| Diplom | Maximilians University Munich (1979) | |
| Dr. rer. nat. | Maximilians University Munich (1982) | |
| Postdoc | Heterogeneous Catalysis, Cambridge University (Sir J. Meurig Thomas); Physics, Switzerland (Prof. H.J. Güntherodt) (1982 - 1983) | |
| Group Leader | Hoffmann La Roche AG, Basle, Switzerland | |
| Habilitation | Structure of industrial ammonia-synthesis catalysts (Prof. Gerhard Ertl), FHI Berlin | |
| Professor | Inorganic Chemistry, University of Frankfurt (1989 - 1994) | |
| Director | Fritz Haber Institute of the MPG (since 1994) | |
| Honorary Professor | Technische Universität Berlin (since 1994) | |
| Honorary Professor | Humboldt-Universität Berlin (since 1998) | |
| Founding Director | MPI CEC (2011-2022) | |
| Honorary Professor | University Duisburg-Essen (since 2013) | |
| President | Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (since 2023) |
Following the retirement of Prof. Robert Schlögl ithe department is undergoing a reorganisation.