The Society of German Natural Scientists and Physicians (GDNÄ) has elected the chemist Prof Dr Ferdi Schüth as 2nd Vice President for the years 2025 and 2026. The election took place at the General Assembly on the occasion of the 133rd meeting of the Society of Natural Scientists, which is taking place in Potsdam until Sunday, 15 September. Ferdi Schüth is Professor of Chemistry and has been Director at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr since 1998. As 2nd Vice President of the GDNÄ, he is firmly earmarked for the office of President in 2027 and 2028.

“I am very much looking forward to this office,” says Professor Schüth, adding: “The various scientific fields are highly fragmented and separated from one another today. It is therefore particularly important that an integrating organisation such as the GDNÄ attempts to break down disciplinary boundaries in order to tackle overarching problems and provide mutual impetus for their solution.”

Professor Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Centre and designated GDNÄ President for the years 2025 and 2026, says: “With Ferdi Schüth, an extremely committed and experienced scientist is joining the GDNÄ Executive Committee. As a former Vice President of the Max Planck Society and a member of many scientific organisations, he has an excellent network. I am very much looking forward to working with him.”