INTERNATIONAL THE DISTINGUISHEDUNIVERSITYOF MÜNSTER

20 SELECTEDGRADUATE STUDENTSPER YEAR

LEADERSHIPIN CHEMISTRYRESEARCH

www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS

20GSC MS

GRADUATE

SCHOOL OF

CHEMISTRY

INT

›GraduateSchoolofChemistryNRW Research School » Molecules and Materials – A Common Design Principle «

INTERNATIONAL

›GraduateNRW Research School »A Common Design Principle

INTERNATIONAL THE DISTINGUISHEDUNIVERSITYOF MÜNSTER

20 SELECTEDGRADUATE STUDENTSPER YEAR

LEADERSHIPIN CHEMISTRYRESEARCH

www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS

20GSC MS

GRADUATE

SCHOOL OF

CHEMISTRY

INT

›GraduateSchoolofChemistry

Picture Credits

David Ausserhofer

Uta Bröcker

Dr. Stefan Elbers

Erik Hinz

Heinz Hoppe

Dr. Hubert Koller

Dr. Geo Paul

Dr. Sebastian C.P.

Stadt Münster

Jochen Tack

Volkswagen AG

BASF SE

Imprint

Publisher:

Graduate School of Chemistry

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität

Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 10

48149 Münster

Germany

Editors:

Dr. Hubert Koller

Layout:

Heithoff Identity GmbH, Münster

Printed by:

Thiekötter Druck, Münster

Copyright:

Graduate School of Chemistry, 2010

INTERNATIONAL

›GraduateNRW Research School » Molecules and Materials – A Common Design Principle «

2 – 3

The Graduate School of Chemistry

(GSC-MS) and the NRW Research

School “Molecules and Materials – A

Common Design Principle” are relatively

new programs at our university which

are devoted to excellence in doctoral

education. The GSC-MS is a structured

doctoral program which was founded in

2001. The Research School exists since

October 2008, and it offers stipends

for doctoral students, based on a joint

funding program of the Ministry of

Innovation, Science and Research of the

Federal State of Northrhine Westphalia

(NRW) and the University of Münster.

It is our highest priority to provide the

best conditions for outstanding, young

scientists, and to accompany them

through a fast-track doctoral program.

The philosophy behind our activities

is to augment the personal gain of a

research-focussed dissertation project

with a structured course program.

These courses are designed to bolster

the project-oriented expertise and to

provide additional soft skills for a suc-

cessful career.

The mission of the GSC-MS is sup-

ported by a strategic Advisory Board,

consisting of distinguished individuals

from science, industry and government.

The Advisory Board members provide

guidance and advice in important

strategic matters and assist our market-

ing efforts in a variety of ways. Also

we envision that the members of the

advisory board can act as a resource for

establishing important professional con-

tacts between our students and potential

employers in science and industry.

GreetingsThe InternationalGraduate Schoolof Chemistry

Prof.Dr.HellmutEckert,Chair of The Graduate School of Chemistry

Prof.Dr.RainerPöttgen, Chair of The NRW Research School “Molecules and Materials – A Common Design Principle”

Dr.HubertKoller, Executive Director

4 – 5

General Information and

Research Environment

6 – 7

General Information

The International Graduate School of

Chemistry at Münster (GSC-MS) was

founded in October 2001 as an initia-

tive of the German Federal State of

Northrhine Westphalia (NRW). While

public funding has been provided for

the initial years (2001-2009) of opera-

tion, the Graduate School has now been

established as a permanent unit in the

Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy

of the University of Münster. The GSC-

MS offers a broad and interdisciplinary

research program in all fields of chem-

istry. The school comprises approx.

30 world renowned research groups

conducting vigorous research projects

which are well funded by numerous fed-

eral and industrial research institutions.

The Graduate School runs as school of

excellence, parallel to the department’s

regular doctoral program.

Since October 2008, the NRW Research

School “Molecules and Materials – A

Common Design Principle” has begun

to replace the funding program of the

Graduate School.

