Peter H. Seeberger, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany, has received the Emil Fischer Medal from the GDCh for his groundbreaking contributions to the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and the chemical biology of carbohydrates, especially through the development of automated methods. In his work, he was able to elucidate the basic mechanisms of the interaction of glycans with other biomolecules. With his syntheses, Seeberger established the field of “molecular glycobiology”, from which new types of vaccines, new cholesterol-lowering agents, diagnostics, and impulses for materials science have emerged.

We met Peter H. Seeberger at the GDCh office in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, for this interview and talked about his research, his fascination for carbohydrates, his activities in Africa, the possibility of autonomous, remote chemical synthesis, and the changes in how to communicate science.

For details on Peter H. Seeberger’s research and on the Emil Fischer Medal, please also see “Emil Fischer Medal for Peter H. Seeberger“.

 

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