Dr. Horst Weller, Physical Chemistry Professor at the University of Hamburg, and Dr. Thomas Elsässer, Experimental Physics Professor at Humboldt University and a Director of the Max Born Institute, will receive the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics 2012 for their breakthrough results and thorough knowledge of fundamental processes on the sub-nanoscale.
Weller and Elsässer will be felicitated with the award along with US$ 5,000 at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin on June 20, 2012, during the Julius Springer Forum on Applied Physics 2012. The researchers have extensively studied fundamental processes on the sub-nanoscale, which include the precisely created functionalized nanoparticle material complexes and applications and time-resolved ultrafast motion of charges and atoms in crystals. Their work includes the fabrication of innovative fuel and photovoltaic cells and the development of ‘smart’ drug delivery systems and contrast agents for medical use for the advancement of diagnostics and therapy.
Weller, who also serves as Scientific Director at the Center of Applied Nanotechnology, is a pioneer in the nanochemistry field. Weller has conducted extensive research in a variety of subjects from fundamental research to applications, which resulted in numerous patents and over 300 publications.
Elsässer’s work is focused on ultrafast science, dealing with elementary processes in (bio)molecular systems, liquids and solids. He is the owner of six patents and author of around 390 scientific papers.
The Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics, an annual award since 1998, felicitates scientists for their pioneering work in the applied physics field.