Christel and Herbert W. Roesky Foundation

The donor Herbert W. Roesky has published numerous contributions in the field of main-group chemistry. He trained as a chemist from 1957 until completing his doctorate in 1963 at the University of Göttingen. Having completed vocational training in dairy science before starting his studies, he was able to finance the first semesters of his chemistry degree. After a postdoctoral stay at the Dupont company in Wilmington, Delaware, he subsequently completed his habilitation at the University of Göttingen. Shortly after completing his habilitation, he was appointed to a professorship at Goethe University Frankfurt. After ten years in Frankfurt, he returned to the University of Göttingen following an appointment there. His research interests included, among other things, the field of the main-group elements. Initially, his work focused on the element fluorine, later shifting towards silicon chemistry. He took great pleasure in giving experimental lectures in Frankfurt, Göttingen and 17 different countries. A series of widely used books grew out of these lectures.

The donor Christel Roesky was born in Stuttgart. She grew up in Aachen and Göttingen. After completing her secondary education, she studied Spanish and French in Heidelberg, interrupted by a stay in Paris. She completed her studies with a diploma. She initially worked as an interpreter and translator and was most recently employed as a foreign-language city guide in Göttingen. She specialised particularly in topics relating to the history of the city and the history of science. She also contributed to the design of her husband’s books and lectures.

Professor Shigeyoshi Inoue receives the 2025 Christel and Herbert W. Roesky Prize for his outstanding achievements in transition-metal and main-group chemistry, particularly in the molecular chemistry of silicon and aluminium. He studies the main-group elements (groups 13 to 15 of the periodic table) to develop novel compounds with innovative properties that enable applications in synthesis and catalysis. His particular interest lies in low-coordinate, highly reactive complexes of elements that are ecologically and economically advantageous. Through his pioneering research, he has earned an excellent international reputation, reflected in numerous significant publications.