The GSC-MS provides a three year doc-

toral program in chemistry. Within the

framework of a fertile research environ-

ment. This is augmented by an efficient

curriculum which covers practical skills

to bolster interdisciplinary research

expertise, and additional skills for a

career oriented future.

A scholarship of 1250 Euro per month is

offered to qualified students. The aver-

age living costs of a doctoral student

are 800 Euro per month, and German

universities have no tuition fees for doc-

toral education. The GSC-MS welcomes

and supports foreign students (2/3

of our students are from abroad), and

facilitates a smooth transition to living

in Germany. This includes preorganized

accommodation, medical insurance, as

well as assistance with visa applica-

tions, and continued support through-

out the PhD program. A supportive and

encouraging environment amongst the

students is cultivated by numerous

cultural and social activities organized

by the GSC-MS team or the students

themselves.

More information can be obtained

via the GSC-MS website:

www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS

8 – 9

Research Environment

The second research direction focuses

on the development and optimization

of new soft and solid state functional

materials. The properties of solid mate-

rials are often determined by disorder

phenomena which are studied with

sophisticated spectroscopic and other

physicochemical methods, includ-

ing theoretical modeling. One of the

central research topics is the design of

new electrode and electrolyte materi-

als for high-energy materials (such as

lithium ion batteries) and the detailed

development of structure/function rela-

tionships. The agenda further includes

new research activities in surface-

active polymers, functionalization of

polymers, polymeric layered materials

and solid-state organic materials. In

this context novel methods for surface

structuring and chemical modifica-

tion are being developed. Inspired by

natural systems, functional molecular

objects are generated using self-

assembly, leading to hybrid systems

with novel properties and functions.

Synergetic effects in chemistry are

intensively studied in the fields of

chemistry, biochemistry and surface

physics. Most experimentally oriented

research activities are supported by

theoretical chemistry.

The Graduate School of Chemistry

offers a broad and interdisciplinary

spectrum of research areas in all of the

major subfields of chemistry, includ-

ing research hosted in neighboring

disciplines, biology and physics. The

School comprises about 30 research

groups within nine institutes, con-

ducting vigorous research programs.

Funding is obtained from numerous

federal and industrial research institu-

tions. Within the GSC-MS there are

two principal research directions: The

first area, molecular functional struc-

tures, addresses the relation between

molecular orientation and function in

chemical systems. Research activities

comprise catalysis, the synthesis of

new bioactive molecules and supra-

molecular aggregates, developing

an understanding of their functional

principles, and exploring and utilizing

the concepts of molecular recognition.

An important focus is the develop-

ment of new methods for asymmetric

synthesis, accompanied by appropri-

ate computational techniques. Other

activities in the life sciences area range

from molecular biology and biophysical

chemistry to medicinal chemistry. In

the field of medicinal chemistry novel

receptor agonists and antagonists are

developed and relationships between

structure and biological activity are

investigated. Major areas in food chem-

istry are natural product analysis, bio-

active food ingredients, flavor research,

and mycotoxins.

BIOLOGY PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS

MEDICINE EARTH SCIENCES

MolecularFunctionalStructures

Solid StateMaterials

SynthesisAnalysisTheory

Transfer

10 – 11

BIOLOGY

MEDICINE

MolecularFunctionalStructures

Research conducted in these areas is

financed by two collaborative research

centers (“Synergetic Effects in Chemis-

try – From Additivity to Cooperativity”

and “Multilevel Molecular Assemblies:

Structure, Dynamic and Function”)

which provide a well organized inter-

disciplinary infrastructure of research

groups with modern laboratory equip-

ment. In addition, two International

Research Training Groups “Complex

Functional Systems in Chemistry -

Design, Development, and Applications”

in collaboration with the University of

Nagoya (Japan), and “Generation of

Supramolecular Functional Cavities -

Container Molecules, Macrocycles and

Related Compounds” in collaboration

with universities in The Netherlands,

also contribute to the high standard of

education offered to graduate students.

Finally, numerous international collabo-

rations complete our excellent research

environment. The Chemistry department

at the University of Münster belongs to

the top rank of chemistry departments

in Germany.

