Annual Reception of the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden
On April 11, 2024, more than 230 distinguished guests, friends, and members of the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (abbrev. IPF in German) gathered for the institute's annual reception, hosted in the magnificent “Löwensaal” of a historic bank building in Dresden.
In his welcoming address, Dr. Tim Metje of the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism commended the IPF for its remarkable achievements in advancing the scientific understanding of polymers and polymeric materials.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Anthony A. Hyman from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. Under the title “Phase Separation in Cell Physiology and Disease”, Professor Hyman provided captivating insights into the phenomenon of phase separation in biological cells, a topic closely related to fundamental polymer physics.
Another highlight of the evening was the concert by the Kurt Masur Academy of the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, enchanting the audience with compositions by Dvořák, Margola, and Mozart, creating a memorable atmosphere.
The subsequent award ceremony of the IPF’s Association of Supporters was moderated by the association's chairperson, Dr. Valérie André. Awardees included Dr. Jens Friedrichs, recipient of the Innovation Award, alongside Dr. Hidde Vuijk, honored with the Doctoral Thesis Award, and Valentine Comoy, whose master's thesis received the Professor Franz Brandstetter Prize.
Once again, the IPF's annual reception was well received as a platform for exchanging ideas and acknowledging exceptional achievements in polymer materials science.