Leipzig University | Germany
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Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Dr. Roger Gläser began his academic journey in Chemistry at the Universität Stuttgart, earning his Diploma degree in 1993 under the guidance of Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Weitkamp. His passion for chemical technology was evident early in his academic career, culminating in a Doctorate in Chemical Technology in 1997, followed by a prestigious Habilitation in 2007, both from Universität Stuttgart. This solid foundation in chemical sciences laid the groundwork for his impactful contributions to heterogeneous catalysis and porous material research.
Professional Endeavors
Since 2007, Prof. Gläser has served as a Full Professor of Chemical Technology and Executive Director of the Institute of Chemical Technology at Leipzig University, Germany. His career is distinguished not only by academic leadership but also by his extensive involvement in national and international scientific governance. From Vice Rector for Talent Development at Universität Leipzig (2022–2025) to President of the International Zeolite Association (IZA) starting July 2025, his influence spans across administrative, educational, and scientific domains. He has held several prominent roles, including Chair of the German Zeolite Association, Chair of the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) Commission, and Board Member of FEZA, displaying his commitment to advancing scientific networks and policy.
Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Gläser’s research centers on heterogeneous catalysis by porous materials, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of sorbents and catalysts with hierarchical porosity. His work integrates supported metals, metal oxides, enzymes, and photocatalysts, with applications in thermochemical energy storage, renewable resource utilization, diesel off-gas treatment, and photocatalysis. He also explores diffusion mechanisms in catalytic systems and promotes the use of alternative solvent systems in catalytic reactions. With an eye on sustainability, he has significantly contributed to converting biomass and CO₂ into useful fuels and chemicals, aligning his work with global climate and energy challenges.
Impact and Influence
Prof. Gläser's impact is reflected in his supervision of over 52 doctoral theses, nurturing a new generation of chemists and engineers. His innovative mindset is demonstrated through six patents covering novel catalytic processes and porous materials. These include processes for ketone synthesis, alkylbenzene oxidation, and porous metal oxide materials, marking significant strides in industrial chemistry and green catalysis. His work bridges fundamental science and applied technology, often with interdisciplinary collaborations, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in catalytic science.
Academic Sites and Leadership
As a speaker of Leipzig University’s Research Profile Area “Sustainable Systems and Biodiversity”, Prof. Gläser has played a pivotal role in positioning the university as a center of excellence. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Leibniz-Institute for Surface Modification (IOM) and Director of the Graduate Center of Mathematics/Informatics and Natural Sciences, contributing to the development of academic ecosystems. Furthermore, his appointment to the DFG Review Board for Chemical Technology and the Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity reflects his dedication to maintaining high ethical and scientific standards.
Honors and Recognitions
Prof. Gläser’s contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Jochen-Block-Award (2002) from DECHEMA's Catalysis Section and the Young Faculty Award (2006) from DECHEMA's Society of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. These accolades underscore his excellence in chemical engineering research and mentorship.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Gläser’s legacy is built on a foundation of scientific excellence, collaborative leadership, and sustainability-focused innovation. His upcoming presidency of the International Zeolite Association (IZA) from 2025 positions him to influence global research agendas in porous materials and catalysis. His efforts continue to inspire advancements in green chemistry, energy efficiency, and environmental remediation, ensuring that his work remains relevant and impactful in tackling future technological and environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Roger Gläser epitomizes the union of academic rigor, scientific innovation, and institutional leadership. With over two decades of distinguished service to the field of chemical technology and catalysis, his career is a beacon of research excellence and mentorship. As he continues to shape the future of sustainable chemical processes and international scientific collaboration, his work will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on both academia and industry worldwide.
Notable Publications
"Adsorption, capture, and selectivity: how much do the framework cations influence the adsorption in LTA zeolites?"
- Author: A da Silva, JMS Duarte, MIS de Mello, T Beger, J Titus-Emse, R Gläser
- Journal: Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
- Year: 2025
"Diffusion in Nanoporous Materials in the Focus of an IUPAC Initiative: The Innovative Power of “Microscopic” Measuring Techniques"
- Author: M Jabłońska, A Osorio Hernández, J Dornseiffer, J Grams, A Guo
- Journal: Catalysts
- Year: 2025
"Influence of the secondary pore system on methyl oleate epoxidation using TS-1 with hierarchical pore system"
- Author: AO Hernández, M Goepel, D Poppitz, R Gläser
- Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
- Year: 2025
"Microkinetic Modelling of the Heterogeneously Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Glycolic Acid over Ru/C"
- Author: FM Harth, A Kojčinović, B Likozar, R Gläser, M Huš, M Goepel, M Grilc
- Journal: ChemCatChem
- Year: 2025
"TS-1/spherical activated carbon composites in the epoxidation of methyl oleate"
- Author: AO Hernández, M Goepel, D Poppitz, M Dvoyashkin, R Gläser
- Journal: RSC advances
- Year: 2024