The environmental and soil expert from Wuppertal is one of the most influential scientists worldwide in his fields of research. The award gives Prof Rinklebe the opportunity to establish new collaborations with researchers in China and around the world to develop sustainable solutions to environmental pollution.

The Wuppertal scientist has been involved in numerous collaborations with Chinese research institutions for some time now. The exchange programme for doctoral students with Foshan University is just one example. Rinklebe is also a visiting professor at China Jiliang University in Zhejiang Province. He regularly gives lectures and talks there on a wide range of topics relating to sustainability, environmental and soil research. He is intensively involved with contamination (e.g. perpetual chemicals PFAS, heavy metals and other pollutants) and the development of remediation processes for soil and groundwater. He also conducts research into the biogeochemistry of trace elements and nutrients in ecosystems.

He was recently awarded a further visiting professorship by Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China.

At the Wuppertal Chair of Soil and Groundwater Management, Prof Rinklebe himself regularly welcomes visiting scientists from China.

The "President's International Fellowship Initiative" of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is a funding programme that aims to promote scientific cooperation and research communication around the globe.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the National Academy of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering of the People's Republic of China. It is one of the largest research organisations in the world.