The prestigious Leloir Research Prize, awarded annually by the Republic of Argentina, was conferred on 8 July 2025 to Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Burchardt, formar member of the CALAS Board of Directors. The prize, named after the biochemist and Nobel laureate Luis Federico Leloir, is the highest award given to international scientists for their outstanding contributions to Argentinean science, the promotion of young researchers and scientific cooperation. The award ceremony was held at the Argentine embassy in Berlin, in the presence of numerous honorees and recipients from New York, London, Rome, Copenhagen and Sydney.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Burchardt emphasised: "We need a new global understanding to overcome the destructive apathy in relation to the climate crisis. A vision nourished by researchers who manage to harmonise the old and the new, and who focus on knowledge, change and solutions. The natural and technical sciences are indispensable, but there will be no solutions without the social sciences and humanities. Supporting science is the most important investment in the future. That is why I am committed to continue working with Argentinean science and to contribute to building a future horizon for all of us".

During the eight years that Hans-Jürgen Burchardt served as CALAS Director, he was responsible for fostering the cooperation between the Centre's regional offices. In addition, as Professor of Intersocietal Relations at the University of Kassel, he directs numerous international cooperation and research projects with Argentina and Latin America.