Honorary Doctorate for Prof. Peter Fratzl

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Max Planck laureate is honoured by the University Montpellier

Prof. Dr. Peter Fratzl, Director of the department of Biomaterials at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, obtained the degree of doctor honoris causa from the University Montpellier, the oldest university of France.

The University Montpellier awarded an honorary doctorate to Peter Fratzl for his outstanding international research activities and his commitment in the field of the natural sciences. On 1st of December 2010 the diploma will be handed over by the president of the University Montpellier, Danièle Hérin.

For his studies of the structural principles governing natural materials, such as bones, mussel shells or plant cell walls, Peter Fratzl received such prestigious awards as the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and the Max Planck Research Award. His research interest focuses on the extraordinary mechanical characteristics of these natural materials, which constantly adapt to environmental conditions.