©Barbara Frommann, f.l.t.r. Ulrich Schurr, Jeanette Klink-Lehmann, Thorsten Menne, Marco Löhrer, Christian Patermann, Ingar Janzik

Christian Patermann Award 2025 presented to Jeanette Klink-Lehmann and Marco Löhrer

The Christian Patermann Award 2025 was presented on November 24, 2025, during the 9th International BioSC Symposium in Bonn. Thorsten Menne, MKW NRW, and Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Patermann honored Dr. Jeanette Klink-Lehmann and Dr. Marco Löhrer. The laudatory speech was given by Prof. Dr. Ingar Janzik.

Dr. Jeanette Klink-Lehmann from the Institute for Food and Resource Economics at the University of Bonn is distinguished by her sound methodological expertise and her great passion for sustainable consumption. These form the basis for her internationally recognized research and her active involvement in interdisciplinary networks. She focuses on training self-confident, independent researchers by creating an environment that is both intellectually challenging and personally supportive, based on collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.

Dr. Marco Löhrer from the Institute of Biology 3 at RWTH Aachen University quickly distinguished himself after receiving his doctorate summa cum laude in 2016 by building bridges between research groups and bringing together interdisciplinary teams. With his scientific background in plant physiology and pathology, he is committed to translating research results into practice. His close connection to agricultural practice and industry has a strong influence on his supervisory philosophy. He encourages doctoral students to combine specific scientific depth with openness to other disciplines, as well as the perspectives of other stakeholders and practical applications.

In her laudatory speech, Prof. Dr. Ingar Janzik highlighted many quotes from the nominations and corresponding letters of support from current and former supervisors, emphasizing that both award winners are examples of what outstanding supervision in the bioeconomy looks like: scientific excellence combined with genuine commitment to the next generation of researchers in the bioeconomy. This is a fundamental point for the future of the bioeconomy, which Christian Patermann also emphasized in his short speech: “The bioeconomy needs the right people with the right interdisciplinary knowledge and the ability to network and coach the next generation of scientists. You are the future of the bioeconomy.”