Thefollowingnineinstitutesofthe

DepartmentofChemistryandPharmacy

contributetotheGraduateSchool:

Institute of Biochemistry (BC)

Institute of Inorganic and Analytical

Chemistry (AC)

Institute of Medicinal Chemistry (MC)

Institute of Organic Chemistry (OC)

Institute of Physical Chemistry (PC)

Institute of Food Chemistry (FC)

Institute of Business Management in

Chemistry (BMC)

Physical Institute (PH)

Institute of Molecular Microbiology and

Biotechnology (IMB)

(Bio)molecularScience:

asymmetric synthesis

molecular biology

biomolecular macromolecules

natural products

selective synthesis

inorganic complexes and clusters

homogeneous catalysis

supramolecular chemistry

quantum-chemical modeling

environmental analysis

biotechnology

recognition phenomena and receptor

ligands

bioinorganic chemistry

SolidStateMaterials:

fast ionic conductors and battery research

glasses and ceramics

magnetic, electronic and luminescent

materials

solid state spectroscopy

heterogeneous catalysis

materials simulation

colloids and interfaces

energy storage and conversion

inorganic polymers and hybrid materials

polymer chemistry

surface chemistry

self-assembly

nano materials

structure and dynamics of surfaces

Research Profile GSC-MS

Research Faculty

12 – 13

Prof. J. Andersson AC analytical chemistry, environmental analytics, chromatography

Prof. E. Hahn AC inorganic complexes, organometallic chemistry

Prof. U. Karst AC analytical chemistry, hyphenated techniques, bioanalysis

Prof. J. Müller AC bioinorganic chemistry, nucleic acids, supramolecular

chemistry, self-assembly

Prof. R. Pöttgen AC inorganic solid-state chemistry, materials science

Prof. W. Uhl AC organoelement chemistry of aluminum, gallium and indium,

cluster, subvalent compounds

Prof. H.D. Wiemhöfer AC inorganic solid state chemistry, electroceramics

Prof. H.J. Galla BC biophysical chemistry, molecular recognition

Prof. K.H. Klempnauer BC molecular biology

Prof. H.-U. Humpf FC natural product analysis, CD spectroscopy, mycotoxins

Prof. T. Schwerdtle FC metal compounds, health benefits and risks,

bioanalytical methods

Prof. A. Steinbüchel IMB biological nanoparticles, bacterial polymers, PHB granules,

biodegradable polymers

Prof. B. Wünsch MC medicinal chemistry, synthesis of receptor ligands,

structure/affinity relationships

Prof. G. Erker OC selective synthesis, organometallic chemistry

Prof. F. Glorius OC selective synthesis and catalysis

Prof. S. Grimme OC theoretical organic chemistry, quantum chemistry

Prof. G. Haufe OC selective synthesis, bioorganic chemistry

Name Institute Areas of Interest:

Prof. M. Oestreich OC asymmetric catalysis, organosilicon chemistry

Prof. B.J. Ravoo OC supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly, nanotechnology

Prof. A. Studer OC selective synthesis, homogeneous catalysis, natural product

synthesis, material science

Prof. E.U. Würthwein OC selective synthesis, computational chemistry

PD Dr. C. Cramer-Kellers PC conductivity and IR spectroscopy on polymers

Prof. H. Eckert PC solid state NMR, ion conductors, glass science

Prof. A. Heuer PC theoretical materials science, models, simulation

PD Dr. H. Koller PC norganic-organic nano materials, self-assembly, zeolites,

solid state NMR

Prof. M. Schönhoff PC polymers at interfaces, thin films and coated colloids,

NMR and fluorescence studies

Prof. M. Winter PC battery research

PD Dr. L. van Wüllen PC solid state NMR, amorphous materials, ion conductors

Prof. Lifeng Chi PH surface nanostructuring, self-assembly, AFM/STM on molecular

assemblies

Prof. L. De Cola PH metal complexes, luminescent and electroluminescent

materials, self-assembled nanosystems

Prof. H. Fuchs PH molecular epitaxy (UHV), functional molecular systems,

scanning probe methods, tip sample interactions

Prof. H. Zacharias PH molecular dynamics of surface reactions, ultrafast surface dynamics

