Colloid Society

The Kolloid-Gesellschaft (Colloid Society) is a Germany-wide scientific association headquartered in Cologne. It was founded in 1922 in Leipzig by Wolfgang Ostwald. Its purpose is the cultivation and promotion of colloid science and its scientific and technical neighboring fields, as well as cooperation with other related scientific societies. The society counts several hundred scientists from physics, chemistry, pharmacy and food process engineering among its members. The society organizes regular conferences, workshops and symposia to promote colloid research, awards various scientific prizes and scholarships, and publishes the journal Colloid and Polymer Science. Its activities include the annual Hauptversammlung (general meeting), the Zsigmondy-Kolloquium and the Ostwald-Kolloquium, which showcase current highlights in colloid research. Prizes awarded by the society include the Ostwald-Preis for outstanding lifetime scientific achievement in pure or applied colloid science, the Zsigmondy-Stipendium for younger German scientists, the Graham-Preis for special merits in colloid science nationally and internationally, the Steinkopff-Preis for outstanding work in industrial-technological applications, the Liesegang-Preis for outstanding achievements in pure or applied colloid science, the Springer Posterpreis for the best poster, and historically the Laura-R.-Leonard-Preis. The society is led by a chairperson (Vorsitzende). Since 2024, Andreas Fery of Dresden has served as chair. Membership is open to any natural scientist or friend of colloid research.

The Kolloid-Gesellschaft was founded in 1922 in Leipzig by Wolfgang Ostwald. Ostwald served as its chair from 1922 until 1943. During the final years of World War II, Alfred Lottermoser of Dresden acted as second chair and managing director (1943–1945). After the war, Hans Erbring of Bensberg led the society from 1949 to 1967. He was succeeded by Armin Weiß of Munich, who chaired from 1967 to 1987. Subsequent chairs were Heinz Hoffmann (Bayreuth, 1987–1991), Milan Schwuger (Jülich, 1991–1999), Wolfgang von Rybinski (Düsseldorf, 1999–2003), Helmuth Möhwald (Golm-Potsdam, 2003–2007), Hans-Jürgen Butt (Mainz, 2007–2011), Joachim Venzmer (Essen, 2011–2015), Walter Richtering (Aachen, 2015–2019), Michael Gradzielski (Berlin, 2019–2024), and Andreas Fery (Dresden, since 2024). Throughout its history, the society has promoted colloid research by organizing conferences, workshops and symposia, awarding scientific prizes and scholarships, and publishing the journal Colloid and Polymer Science. Among its named awards are the Ostwald-Preis (since 1961), the Zsigmondy-Stipendium (since 1961), the Graham-Preis (first awarded in 1926), the Steinkopff-Preis (since 1979), the Liesegang-Preis (since 1998), and the Springer Posterpreis. The Laura-R.-Leonard-Preis was awarded in the 1920s but discontinued after World War II. The society is headquartered in Cologne and remains active, with several hundred members from physics, chemistry, pharmacy and food process engineering.

• 2026

  Hauptversammlung to be held at University of Bayreuth.

• 2024

  Andreas Fery becomes chair.

• 2019

  Michael Gradzielski becomes chair.

• 2015

  Walter Richtering becomes chair.

• 2011

  Joachim Venzmer becomes chair.

• 2007

  Hans-Jürgen Butt becomes chair.

• 2003

  Helmuth Möhwald becomes chair.

• 1999

  Wolfgang von Rybinski becomes chair.

• 1998

  Liesegang-Preis established.

• 1991

  Milan Schwuger becomes chair.

• 1987

  Heinz Hoffmann becomes chair.

• 1979

  Steinkopff-Preis established.

• 1967

  Armin Weiß becomes chair.

• 1961

  Ostwald-Preis and Zsigmondy-Stipendium established.

• 1949

  Hans Erbring becomes chair.

• 1943

  Alfred Lottermoser becomes acting chair.

• 1926

  First Graham-Preis awarded to Wolfgang Ostwald.

• 1922

  Founded in Leipzig by Wolfgang Ostwald.

A non-profit scientific association promoting colloid and interface science across disciplines, with a strong emphasis on supporting young researchers and international networking.

• Colloid and Polymer Science

• Ostwald-Preis

• Zsigmondy-Stipendium

• Graham-Preis

• Steinkopff-Preis

• Liesegang-Preis

• Springer Posterpreis

• Laura-R.-Leonard-Preis

1. 1Willkommen bei der Kolloid-Gesellschaft - Kolloid Gesellschaftkolloid-gesellschaft.de
2. 2Colloid Society - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Kolloid-Gesellschaft - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org