Norbert Sewald

Prof. Dr. Norbert Sewald, Chair of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry at Bielefeld University, is a leading figure in Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Enzymatic Halogenation. As head of the Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), he drives research on natural products and drug conjugates.

• Full Professor, Bielefeld University (since 1999)
• Founding Coordinator, International Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2001-2003)
• Chairman, Institute of Biochemistry and Bioengineering at CeBiTec (2006-2008)
• Dean, Department of Chemistry (2008-2011)
• Chairman, Max-Bergmann-Kreis e.V. (since 2010)
• Coordinator, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Training Networks (MAGICBULLET, 2015-2018; Magicbullet::reloaded, 2020-2023)

His research focuses on halogenases for mild peptide bromination, cryptophycin-based tumor targeting, and bioactive natural products from African flora. Collaborative projects span antiplasmodial agents, antibacterial compounds, and neurodegenerative disease inhibitors.

Recent work highlights include:

• Enzymatic halogenation cascades
• Click-to-release drug conjugates
• Fluorescent probes for amyloid detection

Key affiliations:

• Faculty of Chemistry
• Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)
• European Peptide Society (Scientific Affairs Officer, 2016-)
• Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (Scientific Advisory Board, 2010-2017)