The award was established in 1999 with the aim to encourage young scientists. It is granted to chemists who have been recognized as high-potential researchers in the field of synthetic organic chemistry by the editorial board members of the Thieme journals SYNTHESIS, SYNLETT and SYNFACTS.

The mission of the laboratory of Chris Slootweg at the Synthetic Organic Chemistry group of HIMS is to educate students at the intersection of fundamental physical organic chemistry, main group chemistry, and circular chemistry. A noteworthy focus area in his research is Sustainable Phosphorus Chemistry. Slootweg currently holds an Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.