The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung pursues basic research in chemistry and particularly in catalysis. The key concept is to assemble five departments encompassing homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, organic synthesis, organometallic chemistry and theory under one roof, thereby ensuring the “critical mass” and the diversity necessary for meeting the scientific challenges in the field of catalysis.

The Department of Theory has been built up by Professor Walter Thiel at our Institute since his appointment in 1999. His central field of research is Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, in particular Quantum Chemistry. His group has focused on theoretical developments that extend the scope of computational methodology, especially for large molecules, and has applied theoretical methods to study specific chemical problems, mostly in close cooperation with experimental partners.

The symposium is held in honor of Walter Thiel who celebrates his 70th birthday in March 2019. He has influenced the development of the Institute decisively. The symposium will highlight the status and perspectives of current research in selected areas of theoretical chemistry that are related to his work.

We are looking forward to your participation in this event.