Special prize "Holistic Sustainability" for Prof. Alexander Pfriem

Prof. Alexander Pfriem, Chair of Wood Technology and Wood-based Bioeconomy at the Faculty, was awarded the special "Holistic Sustainability" prize of the Seifriz Transfer Prize - Crafts + Science for a cooperation project that he was responsible for as a scientific project manager in his previous position at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). The award recognizes his special research achievements and the successful transfer of knowledge from science to practice.

In the BioBasedBoats research project, Pfriem, together with his working group at HNEE and Jan Brügge Bootsbau GmbH, developed bio-based materials, material combinations and more efficient manufacturing processes for wooden boat construction. The boat produced using the new resin infusion method developed as part of the award-winning project - the WOY26 - was also presented with the European Yacht of the Year Award in the "Newcomer of the Year" category at this year's "boot Düsseldorf".

The award underlines Prof. Pfriem's many years of expertise at the interface of materials research, sustainability and application. Since moving to Dresden, he has been contributing this experience in a targeted manner to research, teaching and the establishment of the newly aligned Chair. Since October 1, 2025, he has been redesigning the content of the Chair of Wood Technology and Wood-based Bioeconomy and strengthening topics such as bioeconomy, circular economy and sustainable materials.

With his work, the Berlin native pursues the goal of advancing research with high social relevance and acting as a reliable partner for students, early-career researchers and external stakeholders - especially with regard to the green transformation of the economy and society.

The Seifriz Prize - Transfer Crafts + Science honors outstanding collaborations between craft businesses and research institutions throughout Germany. The aim of the prize is to make visible innovation processes that arise from the interplay of practical experience and scientific expertise. The special "Holistic Sustainability" award particularly recognizes projects that combine ecological, economic and social aspects in a special way.

We would like to congratulate Prof. Alexander Pfriem on this award.

Contact:

Prof. Alexander Pfriem
Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering
Institute of Natural Materials Technology
Professor of Wood Technology and Wood-based Bioeconomy
Phone: +49 351 463 38100
E-mail: alexander.pfriem@tu-dresden.de