Prof. Johannes V. Barth, new honorary member of the Chinese Chemical Society. Photo: Dr. Annemieke IJpenberg / TUM
Prof. Johannes V. Barth, Chair of Surface and Interface Physics (Experimental Physics E20) and Dean of the School of Natural Sciences at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), has been elected Honorary Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS), the Society’s highest distinction. In a letter dated May 28, 2026, CCS President Lijun Wan highlighted that the title is conferred only to “distinguished chemists of the world” in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of chemistry and to the development of Chinese chemistry and the Society.
The distinction recognizes Prof. Barth’s international scientific standing and his contributions to molecular nanoscience and surface chemistry. It also acknowledges his longstanding collaboration with research partners in China and his engagement in strengthening international scientific exchange. Among the 114 scientists honored since 2009, Prof. Barth is among only 17 Germans to have received this prestigious recognition.
Prof. Barth’s research focuses on interface phenomena and the design of functional nanoarchitectures. His group studies and manipulates nano-objects and supramolecular systems using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy, enabling bottom-up fabrication and the molecular-level engineering of materials with tailored properties. With this appointment, the Chinese Chemical Society underscores the importance of continued scientific cooperation. In his letter, CCS President Wan expressed his intention to deepen future collaboration and academic exchange.