Constanze Neumann

Dr. Constanze Neumann serves as a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, where she leads innovative research in heterogeneous catalysis with a focus on metal-organic frameworks and nanoparticles. Her work is supported by the prestigious Lise Meitner Excellence Program of the Max Planck Society, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field.

Her research interests center on developing novel catalytic mechanisms that enable the cleavage of strong bonds while achieving high selectivity for reaction products. The Neumann Lab specifically focuses on four main areas: catalysts with unusual selectivity that challenge traditional reactivity definitions; efficient interaction of multiple catalytic centers within MOF frameworks; synthesis and stabilization of alloyed nanoparticles; and intelligent catalyst support systems that actively control reaction progression. This work aims to make the production of basic chemicals and fuels more sustainable and energy-efficient.

• Lise Meitner Excellence Program awardee from the Max Planck Society

Dr. Neumann actively mentors numerous researchers including Junjun Chen, Christophe Fares, Aamir Abbas, and Zihang Qiu, who have co-authored multiple publications under her guidance. Her research group has secured significant support through the Lise Meitner Excellence Program, which funds innovative basic research projects led by outstanding female scientists.

The Neumann Lab operates as a vibrant research team within the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, maintaining active social media presence through their Bluesky account (@neumannlab.bsky.social) to share research updates and publications. Their work bridges fundamental catalytic principles with practical applications, focusing on how precise spatial arrangement of catalytic centers in MOF matrices enables unique reaction pathways not possible with traditional homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts.