Reinhold W. Lang is Professor Emeritus for Polymeric Materials and Testing at Johannes Kepler University Linz. He holds a Ph.D. in polymer engineering and completed his academic education at the Montanuniversität Leoben and Lehigh University (USA). After professional positions in industry and research — including at BASF and institutions in Germany, France, and the USA — he held several leading academic positions in Austria. He was, among other things, co-founder and long-standing scientific director of the Polymer Competence Center Leoben (PCCL).
His research interests range from the development of sustainable polymeric materials to the integration of materials science into global sustainability strategies. He places particular emphasis on connecting scientific research with social responsibility. He has served on numerous advisory and strategic boards — including the Climate Change Centre Austria (CCCA), AEE INTEC, and the UniNEtZ project, which supports the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Austria.
A core concern of his is the role of materials science in the context of the energy transition, circular economy, and climate justice — especially with regard to future generations.
Since June 2025, Reinhold Lang has been President of the Club of Rome – Austrian Chapter. In this role, he aims to further develop the Chapter’s work in the areas of comprehensive (circular) carbon management, quality education, new alliances, and evidence-based governance.
His vision: “A Club of Rome that brings together interdisciplinary perspectives and helps chart transformative paths toward a livable future.”