However, the Bremen native is not withdrawing from science entirely – on the contrary: the 66-year-old biochemist would like to continue pursuing scientific projects at his own pace during his retirement, devote more time to exercise and socializing, and keep the academic exchange alive. "I would like to continue my scientific work and use the time I have gained for sports and social contacts," the professor describes his plans.
His path to academia took him to Germany and England: after studying biochemistry at the University of Hanover (1980 to 1987), he received his doctorate in 1990 from the University of Göttingen with a thesis entitled "Microbial oxidases for regioselective derivatization of carbohydrates." He then conducted postdoctoral research from 1991 to 1992 at the Laboratory of Bioactive Proteins and Carbohydrates at the University of Birmingham.
Professor Danneel worked in industry at Amino GmbH in the fermentative and extractive production of active ingredients before moving to TH OWL in 1998.
Here, he shaped the Faculty for decades – as dean of studies, co-founder and head of the Institute for Life Science Technologies, initiator of the "Future Food Factory" and coordinator of a German-French university exchange program.
His teaching covered a broad spectrum, from cosmetic chemistry and technical microbiology to organic chemistry and biochemistry.
When asked what he will miss, he answers without hesitation: "The more talented students." He has encouraged many of them through innovative projects and inspired them to pursue scientific topics.
TH OWL thanks Professor Hans-Jürgen Danneel for his tireless commitment to teaching, research, and university development and wishes him all the best for the coming years and continued curiosity.