Since 2013, the award has been presented biennally to scientists who have rendered outstanding services in the field of ceramics research and teaching. The fellowship is based on special scientific commitment and achievements in ceramic science and technology.

Herrmann is currently head of department and leads a business division at the Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden. The PhD chemist has supervised more than 20 dissertations to date and is the author/co-author of more than 200 publications and 30 patents. He was awarded the Fraunhofer Prize in 1999 and the Science Prize of the Stifterverband der Deutschen Wirtschaft in 2010.

His research focuses on the development and characterization of non-oxide ceramic materials and components for structural applications. In recent years, his research has focused on the adaptation of microstructures made of silicon nitride materials with improved wear and corrosion behavior and on the development of superhard ceramic composites.

In 2021 the 17th edition of the ECerS conference will take place in Dresden.