Hanoi – a special starting point in the scientific journey of Professor Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern
- Saturday - 17/01/2026 18:16
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On the morning of January 16, in Room 215, Building C4, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) had the honor of welcoming Professor Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern, former Director of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems (Federal Republic of Germany). During his working visit to Vietnam, the Professor delivered a specialized lecture that attracted strong interest from a large number of faculty members and students.
Professor Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern is not only a distinguished scientist with more than 550 international publications and numerous prestigious awards, but also has a special emotional bond with Hanoi. Born in 1956, he spent part of his childhood living
In his lecture entitled “Importance and Fascination of Separation Processes,” Prof. Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern analyzed the pivotal role of separation engineering in the modern chemical industry. He pointed out that traditional methods, especially distillation, consume enormous amounts of energy on a global scale. This reality highlights the urgent need to develop more efficient solutions, particularly for the recovery of “sensitive molecules” — compounds that are easily degraded and difficult to purify.
Against this backdrop, the Professor introduced two prominent approaches: techniques for capturing sensitive molecules and the application of selective crystallization. He presented several representative studies employing simulated moving bed (SMB) liquid chromatography and selective crystallization to recover compounds with high purity.
Notably, these studies are closely associated with materials familiar in Vietnam: continuous extraction and purification of artemisinin — an antimalarial active ingredient — from Artemisia annua; research on the co-crystallization of curcumin from turmeric to enhance its application value; and the separation of lignin for polymer recycling and the development of a circular economy. These examples clearly demonstrate the effective linkage between fundamental research, advanced technology, and local resources.
In addition to the academic content, Professor Seidel-Morgenstern shared his special personal connection with Hanoi. Born in 1956, he spent part of his childhood in the capital during the periods 1957–1960 and 1961–1964. This return to Hanoi therefore carried not only academic significance but also deep emotional meaning, marking a heartfelt homecoming where he continued to share pioneering knowledge with colleagues and students of HUST.
Furthermore, Professor Seidel-Morgenstern has supervised the doctoral research of Assoc.Prof. Vu Dinh Tien, Assoc.Prof. Ta Hong Duc, Dr. Vu Truong Giang and has collaborated with Assoc.Prof. Nguyen Minh Tan — all of whom are currently faculty members of the University. These collaborative achievements not only reflect strong academic depth but also testify to the enduring ties between the Professor and generations of Vietnamese scientists.
Professor Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern’s lecture not only provided profound insights into the thermodynamics and kinetics of separation processes, but also powerfully inspired scientific thinking and innovation. He emphasized the close integration of chemical reactions with separation and purification steps as a key to creating sustainable and environmentally friendly products in the future.
The meeting concluded in an open and warm atmosphere, while opening up many promising prospects for future research collaboration between Hanoi University of Science and Technology and leading research institutes of the Federal Republic of Germany.