The Max-Planck-Society awarded Prof. Robert Schlögl, director of the Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Energyconversion, the Communitas-Award for his exceptional commitment, particularly with regard to the Open-Access-Movement.

Prof. Schlögl worked unremittingly on a public domain for scientific literature over the last few years. The <link http: www.edition-open-access.de external-link-new-window external link in new>Edition Open Access, which he developed, is known as a pioneer work and makes research results available for everybody. It offers access to all publications of the Max Planck Research Library for the History and Development of Knowledge so scientific findings become generally known.

With the new launched Communitas-Award the Max-Planck-Society honours his especial commitment and awards in this way activities that usually stay in the background. Prof. Peter Gruss, president oft he Max-Planck-Society, wants to establish public presence for this kind of individual commitment. The honour shall be awarded yearly, especially to those who show real involvement above their daily business.