RWTH Aachen Awards Engineering Prize to Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner for Outstanding Contributions

The Schlumpf original is now being traded for 150 euros on online auction platforms, while new editions from later years are still being offered at 50 euros. Even then, 26 years ago, the common thread that would run through Maas-Brunner’s entire professional life became apparent: “Chemistry,” she says, “is not the problem, but the solution.” Schlumpf, who achieved some fame, was tasked with developing a harmless plasticizer that could be used in children’s rooms. The project was a success, the rest is a success story. Today is Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner as Chief Technology Officer Member of the Board of Management of BASF. She has now been honored for her consistent efforts to find answers to climate change and a more sustainable society through innovation.

The Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ina Brandes, reported on a very special fan of the BASF board member. The minister’s mother is also a chemist and doesn’t always like what politicians spend all their days doing. When Ina Brandes told her about the Aachen Engineering Prize and the winner, the minister’s mother was also very pleased: “Well, that’s finally a reasonable date,” she exclaimed, Ina Brandes said with a laugh.

Laudator Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro AG, was only too fond of remembering study days with the award winner at RWTH Aachen. Even back then, “you, dear Melanie, had an eye for the technical potential of chemical research”. This will to act, the will to make projects become reality, is what distinguishes Maas-Brunner then and now. Knowing that without chemicals no wind turbine turns and no electric car purrs, “you take people with you with your great expertise, your stamina and your unpretentious nature and thus advance your company, on which so much depends. And you absolutely deserve the 9th Aachen Engineering Prize.” Big applause.

The so praised RWTH alumna first had to search for words. Standing in a row with such renowned people, including the 2016 award winner, astronaut Thomas Reiter, leaves you speechless, says Dr. Maas-Brunner. She took the opportunity to make it clear that “I am here because I get to work with a lot of great people.” And it is no longer enough to just be a chemist, because solutions have to be found together and in an interdisciplinary manner. A major concern for her is the generation of young chemists, which, as in so many other areas, is lacking. This is also why she had her old chemistry teacher from Aachen, Dr. Gerd Hachen was invited to the award ceremony. According to Maas-Brunner, it starts at school and the teachers have to inspire the students.

Role model for students

How much easier it is when there are such great role models: “You, dear Dr. Maas-Brunner are a great role model for our students,” said RWTH Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, who also reminded us once again how important large companies like BASF are for universities. VDI President Prof. Lutz Eckstein also made it clear how important this point is: “Our central concern is to give young people a desire to think innovatively.” He pointed out the important role of young companies on the path from research to practice Aachen’s mayor Sibylle Keupen was attentive: “The start-ups are the new chimneys,” she also reminded her of the great industrial past of the old imperial city. Eric Siemes provided the best entertainment with an entertaining chemistry show, in which – and so the circle closes – plasticizers played a major role. The event was moderated by science communicator Thora Schubert and RWTH press spokesman Thorsten Karbach, with music provided by singer Charlotte Haesen and guitarist Daniel Chavet.