Prof. J. Leker BMC business management in chemistry

Name Institute Areas of Interest:

(AC) = Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry

(BC) = Institute of Biochemistry

(FC) = Food Chemistry

(IMB) = Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology

(MC) = Medicinal Chemistry

(OC) = Institute of Organic Chemistry

(PC) = Institute of Physical Chemistry

(PH) = Institute of Physics

(BMC) = Institute of Business Management in Chemistry

Course Program and

Mentoring System

14 – 15

Course Program and Mentoring System

16 – 17

The academic program includes a

detailed curriculum which leaves suffi-

cient freedom for individual preferences

of each student. The major focus of the

course program is on research oriented

education to teach the students how

to carry out independent research. In

addition, part of the curriculum allows

to develop additional qualifications for a

career-oriented future.

Theprogramconsistsofthreesegments:

Modern Science and Research (class-

room courses, project development,

documentation and presentation, com-

putational chemistry)

Scientific Communication (scientific

publishing, conference contributions)

Interdisciplinary Networking and Addi-

tional Qualifications (collaborative sci-

entific exchange, industrial experience,

business management in chemistry,

teaching skills, language courses, and

additional qualifications)

Students have to select modules from

each of the three segments. However,

the program allows to define an indi-

vidual focus to develop personal prefer-

ences and bolster future career goals. A

German course is offered for students,

who do not have sufficient knowledge in

this language.

Furthermore, students are required to

develop a detailed written research pro-

posal on the topic of their PhD research.

This proposal will be defended as part

of the preliminary oral examination,

taken at the end of the first year. This

exam must be passed to enter the sec-

ond phase of the PhD program, which

concentrates on the research project

and the preparation of the PhD thesis.

The program concludes with the doc-

toral examination, which is conducted in

the format of a thesis defense. Regard-

ing the language of the doctoral thesis

and the oral defense, English or German

are possible. Each student has an

individual advisory committee (the “Dis-

sertation Committee”) which consists of

the principal doctoral advisor and two

additional mentors selected from the

GSC-MS faculty roster. These three men-

tors will monitor the student’s academic

progress, offer guidance and support

in all questions regarding the course

program and the scientific work, as well

as provide access to the research infra-

structure. The mentoring system has

been designed to foster interdisciplinary

interactions and scientific collaborations

among the research groups participat-

ing in the GSC-MS.

People

18 – 19

STEVENJ.PAS: “German universities pride themselves on their research prowess,

rather than as an undergraduate teaching institution. This factor alone makes the

GSC-MS in Münster a perfect environment to undertake doctoral studies by research.

Studying in Münster has not only afforded me first class instrumentation, a world

leading supervisor and an exciting project, but also the possibility to collaborate with

other internationally renowned scientists. The international flavor and the contact to

students from all over the world enriches your perspective both individually and pro-

fessionally. Since being accepted as a graduate student, the GSC-MS has confirmed

that the decision to move from Australia to Germany was the best possible for my

career.”

Steven J. Pas, Australia

“APerfectEnvironmentforDoctoralStudies”

ALLAZOZULYA:“One of the strengths of the GSC-MS is its comprehensive network of

scientists, who are known all over the world. The program is a one-of-a-kind opportu-

nity, and one can profit from first-class knowledge. Since the funding of the program

is excellent, we are flexible with our research projects. The scholarship enables us to

live comfortably here in Münster, and achieve a PhD degree in chemistry within three

years. The integration of people from different countries is a great opportunity to learn

about their cultures. The city of Münster offers lots of choices for the weekends, and I

love to go to the theaters, museums, and movies.”

“Iwasattractedbythefast-trackandwellfundedprogram.”

Alla Zozulya, Ukraine

20 – 21

“I was

22 – 23

AIMORNSAKSAENGWIJIT:“I always knew that I wanted to study in Germany or Aus-

tria in my lifetime, since my professors already profited from the excellent scientific

environment in these countries. Prior to selecting a special university it was important

for me that I knew the people from the GSC-MS in Münster right from the start. Meet-

ing them in person at my home university in Thailand made the process of selecting

the best university much easier. With the cordial support of the team here at the GSC-

MS, and the people in Münster, it was easy for us all to become acquainted with this

exciting location.”

