ATB researcher Dr.-Ing. Nader Marzban has won the €10,000 first prize in the “Scientists for Nature Challenge” with his revolutionary Artificial Peat Technology. The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished Science Panel from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, together with input from a wider network of philanthropists, investors and representatives associated with the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. The award was presented during the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, one of the world’s most important forums for scientific dialogue.
The ‘Scientists for Nature Challenge’, which this year had the theme ‘A Quantum Leap for Biodiversity’, is more than just a competition. Launched by the “Families for Nature” foundation, it deliberately sets itself apart from traditional start-up funding, which often prioritises short-term profit maximisation. Here, the focus is specifically on deep-tech solutions with a long-term, positive impact on our ecosystems. Following inspiring presentations by the six international finalists from the research institutions MIT, TUM, CEAB, UUlm, UWA and ATB, the renowned Science Panel – comprising Prof. David Coomes (University of Cambridge), Prof. Nathalie Seddon and Dr Aline Sotteroni (both from the University of Oxford) – made the final decision in consultation with the network.
The approach developed at ATB represents a technological revolution for climate and peatland conservation. It accelerates the natural formation of peat – a process that takes millennia – into a controllable process lasting just a few minutes. The ‘artificial peat’ produced in this way can serve as a sustainable substitute in growing media, thereby reducing the pressure on our valuable peatlands, which are irreplaceable for the climate. This direct contribution to reversing biodiversity loss and reducing greenhouse gas emissions was the decisive factor for the jury.
Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of ATB, is delighted: “I am incredibly proud and am truly delighted for Nader Marzban. Winning this prize, presented on stage at the Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates, is a very special honour. It shows that our vision – to develop far-reaching scientific and technological solutions to the planetary crises – is resonating at the highest level. Nader Marzban’s success is the best proof of what is possible when we give outstanding young talents the trust and freedom to pursue bold ideas.”
Nader Marzban speaks with obvious enthusiasm about his experiences in Lindau: “I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful for this award. This success belongs to the entire interdisciplinary team behind Artificial Peat Technology. The exchange in Lindau with the Families for Nature team, Nobel Laureates, scientific experts, philanthropists, investors and the other finalists was deeply inspiring and opened valuable connections for the future. The feedback I received gave me renewed energy and confidence to accelerate the next stage of our work. I am proud that Artificial Peat Technology was recognized as one of the transformative emerging technologies with strong potential for real world impact. One message particularly stayed with me: scientists have a responsibility to move transformative discoveries beyond the laboratory, scale it up fast and into society. We have already scaled up the technology to pilot scale, and the prize money will support the next development stage, helping us bring it into real world use and protect peatlands by removing the need for peat extraction in growing media.”
For ATB, this success is a milestone that impressively confirms the institute’s strategic direction. It demonstrates that our systemic research, which focuses on the circular bioeconomy and effective technological solutions, is recognised internationally at the highest level. ATB extends its heartfelt congratulations to Nader Marzban and the entire interdisciplinary team on this outstanding success
Background
The fourth ‘Scientists for Nature Challenge’, held under the motto ‘A Quantum Leap for Biodiversity’, took place as part of the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. The Challenge is organised by the ‘Families for Nature Foundation’, a trusted network of families, foundations and entrepreneurs, in close collaboration with the ‘Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings Foundation’. The initiative brings together young researchers with Nobel Laureates and a global network from the worlds of science, philanthropy and business to protect and restore nature through science, collaboration and concrete action.
Contact
Dr Nader Marzban
scientist
Telephone: +49 331 5699-333
Email: NMarzban@atb-potsdam.de
Dr Ulrike Glaubitz
Press and Public Relations
Telephone: +49 331 5699-820
Email: presse@atb-potsdam.de