Highest honour for materials scientist

The German Society for Materials Science (DGM) has awarded its highest honour, the Heyn Commemorative Medal, to Prof. Dr Klaus D. Jandt from the University of Jena. The Jena Chair of Materials Science was presented with the award on 23 September in Darmstadt. The following day, Jandt opened the international conference MSE 2024, one of the largest international conferences in the field of materials science and engineering, with his plenary lecture on Materials for LIFE – how materials interact with living systems.

"I am delighted to receive the Heyn Commemorative Medal," said Prof Jandt. "The Heyn Medal primarily recognises work in the field of biomaterials and nanomaterials," continued Jandt. "However, I also see the medal as an honour for the employees who have accompanied me over the years and without whose commitment and work it would not have been possible."

The Heyn Commemorative Medal is the DGM's highest honour. Named after the first DGM chair Emil Heyn, it is awarded for achievements in the field of materials science and engineering that have led to significant scientific, technological or economic progress. In particular, the Heyn Commemorative Medal can be used to honour the life's work of an outstanding personality.