A celebratory conclusion and the start of an exciting future
On 12 June 2026, 65 graduates from the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes at the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences celebrated the successful completion of their degrees. Together with their families, friends and partners from the faculty, they were warmly bid farewell by Dean Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel at the Leverkusen campus.
At this year’s graduation ceremony, 52 graduates were awarded a Bachelor of Science in the degree programmes ‘Applied Chemistry’ and ‘Pharmaceutical Chemistry’. Thirteen students received their Master of Science degrees in the degree programmes ‘Applied Chemistry’ and ‘Drug Discovery and Development’.
In his address, Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel warmly congratulated the graduates on their degrees and thanked them for their academic contributions – whether in practical projects or final theses, both within and outside the faculty – and for their active involvement in shaping campus life. Lilian Singhoven received special recognition after being awarded the prestigious VDI Sponsorship Prize 2025 for her innovative Master’s thesis on the development of precious-metal-free catalysts for acidic water electrolysis.
Graduation Ceremony 2026 at the Leverkusen Campus
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Champagne reception for the 2026 graduation ceremony (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Dean Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel welcomes the students and their guests. (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Certificate presentation at the 2026 graduation ceremony (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Graduate Daniel Eßer offers fascinating insights into his final-year dissertation. (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Graduate Clara Radzuweit presents her final thesis. (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Philipp Thören, a graduate who is now a PhD student, discusses the research question addressed in his Master´s thesis. (Image: Thilo Schmülgen / TH Köln)
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Graduate Julia Blankartz presents the results of her research. (Image: TH Köln - Media Lab)
“As scientists, we bear the responsibility – and at the same time have a great opportunity – to gain an in-depth understanding of complex interrelationships, to communicate them effectively and to play an active part in developing sustainable solutions,” said Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel.
He encouraged the graduates to apply the skills they had acquired with confidence and to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. In doing so, he emphasised the importance of a strong network of over 1,000 alumni, which continues to guide and support the graduates.
Four graduates – Daniel Eßer, Klara Elisa Radzuweit, Philipp Thören and Julia Blankartz – provided fascinating insights into their research and demonstrated just how diverse and forward-looking the scientific research topics at the faculty are.
At the get-together that followed in the canteen on the Leverkusen campus, the guests were able to round off the evening in a lively atmosphere with drinks, finger food and informal conversations.
We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to all graduates on successfully completing their studies and wish them every success in their future endeavours!
July 2026