11 Apr 2014

Clariant honors CleanTech R&D achievements at 2nd Clariant Chemistry Day

Event brought together young researchers from the University of Basel and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) with Clariant scientists
Aims to strengthen the knowledge base for CleanTech in Switzerland and improve knowledge and technology transfer between industry and academia
CleanTech 2014 Award winners announced by Clariant Executive Committee Member Christian Kohlpaintner

Muttenz, April 11, 2014 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, co-hosted the 2nd Clariant Chemistry Day with the Chemistry Department of the University of Basel and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) on Thursday April 10, 2014 in Basel, Switzerland.

The event, held at the PharmaCenter of the University of Basel, was opened by Prof. Dr. Edwin C. Constable, Scientific Chairman & Award Committee, Prof. Dr. Gerda Huber, Director University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, School of Life Sciences, and Dr. Martin Vollmer Chief Technology Officer, Clariant International Ltd. A program of guest lectures and poster presentations promoted latest R&D advances in the field of CleanTech to an invited audience of young researchers from the two universities and Clariant scientists. The Clariant Chemistry Day aims to support basic research and improve technology and knowledge transfer between academia and industry in order to strengthen the knowledge base for Clean Tech in Switzerland.

In addition, the event also marked the announcement of the “Clariant CleanTech Award” 2014.The Award honors outstanding scientific achievements in the field of Sustainable Chemistry such as resource efficiency, renewable energy, environmental protection. Endowed with a total of CHF 15 000, the Clariant CleanTech Award is open to researchers from both Swiss universities and is judged by the Scientific and Award Committee.

This year, the two first prizes of CHF 5000 were presented to Annika Büttner and Christoph Gasser for their innovative research in the respective areas of solar energy, and biocatalysis. The ceremony was followed by the 2nd Clariant CleanTech Lecture held by Prof. Dr. Anders Hagfeldt from the University of Uppsala, Sweden.

Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of Clariant’s Executive Committee presented the awards. He commented: “It is the ideas of young researchers that help to create the world of tomorrow. And what we need are sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our planet and our people likewise. Clariant and the University of Basel created the CleanTech Award to honor and support such scientific achievements.”

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Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland

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Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company, based in Muttenz near Basel/Switzerland. On December 31, 2013 the company employed a total workforce of 18,099. In the financial year 2013, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 6.076 billion for its continuing businesses. The company reports in four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis & Energy, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. Clariant’s corporate strategy is based on four pillars: managing businesses for profitability, research & development and innovation, growth in emerging markets, and repositioning of the portfolio.

Related images

This year, the two first prizes of CHF 5000 were presented to Annika Büttner (University Basel) and Christoph Gasser (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz) for their innovative research in the respective areas of solar energy, and biocatalysis. Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of Clariant’s Executive Committee presented the awards.
(Photo: Clariant)

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