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Joachim Heberle Received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal

Recognized for his research on biological energy conversion: FU biophysicist Joachim Heberle received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal.

Recognized for his research on biological energy conversion: FU biophysicist Joachim Heberle received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal.
Image Credit: Privat

International Award Presented at the European Bioenergetics Conference in Stockholm on August 22, 2026

For his pioneering contributions to the study of biological energy conversion, biophysicist Prof. Dr. Joachim Heberle of Freie Universität Berlin's Department of Physics has received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal. The honorary medal is considered one of the most prestigious international awards in the fields of bioenergetics and membrane biophysics. It is presented at the European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC) to scientists who have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of biological energy conversion, particularly processes such as proton transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and membrane proteins.

News from Sep 01, 2026

The Peter Mitchell Medal honors British biochemist Peter Mitchell, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1978. His chemiosmotic theory revolutionized our understanding of biological energy conversion and ATP synthesis and is considered one of the most significant scientific achievements in modern biochemistry. Previous recipients of the award include numerous leading researchers in bioenergetics, including several Nobel laureates.

Renowned Biophysicist

Joachim Heberle has set international standards through his research on membrane proteins, proton transport, and light-driven biological processes. His work combines state-of-the-art spectroscopic methods with fundamental questions in molecular biology and biophysics. Of particular significance are Heberle's contributions to our understanding of the function of rhodopsins and other energy-converting protein systems. This research was a central focus of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1078 “Protonation and Dynamics in Proteins,” which Joachim Heberle served as spokesperson for from 2017 to 2024.

Read the full press release (in German)

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Keywords

  • award
  • biophysics
  • European Bioenergetics Conference
  • honor
  • Joachim Heberle
  • medal
  • Membrane Biophysics
  • Peter Mitchell Medal