Prof. Antje Potthast from BOKU’s Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources receives the 2026 Anselme Payen Award. The distinction recognises her outstanding contributions to cellulose chemistry, lignocellulosic analysis, biopolymer characterisation and renewable materials research.

Prof. Antje Potthast, Full Professor at BOKU’s Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources and Deputy Director of the Institute, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Anselme Payen Award. This internationally renowned award is presented by the Cellulose and Renewable Materials Division of the American Chemical Society and honours outstanding scientific contributions to the chemistry and technology of cellulose and related materials. 

As Speaker of the Doctoral School “Advanced Biorefineries: Chemistry & Materials” (ABC&M) at BOKU University, Prof. Potthast also contributes to the training of the next generation of researchers in biorefinery science, renewable materials and sustainable chemistry. Her own research has played a leading role in advancing analytical approaches for lignocellulosic materials, with a particular focus on cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. 

Her work combines sophisticated analytical chemistry, polymer science and organic chemistry to address fundamental questions on the structure, modification, degradation and preservation of biobased polymers. A central focus is the development and application of advanced methods for cellulose and lignin analysis, including high-resolution size exclusion chromatography and approaches for studying molecular-weight-related changes, oxidative damage and functionalisation processes. These tools have enabled deeper insight into how lignocellulosic materials can be characterised, modified and used in renewable materials applications. 

Her research also extends to conservation science, where analytical methods for cellulosic materials contribute to the preservation of valuable historical and cultural heritage objects. With around 400 peer-reviewed publications and an internationally visible scientific record, Prof. Potthast has made major contributions to the understanding and application of renewable biopolymers. 

The Anselme Payen Award recognises not only her outstanding individual achievements, but also the international visibility of BOKU’s research in cellulose chemistry, lignocellulosic analysis and renewable materials science. 

24.06.2026