Stefan Bräse

Prof. Dr. Stefan Bräse serves as Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), holding continuous faculty positions since 2003. He directs both the Department of Organic Chemistry (Institut für Organische Chemie) and the Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems (IBCS-FMS) since 2020, with prior leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biosciences (2007-2011).

Education:

• Chemistry studies at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen and University College of North Wales (1988-1992)
• Diplomhauptprüfung at Göttingen (1992)
• Dissertation (summa cum laude) under Prof. A. de Meijere (1995)
• Postdoctoral fellow at University of Uppsala (1995-1996) and Scripps Research Institute with Prof. K. C. Nicolaou (1996-1997)
• Habilitation at RWTH Aachen under Prof. D. Enders (1997-2001)

Research Focus: Bräse pioneers asymmetric synthesis methodologies and combinatorial chemistry platforms for biologically active compounds, with landmark work in solid-phase natural product synthesis (THC, Secalonic Acids) and functionalized nano-structures. His interdisciplinary approach bridges organic chemistry with nanotechnology and medicinal applications, emphasizing catalytic innovation and molecular design.

Scientific Recognition:

• Multiple KIT Innovation Prizes (2014, 2016, 2018)
• ISCB ABAWR for Excellence in Chemical Science (2009)
• Lilly Lecture Award (2001) and Richard-Zsigmondy Prize (1995)
• Extensive fellowship support including DFG-Habilitations-Stipendium and Liebig stipend

Academic Leadership: Bräse has secured major research funding through DFG programs and industry collaborations, serving as referee for American Chemical Society Petroleum Funds and DFG Fachkollegium 301. His 600+ publications reflect sustained mentorship of graduate researchers despite unlisted student names. He directs the KIT Combinatorial Chemistry Platform and Soft Matter Synthesis Lab while co-leading Helmholtz Program 'Biointerfaces' initiatives.

Research Infrastructure: Current leadership includes Directorship of IBCS-FMS and membership in SFB 1176 and 3DMM²O Cluster, driving KIT's strategic focus on bioactive compound discovery and molecular systems engineering.