Aimorn Saksaengwijit, Thailand

“CordialSupportatanExcitingLocation”

ALIREZANAZMI: “Receiving this scholarship is one of the best things that could

happen for professional advancement. Everything here is organized very well. After

being accepted at the GSC-MS you really experience that someone is supporting and

mentoring you. Prior to my arrival everything was prepared, so there was no need to

worry about social insurance, opening a bank account or finding appropriate accom-

modation. These days, as a scientist at the GSC-MS, intercultural differences are not

an issue at all. In contrast to the common belief that Germans are very reserved, I expe-

rienced the German people, especially here in Münster, as very friendly and relaxed.”

“Youreallyexperiencethatsomeoneissupportingandmentoringyou.”

Ali Reza Nazmi, Iran

“You really experience

24 – 25

CHRISTIANSTRATMANN:“The department of chemistry at the University of Münster

is one of the highest ranking in Germany. This was the most important factor for me

when deciding to apply for a PhD position. Since making this important decision,

I am happy that all my expectations have been met. In addition, I am particularly

satisfied with the degree of intellectual freedom, whilst being guided by a team of

three mentors when needed. This enables me to explore my own ideas. The mentoring

system encourages an interdisciplinary approach to research projects.”

Christian Stratmann, Germany

“IntellectualFreedomCombinedWithGuidancebyMentors”

Alumni

26 – 27

ProfessionalPlacementsofFormerGSC-MSStudents:

BASF, Bayer, Boston Consulting Group, Continental, Evonik, GlaxoSmithKline, Henkel, Lanxess, Merck, Procter & Gamble, SAP, Sigma-Aldrich, ThyssenKrupp Steel, Volkswagen …

Alumni

28 – 29

“TheGSC-MScombinesconsiderable researchexpertisewithamul-ticultural environment. The experience and knowledge I acquiredduringmyPhDnotonlyhelpedmetogetaresearchpositionattheUniversityCollegeLondon,butalsomademefeelcomfortableinthemulti-ethniccity.“

Dr. Olesya Chayka / Russia

PhD degree in 2005University College London, Institute of Child HealthLondon / United Kingdom

“IntheGraduateSchoolofChemistryIfoundgoodadvisorsandteach-ers,and Iwashonouredtobelongtoakindofnewfamily there. Ithelpedmetofindmyprofessionalorientationwhichwasthebasisforagoodstartintomyjobcareer.“

Dr. Magdalena Ulman / Poland

PhD degree in 2008Sigma Aldrich Production GmbH

Buchs SG / Switzerland

Alumni

30 – 31

“TheexcellenttrainingprovidedatGSC-MSenabledmetogainspe-cializedskillsinacademia.Atthesametime,itexposedmetoamulti-culturalworkingenvironment,facilitatingmysmoothtransitionfromanacademicsettingtothatofoneoftheworld’sforemostcompaniesintheautomotiveindustry.“

Dr. Nitin Kaskhedikar / India

PhD degree in 2006Group Research Volkswagen AGIsenbüttel / Germany

“TheGraduateSchoolencouragedandsupportedmetotakeleader-shipformyownresearchtopicasofdayone.Iwastrainedtopresentanddefendmyresearchplanaswellasitsexecutionduringregularpeerreviewswithmydiversefellowstudentsandourprofessors.ItisthisleadershipandtheabilitytoworkinavaricoloredteamwhichIfeeliskeytomysuccessasaglobalmaterialdeveloperforPampersatP&Gtoday.“

Dr. Julia Kerschbaumer / Germany

PhD degree in 2008Global Material Development and

Supply Organization Baby CareProcter & Gamble

Schwalbach / Germany

Alumni

32 – 33

“As a PhD student, I got the opportunity not only to learn ScienceandTechnologybutalsotoparticipateinvariouscultural,socialandacademicactivities.NodoubtthattheGraduateSchoolhasplayedavitalroleinachievingmypresentpositioninIndia.”

