Walter Richtering

Prof. Walter Richtering is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University, holding the chair since 2003. He is also an Associated Scientist at DWI (Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials) since 2016. His research focuses on experimental physical chemistry of soft matter, including microgels, nanoparticles, bio-colloids, hydrogels, and polyelectrolytes. He employs advanced scattering techniques like SAXS/SANS and dynamic light scattering. His work spans from fundamental structure-dynamics studies to applications in drug delivery and biomaterials.

Richtering earned his PhD at the University of Freiburg and was a Feodor-Lynen Fellow at the University of Massachusetts. In 2003, he received the Raphael-Eduard-Liesegang Award. His group investigates responsive materials, interfacial phenomena, and nanostructured systems, with recent emphasis on microgels for biomedical applications. His lab uses multi-scale characterization to explore material behavior under thermal, mechanical, and chemical stimuli.

Key contributions include pioneering studies on hollow microgels, pH-sensitive nanocontainers, and 3D-printable hydrogels. His interdisciplinary work bridges physics, chemistry, and engineering, addressing challenges in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and smart polymers.