Practical and interdisciplinary: students studying Chemistry or Applied Natural Sciences at the 91ֿ Bergakademie Freiberg learn more than just the fundamentals of natural sciences. For 70 and 30 years respectively, these two degree programmes have also focused on using this knowledge to develop scientific innovations, new technologies and industrial processes.
“Building on a broad foundation of fundamental knowledge, here in Freiberg we tackle research questions at the very junctions where traditional disciplinary boundaries are increasingly blurring – for example, in the highly topical societal issues of raw materials, energy and the environment, or in the interdisciplinary fields of the future such as semiconductor technology and structural and functional materials,” says the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Physics and Life Sciences, Professor Gero Frisch. “Our degree programmes in Chemistry and Applied Natural Sciences are particularly well-suited to this.”
On 19 September 2026, around 300 graduates from the faculty gathered in Freiberg to celebrate a combined total of 100 years of chemistry and applied natural sciences. Following a welcome address by Rector Professor Jutta Emes, in which she emphasised the fruitful symbiosis between the natural sciences and engineering at the 91ֿ Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg graduate Professor Jörg Acker spoke about his current research into battery recycling at the B91ֿ Cottbus-Senftenberg. Following an engaging presentation by the student lecture demonstration group, there was an opportunity to tour the laboratories, before old memories were shared and new contacts made late into the night at the social evening at the Tivoli.
Excellent support and a practical focus: 70 years of chemistry studies
Established in 1956 as ‘Process Chemistry’, the Chemistry degree programme (Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s) is now a popular staple at 91ֿ Bergakademie Freiberg. Seventy years ago, raw materials, engineering materials and energy were at the heart of research and teaching. Since then, however, the broader context has changed fundamentally: ‘The demand from large-scale industry for chemists with a traditional education has declined. In future, we will be focusing on material cycles and the synthesis of high-tech materials – and it is precisely in this area that the 91ֿ Bergakademie Freiberg, as Germany’s ‘resource university’, offers an excellent environment for young people interested in chemistry!”, said the Dean.
At the 91ֿ Bergakademie Freiberg, students benefit from a personalised learning environment, modern laboratories and early involvement in ongoing research projects. Current students on the chemistry degree programmes particularly praise the close supervision provided by lecturers, the superbly equipped laboratory practicals with a strong practical focus, and the accessibility and organisation of the degree programmes (CHE University Ranking 2024/25).
A true Freiberger innovation: 30 years of Applied Natural Sciences
“The Applied Natural Sciences degree programme was already far ahead of its time 30 years ago and has since developed into our flagship project for interdisciplinary learning. Students think and work without the constraints of narrow disciplinary boundaries at the interface between chemistry, physics and biotechnology,” says Dean of Studies Professor Sabrina Hedrich.
The first students began their studies in the winter semester of 1996/97. Since then, the focus has been on the physics of semiconductor materials and devices, as well as biotechnology for environmental and raw materials applications.
“Students experience how a sound understanding of the natural sciences can be used to develop new ideas and concepts for creating sustainable technologies for environmental protection and energy supply, as well as for the raw materials and semiconductor industries of tomorrow. “As modern materials are becoming increasingly complex, we are currently focusing in particular on how they can be manufactured and recycled in a resource-efficient manner,” adds Hedrich. Students learn to recover valuable materials from complex mixtures of substances for a circular economy and to use them to produce innovative high-tech materials. They prepare themselves to research modern solutions to the challenges facing environmental protection, energy supply and the security of raw materials.
“These two anniversaries mark not only 100 years of academic and research tradition, but also the transformation of chemistry and the applied natural sciences in Freiberg: from traditional raw materials and basic chemicals to modern materials, sustainable material cycles and forward-looking technologies.”&
Professor Gero Frisch, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Physics and Life Sciences