Dr. Prabhakar Singh / India

PhD degree in 2004Reader in Applied PhysicsInstitute of TechnologyBanaras Hindu University, Varanasi / India

“TheGSC-MScourseprogramenablesyoutothinkbeyondyourperso-nalareaofexpertiseandithasqualifiedmetoapplyforapositionattheEuropeanPatentOffice.”

Dr. Anne Adida / France

PhD degree in 2004European Patent Office

The Hague / The Netherlands

Alumni

34 – 35

“BeingattheGSC-MSismorethangraduatinginchemistry;itisbe-longingtoafamily.TheguidanceIreceivedsincemyarrivalinGerma-nyandthefunIhadthroughoutthePhDstudieswereelementaryforasuccessfulgraduation.”

Dr. Roland Bou-Chedid / Lebanon

PhD degree in 2006Chemicals Research and EngineeringBASF - The Chemical CompanyLudwigshafen / Germany

“The internationaldiversityof theGSC-MSpreparedmewell formymarketingjobinareallyinternationalcompanysuchasHenkel.”

Dr. Stefan Picker / Germany

PhD degree in 2006International Product Development

ManagerHenkel AG & Co. KGaADüsseldorf / Germany

Application

36 – 37

In your application, please state the

general scientific research area of pos-

sible doctoral work, including a list of

1–3 potential mentors from the GSC-MS

faculty roster with whom you would

like to carry out your PhD research. The

research profile of the GSC-MS faculty

members can be obtained from the inter-

net (see link “people”). It is not neces-

sary to contact the faculty directly. How-

ever, you should visit the homepages of

these professors to inform yourself about

their research interests before entering

our online application system. A direct

application with one of our professors is

not possible for this particular program.

Only applications are considered which

are submitted online to the Graduate

School program office.

For due consideration the following

materials must be submitted:

the completed application form which

is available on the online server.

a statement of purpose detailing your

motivation for PhD study, your research

interests and professional goals (must

be in English);

a curriculum vitae (must be in English);

graduate and undergraduate transcripts

detailing your academic background,

and accomplishments (M.Sc. / Diploma

certificate, marks obtained ...). If final

M.Sc. / Diploma certificate has not

been issued yet, then send provisional

transcripts, marksheets, or any other

document showing academic accom-

plishments. Then in your application

letter, indicate the anticipated date of

issue of the final document.

a list of 1 – 3 faculty members as poten-

tial research mentors; please provide

specific reasoning for this selection (in

English).

Only complete applications will be

further considered for the selection

process!

All application materials will be kept

strictly confidential, and are only made

available to the selection committee.

Application deadline is 30. April for the

term beginning in October each year.

Application Procedure

38 – 39

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a Masters,

Diploma or equivalent degree in chemis-

try (or in a related field such as physics,

biology ...) and should not be older than

28 years. Applications from candidates

holding a Bachelor degree are also

welcome, but only applicants with

outstanding records (within the top 5 %

from high-quality teaching institutions)

will be considered. Good functional

knowledge of the English language is

a mandatory prerequisite since the

program is offered in this language.

Knowledge of German is not essential

for admission. However, we strongly

encourage successful applicants to

develop a functional knowledge in

German. To this end, the GSC-MS offers

such courses free of charge.

Applications must be submitted online,

using our website, www.uni-muenster.

de/GSC-MS. Applicants will be given a

login account on the interactive applica-

tion server to follow the status of the

selection process. Further technical

information about the online method

can be found on our website. Applica-

tions by e-mail or postal mail are no

longer accepted. Server traffic tends to

be quite heavy before the closing date

(30. April). Therefore, early application

is recommended.

The City of Münster and

The University

40 – 41

markt” (Main Market place) including

the historical Town Hall, where in 1648,

the Treaty of Westphalia which ended

the 30 Years’ War was signed – an early

document of European unification.

