arno Bergmann, and former Director Prof. Robert Schlögl. This result underscores the FHI’s internationally leading role in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Antonia Herzog
Antonia Herzog, who completed her PhD in the Interface Science department in 2023, has been appointed as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) after two years of postdoctoral studies at MIT. With her success story, the young scientist is encouraging women in science to pursue an academic career.
Magnets for a Cleaner Future: ERC Synergy Grant Funds MAGNESIS to Unlock Magnetically Enhanced Catalysis
Prof. Karsten Reuter, Director of the Theory Department at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society and a leading catalysis expert, has been awarded one of the 66 prestigious ERC Synergy Grants for “MAGNESIS—Magnetically Enhanced Electrocatalysis,” together with Prof. Galán-Mascarós (ICIQ, Spain), Prof. Jeppe V. Lauritsen (Aarhus University, Denmark), and Prof. David Écija (IMDEA Nanoscience, Spain). Over the next six years, the €12 million project will uncover how magnetic fields can help to drive electrochemical reactions more efficiently—from studying what happens at the atomic level to testing complete devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Current Information

Open Positions

Further job positions can be found also here.

Upcoming Events

VUV and XUV based Pump-probe Schemes for the Investigation of Ultrafast Atomic and Molecular Dynamics Using High-energy Pulses

PC Department Seminar
Dec 8, 2025 11:00 AM (Local Time Germany)
Building G, Room: 2.06

Frequency Comb Spectroscopy

MP Department Seminar
Dec 12, 2025 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Local Time Germany)
Building K, Haber-Villa, Faradayweg 8, 14195 Berlin, Room: Seminar Room

Electrocatalysis on model surfaces in a nutshell: from activity to material stability

ISC Department Seminar
Dec 12, 2025 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
Building P, Faradayweg 16, 14195 Berlin, Room: Seminar Room P 2.05

TH-Seminar: Prof. Tejs Vegge

TH Department Seminar
Jan 8, 2026 02:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Building M, Richard-Willstätter-Haus, Faradayweg 10, 14195 Berlin, Room: Seminar Room
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