Paul Dauenhauer named 2026 Faculty Innovator of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/20/2026) — University of Minnesota Twin Cities Professor Paul Dauenhauer was honored with the “Faculty Innovator of the Year” award at the 2026 University of Minnesota Founder’s Day.

Dauenhauer, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, MacArthur Fellow, and the Director for the Center for Programmable Energy Catalysis is the co-founder of four start-up companies: Lakril Technologies, Sironix Renewables, Carba and Activated Research Company.

His research engineers catalysts for sustainable energy and materials to solve the challenge of producing energy with limited environmental impact. He uses catalysts to control specific reactions to convert water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide to manufacture carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals with increased sustainability.

Congratulations Professor Dauenhauer! Learn more about his work and award by reading the full story at the College of Science and Engineering's website.