Einstein Professorship for HU chemist Kallol Ray
The Einstein Foundation is funding the scientist’s research in the field of green chemistry
Chemist and leading expert in bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis Prof. Dr. Kallol Ray will receive an Einstein Professorship from 1 April. His research in the field of green chemistry will be funded.
Kallol Ray is researching the fundamental chemistry of molecular oxygen – a key building block for environmentally friendly catalysts. His work investigates how certain metal ions and active intermediates in metal-containing molecules control reactions with oxygen. The aim is to specifically influence these processes in order to develop more efficient and sustainable catalysts. Inspired by natural biological systems such as the enzymes in plants that split water into oxygen and hydrogen during photosynthesis, Ray wants to create artificial, synthetic metal complexes that use solar energy to produce green hydrogen – a key technology for a climate-friendly energy future.
Prof. Dr. Kallol Ray is a globally recognised expert in bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis and conducts research as a working group leader at the Institute of Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU). Using a wide variety of spectroscopic methods, he has deciphered new forms of reactivity in transition metal complexes – the basis for sophisticated chemical transformations. His research has advanced the understanding of electronic structures and reaction mechanisms in inorganic chemistry. In 2016, Ray was honoured with a Heisenberg Professorship.
About the Einstein Professorship
With the Einstein Professorship, the Einstein Foundation supports the appointment of internationally renowned scientists to Berlin universities in order to permanently establish research priorities in Berlin and strengthen the city as a centre of science.
Further information
- Press release from the Einstein Foundation
- Research by Kallol Ray
- Press release dated 13 March 2024: Stronger than nature: Optimised radicals for novel catalyst
HU press release, 6 March 2026