Clariant signs catalysis research partnership with prestigious ETH Zurich university

• Research agreement to advance catalysis innovation and sustainable chemistry 
• Clariant will provide a significant financial contribution for an initial period of 10 years
• ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities, currently ranked sixth place globally

Muttenz, February 4, 2021 – Clariant, a focused, sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company, has signed a cooperation agreement with ETH Zurich to support research in catalysis and sustainable chemistry with a significant financial contribution over an initial period of ten years. The goal of the partnership is, firstly, to advance the understanding of catalyst properties – from nano- to macroscale – and their performance. Secondly, together with the ETH Foundation, Clariant will sponsor and collaborate in fundamental chemical research projects, promoting talented ETH scientists and students.

Hans Bohnen, member of Clariant’s Executive Committee, commented, “We are honored to announce our research agreement with the prestigious ETH Zurich. The partnership, like those with other academic institutions, underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and R&D to develop groundbreaking products and solutions that add value to people, industries, and the environment.”

Marvin Estenfelder, Head of R&D at Clariant Catalysts, added “There is no better way to develop the next generation of products than through a continuous exchange of ideas with future generations of scientists. We look forward to realizing many successful projects with ETH Zurich.”

Detlef Guenther, Vice President for Research of ETH Zurich, stated, “The new research collaboration with Clariant opens great opportunities for our scientists and students to expand their knowledge in catalysis, and benefit from first-hand expertise in the industrial application of novel technologies.”

ETH (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) is one of the world’s leading universities, currently recognized as the sixth best by QS World University Rankings. Founded in 1855, the university has a strong tradition in science and technology, which is reflected in its affiliation with 21 past Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein. At the forefront of catalysis research, the cutting-edge methods and materials developed by ETH have provided deep insights into previously undiscovered aspects of catalysis. 

Clariant’s research cooperation with ETH Zurich is another important milestone for the company, further expanding its partnerships with prominent global academic institutions, which already include the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and top tier universities in China.