Stefan Hecht

Stefan Hecht is an Einstein Professor and Founding Director of the Center for the Science of Materials Berlin at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He previously held roles as Scientific Director of the DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials and Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University (2019–2022), and Full Professor at Humboldt-Universität (2006–2019). His research focuses on synthetic macro/supramolecular chemistry, photoswitchable molecules, and 3D printing innovations like xolography. He cofounded xolo GmbH to commercialize this technology.

Education: Studied Chemistry at Humboldt University and the University of California, Berkeley, earning his Ph.D. in 2001 under Jean M. J. Fréchet. Habilitation in 2006 at Humboldt University.

Research interests include developing light-controlled materials and manufacturing processes, with a focus on sustainable technologies like recyclable plastics and optical storage. His work bridges chemistry and physics, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Notable awards include the Einstein Professorship (2022), UNIPRENEUR Award (2023), and Sofja Kovalevskaja Award (2002). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and member of acatech and Academia Europaea.

Grants and leadership roles include ERC Starting Grant (2012) and directorships of research centers. Active in startups and academic leadership, he advocates for Berlin’s interdisciplinary scientific ecosystem.