Famous Austrian Chemists

Martin Karplus is a distinguished theoretical chemist who has made significant contributions to the field. He serves as the Director of the Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, a collaboration between the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Strasbourg. Additionally, he is the Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry, emeritus at Harvard University. Karplus was awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on the development of multiscale models for complex chemical systems, alongside Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel.

Walter Kohn was an Austrian-American theoretical physicist and theoretical chemist known for his groundbreaking work in density functional theory. Alongside John Pople, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for their contributions to understanding the electronic properties of materials. Kohn's pioneering research in computational simplification revolutionized quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations, providing a more accurate method for studying complex systems. His work has had a profound impact on materials science, condensed-phase physics, and the chemical physics of atoms and molecules.

Carl Auer von Welsbach was an Austrian scientist and inventor known for his groundbreaking work with rare-earth elements. He successfully separated didymium into neodymium and praseodymium in 1885 and independently discovered lutetium in 1907, naming it cassiopeium. Von Welsbach's innovative contributions extended beyond scientific discoveries, as he also commercialized his inventions. His developments led to the creation of ferrocerium "flints" for lighters, gas mantles for street lighting, and metal-filament light bulbs, revolutionizing the field of lighting technology.

Alexander Oscar Gettler was a pioneering toxicologist who worked at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York for over four decades. He collaborated with Charles Norris to lay the groundwork for modern medicolegal investigation in the United States. Gettler's contributions to forensic toxicology earned him the title of "the father of forensic toxicology in America" among his peers. His impactful work led to the establishment of the Alexander O. Gettler Award by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in his honor.

Richard Adolf Zsigmondy was an Austrian chemist renowned for his work in colloids. His research in this field earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1925. Zsigmondy is also known for co-inventing the slit-ultramicroscope and various membrane filters, contributing significantly to the advancement of scientific techniques in his time. His expertise and innovations in these areas have left a lasting impact on the field of chemistry, with the crater Zsigmondy on the Moon serving as a tribute to his legacy.

Herman Francis Mark was an Austrian-American chemist known for his significant contributions to polymer science. His X-ray diffraction studies on fiber molecular structure supported the macromolecular theory of polymer structure. Together with Houwink, he developed the Mark-Houwink equation, explaining the relationship between a polymer's intrinsic viscosity and its molecular weight. He was a distinguished faculty member at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and founded the Journal of Polymer Science in 1946, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of polymer research.

Fritz Pregl was a Slovenian-Austrian chemist and physician known for his significant contributions to quantitative organic microanalysis. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1923 for his advancements in the field, particularly for enhancing the combustion train technique used in elemental analysis. Pregl's work played a crucial role in improving the accuracy and efficiency of analytical chemistry methods, making him a respected figure in the scientific community. His innovative approaches and dedication to research have left a lasting impact on the field of chemistry.

Giacomo Luigi Ciamician was an Italian chemist and senator known for his pioneering work in the fields of photochemistry and green chemistry. Throughout his professional life, Ciamician made significant contributions to the understanding of the chemical processes involved in photochemical reactions and the development of sustainable practices in chemistry. His innovative research and insights have had a lasting impact on the scientific community, influencing advancements in both theoretical understanding and practical applications of chemistry.