The international award recognizes outstanding contributions to research in the field of biological energy conversion
№ 079/2026 from Jun 16, 2026
Professor Joachim Heberle from Freie Universität Berlin’s Department of Physics will be receiving this year’s Peter Mitchell Medal. This accolade represents one of the most significant international awards in the field of bioenergetics and membrane biophysics and is traditionally awarded every two years at the European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC). The Peter Mitchell Medal is presented to researchers who have made significant contributions toward understanding biological energy conversion – in particular, processes such as proton transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and membrane proteins.
The medal is named in honor of British biochemist Peter Mitchell, who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1978. His chemiosmotic hypothesis revolutionized the understanding of biological energy transfer and is considered one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs in modern biochemistry. Previous winners of the Peter Mitchell Medal include numerous leading researchers within the field of bioenergetics, as well as multiple Nobel Prize winners.
Renowned Biophysicist and Advocate for Good Research Practice
Through his experimental approach, Joachim Heberle has set new international standards in the research of membrane proteins, proton transport, and light-driven biological processes. His work combines cutting-edge spectroscopic methods with fundamental questions from the fields of molecular biology and biophysics. Particularly of note are his contributions to the understanding of how rhodopsin and other energy converting protein systems function. His research constituted a central focus of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1078 “Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function,” where Heberle was spokesperson and a principal investigator.
In addition to his research work, Heberle actively promotes good research practice and research integrity. Throughout his career, he has advised, mediated, and investigated cases of suspected academic malpractice in his capacity as member of the Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany (2014‒2021), member of the Commission for Research Integrity at the Austrian Agency for Research Integrity (2021‒2023), and Central Ombudsperson for Good Scientific Practice at Freie Universität Berlin (2021‒2026). In doing so, he understands his role as “moderating, not pronouncing judgments.” His focus is on ensuring fair proceedings and amicable solutions in order to make lasting improvements to academic culture.
Award Ceremony in Stockholm with Laudatory Speech from Nobel Prize-Winner Hartmut Michel
The 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal will be awarded at the European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC) on August 22, 2026. The international conference brings together researchers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in bioenergetics.
By honoring Joachim Heberle with the Peter Mitchell Medal, the awards committee acknowledges the significance of molecular biophysics on the global stage. As part of the festivities, Heberle will hold a lecture, “Following the Proton: A Journey Through Bioenergetics.” This will be followed by a laudatory speech by Professor Hartmut Michel (Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt), who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1988.