GRK 1628:  Selectivity in Chemo- and Biokatalysis

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: from 2010 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 135945478

Rapidly changing global conditions and the imminent depletion of the fossil feedstock require substantially improved catalysts for selective transformation to ensure sustainable production of chemicals in the future. The International Research Training Group aims at understanding of efficient and selective catalytic processes on a molecular level. In an interdisciplinary approach, aspects of chemocatalysis and biocatalysis are combined to synthesise highly functionalised molecules selectively. New synthetic molecular catalysts for organocatalysis, C-H bond activation, asymmetric catalysis of C-C and C-X bond formation, and selective polymerisation will be investigated in the chemocatalysis focus.
Selective whole cell catalysts, enzymes for natural compound synthesis and innovative glycoconjugate syntheses constitute the biocatalysis focus. New combined approaches to hybrid catalyst, supra-molecular mimics of proteins and combined chemo-enzymatic synthesis of polymers form the connecting bridges between chemocatalysis and biocatalysis.
Nine groups of RWTH Aachen University, one associated group from the Forschungszentrum Jülich together with nine groups of Osaka University within the areas of chemo- and biocatalysis will cooperate to offer an educational platform for selected graduate students. The educational platform will be complemented by a practical training in an interdisciplinary research programme toward new chemo- and biocatalytic transformations. Graduates with a chemical background will be educated in biocatalysis, graduates with a biological or biotechnological background in chemocatalysis.
The transnational exchange of graduate students between two completely different cultural and societal backgrounds rests on solid foundations based on longstanding scientific and personal cooperation. Intercultural competence gained is an essential qualification element for future researchers in a globalised world.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Japan
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• IRTG-Partner Institution: Osaka University
• Partner Organisation: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Jun Okuda
• IRTG-Partner: Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Kazushi Mashima
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Mitsuru Akashi; Professor Dr. Naoto Chatani; Professor Dr. Kazuhito Fujiyama; Professor Dr. Eiichiro Fukusaki; Professor Dr. Takashi Hayashi; Professor Dr. Shinobu Itoh; Professor Nobuaki Kambe, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Masahiro Miura; Professor Hiroaki Sasai; Professor Dr. Yoshito Tobe
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Markus Albrecht; Professor Dr. Carsten Bolm; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jochen Büchs; Professor Dr. Lothar Elling; Professorin Dr. Sonja Herres-Pawlis, from 4/2016 until 3/2019; Professor Dr. Walter Leitner; Professor Dr. Martin Möller; Professorin Dr. Meike Niggemann; Professorin Dr. Iris M. Oppel; Professor Dr. Magnus Rüping; Professor Ulrich Schwaneberg, Ph.D.