Doris Kunz

Professor Doris Kunz is a distinguished chemist serving as a W3-Professor at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry within the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen. She leads an active research group focused on organometallic chemistry, particularly investigating N-heterocyclic carbenes and their applications in catalysis and coordination chemistry. Prior to her position at Tübingen, she held professorships at Heidelberg University and conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University.

• 1993-1997: Undergraduate and graduate studies of chemistry at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
• 1997-2000: PhD at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster under Prof. Gerhard Erker
• 2001-2003: Postdoc at Yale University with Prof. John F. Hartwig
• 2003-2008: Habilitandin at Heidelberg University under Prof. Peter Hofmann
• Since 2009: W3-Professor at University of Tübingen

Professor Kunz's research centers on the design and application of multidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands in transition metal catalysis. Her work demonstrates how the unique electronic properties of NHCs—strong σ-donors with weak π-acceptor character—can be harnessed to create highly active catalytic systems. She has made significant contributions to the development of pincer-type ligands containing multiple NHC moieties, particularly those with carbazole backbones, which exhibit exceptional stability and reactivity. Her group also investigates dipyrido-carbenes and their metal complexes, exploring correlations between structural features and catalytic properties. Current research directions include synthetic pathways to novel NHCs and ionic ligands for applications in ionic liquids.

Analysis of Professor Kunz's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on pincer ligand chemistry, particularly CNC-type ligands with N-heterocyclic carbene components. Her work spans fundamental ligand design to practical catalytic applications, with numerous studies focusing on epoxide and aziridine transformations, metal-carbene coordination chemistry, and the synthesis of novel porphyrinoid structures. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in ligand architecture and a deep understanding of structure-activity relationships in organometallic catalysis.

• PhD fellowship of the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie
• 1st price in GDCh-Jungchemikerforum photography competition "Art in the lab"
• DAAD Postdoc fellowship
• DFG Emmy Noether-Programm fellowship
• Thieme Journal Award
• Rotary Club Heidelberg Young Researcher Award
• Klaus-Georg und Sigrid Hengstberger Preis for young scientists

Professor Kunz has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students throughout her career, with current students working on diverse projects in organometallic synthesis and catalysis. Her research has been supported by prestigious grants including multiple DFG Emmy Noether-Programm awards, which provided funding for her independent research group. She has maintained active collaborations with researchers across Europe, including institutions in France and Germany, and has served on university committees including the "studium generale committee" and University Council at Heidelberg University. Her work bridges fundamental organometallic chemistry with practical catalytic applications, demonstrating strong translational potential.

Professor Kunz leads a vibrant research group at the University of Tübingen's Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, where her team investigates novel ligand systems and their transition metal complexes. The group maintains active collaborations with theoretical chemists for mechanistic studies and with materials scientists for applications of their compounds. They utilize advanced characterization techniques including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational methods to understand the structure and reactivity of their complexes. The research environment emphasizes both fundamental discovery and practical applications in catalysis.