A major attraction for both locals and

visitors is the large, colorful market

which is held every Wednesday and

Saturday on the square outside the

city’s Cathedral. As in the neighboring

Netherlands, one of the things that

strikes all newcomers to Münster is

the enormous number of cyclists. The

Promenade – a green ring that encircles

the whole center – is also known as the

“bicycle highway”. Another favorite

area for recreation within the city is

the “Aasee”, a lake located just a few

minutes away from the city center. The

Münsterland, the region surrounding

the city, is rich in moated castles and

country houses known as the “Pearls

of the Münsterland”. Some 100 of these

homes of the former aristocracy have

survived.

The University of Münster employs

approx. 600 tenured professors and

about 2,700 additional academic staff.

With approximately 39,000 students,

this is the largest university in North-

rhine- Westphalia and the third largest

in Germany.

The city of Münster was awarded

the LivCom Award 2004 as the most

liveable community in category D

(average daytime population 200,001

– 1,000,000). Every year since 1997,

the International Awards for Liveable

Communities are given to cities in 5

categories with different population

numbers. The program „Nations in

Bloom“ is endorsed by the United

Nations Environment Program for

best practice in the management of

the local environment. Münster has

won the gold medal in 2004 ahead

of Coventry (GB) and Seattle (USA).

Other finalists in the same category

were Newcastle upon Tyne (England),

Bayamon (Puerto Rico), Changshu (P.R.

China), Okayama (Japan) and Poznan

(Poland). (see LivCom homepage,

www.livcomawards.com).

Formerly the capital of Westfalen,

Münster is a modern city with a popula-

tion of about 280,000. As the economic

heart of the Münsterland, a region

of 1.2 million inhabitants, the city

commands a position of considerable

economic and social significance.

Numerous state and communal admin-

istrations are situated here, in addition

to many important wholesale and retail

businesses. One of the main tourist

attractions of Münster is the “Prinzipal-

The City of Münster and The University

MünsterBerlin

Hamburg

Munich

Cologne

42 – 43

As a public university, the State of

Northrhine-Westphalia provides funds

for operation, maintenance and buil-

ding costs with assistance from federal

sources. While the teaching budget

consists largely of state funds, the

research budget is comprised mainly

from individual grants (e.g. Deutsche

Forschungsgemeinschaft, Ministerium

für Innovation, Wissenschaft und

Forschung des Landes Nordrhein-West-

falen, Deutscher Akademischer Aus-

tauschdienst, Fonds der Chemischen

Industrie, Volkswagen-Stiftung, Alfried

Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftung,

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation,

European Community, Bundesminis-

terium für Bildung und Forschung,

Bundesministerium für Ernährung,

Landwirtschaft und Verbraucher-

schutz, Arbeitsgemeinschaft Indus-

trieller Forschungsvereinigungen,

and various chemical companies).

Independent from governmental

intervention, the university is a self-

governing institution. Among acade-

mics and researchers at Münster one

can always find a large number of

foreign guests, who work closely with

local specialists.

The University of Münster was found-

ed in 1780 by Freiherr Franz von

Fürstenberg. In 1805 it expanded to

44 – 45

a Prussian State University for West-

phalia with the Faculties of Law and

Medicine. In 1843 its name changed

to “Royal Academy of Theology

and Arts”. In 1902 the academy was

awarded its title “Westfälische

Wilhelms-Universität” by the Emperor

Wilhelm II.

Currently the University of Münster

offers curricula in more than 100

different fields ranging from Archeol-

ogy to Zoology. It is composed of 15

departments (Fachbereiche), including

Theology, Law, Medicine, Economics,

Humanities, Languages, Philosophy,

Music, Biology, Chemistry and Pharma-

cy, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics

and Astronomy. Masters (Diplom) and

doctoral degrees are offered in these

areas. The first chemistry chair was

established in 1856 (J. W. Hittorf) as

part of the medical faculty. As an inde-

pendent entity, the original chemistry

institute was opened in 1879, and later

replaced by the present premises of

the Naturwissenschaftliches Zentrum,

built during the period 1963–1966.

Distinguished chemists who have

worked in Münster include J. W. Hittorf

(1824–1914), G. Domagk (1895– 1964),

W. Klemm (1896–1987), F. Micheel

(1900–1982), E. Wicke (1914–2000) and

others.

www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS