The chemist: Elisabeth Hocke optimizes precious metal recycling
Precious metals are indispensable for many technologies - from catalytic converters to photovoltaic systems. At Heraeus Precious Metals, Elisabeth Hocke ensures that these valuable materials remain in the cycle. As Head of Innovation Recycling, she optimizes the recycling processes for gold, platinum and other precious metals.
With her degree in chemistry and subsequent doctorate, Elisabeth Hocke laid the scientific foundation for this important and demanding job. She originally had a completely different career in mind, as she reveals: "I originally wanted to study pharmacy, but then I changed my mind". At Technical University of Darmstadt, she specialized in technical chemistry. "This involved, for example, the development and improvement of processes for the chemical industry or the design of chemical reactors in large technical plants," explains Hocke. Even during her studies, it was clear to her that she didn't want to stay in academic research, but wanted to work close to production.
Her path to industry was set - but not her specialization in precious metals. "The most precious metal I worked with during my studies was copper," she says with a laugh. "Today I work with much more valuable materials." Hocke has been with Heraeus since 2019. After completing her PhD, she started as a project manager for production support hydrometallurgy and soon took over as Head of the twelve-strong Innovation team. "I think it's great that we do scientific work, research and discussions here - the atmosphere is a bit like university," she says. "But we have many more opportunities than in academic research, and at the same time what we do goes straight into application."
Innovative processes for a more sustainable future
Heraeus Precious Metals is one of the leading companies in the precious metals industry and covers the entire value chain - from trading to precious metals products to refining and recycling. Due to the wide variety of source materials, the recovery of precious metals requires specialized knowledge. This is where experts like Hocke come in. "My job is to work with my team to find the best, most efficient and quickest way, in other words, the optimum recycling technology. We support production by developing innovative processes for processing precious metals. The 35-year-old is particularly passionate about sustainability: "Precious metals are not only valuable, they are also in limited supply. That's why it's so important that we close the loop."
The mixture of theory and practice, research and application is what Hocke appreciates about her work at Heraeus. "My tasks are varied and diverse - I'm sure I'll enjoy them for a long time," she says.
"I prefer to try things out myself"
Hocke admits that her current position as Head of Innovation Recycling is just a little too short on lab work for her taste. "I prefer to try things out myself," she says. When time allows, she therefore likes to go to the lab and test solutions together with her team: "One thing is to develop an idea in theory, the other is to prove in practice that it works. It's a great feeling when you succeed."
Hocke is happy to have an employer that embraces diversity and where women can build careers in STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. "There are more women in leadership positions now, too," she notes. "I think that's very important, because women lead and communicate differently than men. Diversity is a success factor."
This article is part of a series of articles in which Heraeus is making women in STEM professions visible. We are introducing female experts who are involved in innovative projects.
