We are deeply saddened by the loss of Prof. Manfred T. Reetz, an internationally renowned organic chemist, one of the pioneers in enzyme directed evolution, a member of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina) and the European Academy of Sciences, an International Distinguished Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a Distinguished Professor at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences. He passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 83, due to illness.

Prof. Reetz served as Director of the Max‑Planck‑Institut für Kohlenforschung for 20 years. In 2018, he received the Biocat Award 2018: Lifetime Achievement in International Biocatalysis. As a pioneer in the field of enzyme directed evolution, he advanced the discipline from theoretical concept to a wide range of practical applications through his exceptional academic vision and profound understanding of chemistry. He was a truth‑seeker and a rigorous scholar, and he took great pleasure in mentoring young researchers, training a generation of outstanding scientists in biocatalysis. With his open, humble, and generous character and indifferent to fame and fortune, he earned deep respect and affection from colleagues worldwide.

In 2017, he joined TIB as a Distinguished Professor, making vital contributions to the institute’s leadership in biocatalysis as well as talent recruitment and development. We deeply mourn and cherish the memory of Professor Manfred T. Reetz.

Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology,

Chinese Academy of Sciences

April 30, 2026