Research Profile

Bernhard Rieger is one of the internationally leading scientists in the fields of macromolecular chemistry and catalysis research. His work bridges molecular catalysis, polymer chemistry, and materials science with the aim of precisely controlling the structure and properties of functional materials.

A central focus of his research is the development of catalytic processes for precision polymerisation. Specifically designed catalyst systems enable the targeted control of polymer microstructures and the precise definition of material properties. These contributions provide a foundation for functional and responsive materials with applications ranging from surface functionalisation to biologically active polymers.

Another major research area is the utilisation of carbon dioxide as a sustainable carbon source. Bernhard Rieger developed catalytic strategies for the synthesis of novel polycarbonates as well as photocatalytic approaches to CO₂ reduction in the context of artificial photosynthesis. His research thus contributes to the development of sustainable material cycles and to the chemical utilisation of greenhouse gases.

At the Institute of Silicon Chemistry, he focused on the chemistry of low-valent silicon compounds as well as on the development of silicon-based hybrid materials and nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications. The integration of molecular synthesis with functional material systems characterises his interdisciplinary research strategy.

After studying chemistry at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and completing his doctorate (1988), he undertook research stays in the United States and worked in industrial polymer research at BASF. Following professorships in Ulm, he was appointed in 2007 to the WACKER Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich, where he also assumed the directorship of the Institute of Silicon Chemistry.

His work is distinguished by a close integration of fundamental research and industrial application, documented through numerous patents and long-standing collaborations with the chemical industry.

In addition to his scientific work, Bernhard Rieger was actively engaged in academic self-governance at the Technical University of Munich. As a long-standing member and Speaker of the Senate, as well as a member of the University Council, he contributed to central structural and strategic development issues of the university.

A particular concern of his was the promotion of early-career researchers and the establishment of international graduate programmes, most notably the German-Canadian Graduate School “ATUMS – Alberta / Technical University of Munich International Graduate School for Functional Hybrid Materials”.

For his scientific achievements, he has received numerous awards and has been elected to several national and international science academies.

As a TUM Emeritus of Excellence, Bernhard Rieger remains closely associated with the Technical University of Munich in retirement, continuing to contribute scientifically and institutionally.

 

Academic Career

1980–1986	Study of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
1988	Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.), LMU Munich
1988–1989	Postdoctoral Research, University of Massachusetts, USA
1989–1991	Polymer Research, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen
1995	Habilitation, University of Tübingen
1995–1997	Professor of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University
1997–2006	Chair of Materials and Catalysis, Ulm University
2007–2025	Professor and Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Technical University of Munich; Director, Institute of Silicon Chemistry
2015–2024	Director, German-Canadian Graduate School ATUMS (DFG IRTG 2022)
2013–2019	Member of the Senate and University Council, TUM
2016–2019	Speaker of the Senate, TUM
since 2025	TUM Emeritus of Excellence

 

Memberships

• German Academy of Science and Engineering – acatech (since 2013)
• European Academy of Sciences
• Finnish Academy of Science and Letters

 

Awards and Honors

• Wöhler Award for Sustainable Chemistry, German Chemical Society (2013)
• Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h. c. phil.), University of Helsinki (2007)
• Philip Morris Research Prize (2006)
• University–Industry Cooperation Award, Ulm University (2000)

• State Teaching Award of Baden-Württemberg (1997)

   

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