Alexander Böker

Prof. Alexander Böker is Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (Fraunhofer IAP) and holds the Chair of Polymer Materials and Polymer Technology at the University of Potsdam. His academic career spans roles as Deputy Scientific Director at the DWI–Leibniz Institute (RWTH Aachen) and Lichtenberg Professor at the University of Bayreuth. He earned his PhD in Macromolecular Chemistry (2002) and habilitation at the University of Bayreuth (2007). His research focuses on polymer self-assembly, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, with notable contributions to functional nanoparticles and responsive materials.

Education: Studied chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Cornell University (1993–1998), followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2002–2004).

Research interests include colloidal engineering, biomineralization, and sustainable materials. His work bridges polymer science with biomedical applications, such as antibacterial nanoparticles and protein-polymer conjugates. Awards include the ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) and the Lichtenberg Professorship (2006).

Awards: ERC Grant, Volkswagen Foundation Professorship, DFG Emmy Noether Group, and multiple scholarships. He serves on editorial boards of journals like Macromolecular Chemistry & Physics and Polymers.

Leadership roles include managing the Fraunhofer Lighthouse Project Subi₂ma (2022–present) and advising the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. His work emphasizes circular economy and bio-based materials through Fraunhofer initiatives like the Cluster of Excellence for Circular Plastics (CCPE).