Famous Norwegian Scientists

Niels Henrik Abel was a Norwegian mathematician known for his groundbreaking contributions to various mathematical fields. His significant achievement was proving the impossibility of solving the general quintic equation in radicals, a problem that had puzzled mathematicians for centuries. Abel also made important discoveries in elliptic functions and introduced Abelian functions. Despite facing poverty, he produced most of his work in a short period before succumbing to tuberculosis at a young age. His work continues to inspire mathematicians worldwide, leading to the establishment of the prestigious Abel Prize in mathematics in his honor.

Johan Vincent Galtung was a prominent Norwegian sociologist known for founding the discipline of peace and conflict studies. He established the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) in 1959 and served as its first director. Galtung also played a key role in creating the Journal of Peace Research in 1964. He held the world's first chair in peace and conflict studies at the University of Oslo in 1969 and later taught at various universities, including the University of Hawaii. His contributions to peace studies were recognized globally through his professorships and research initiatives.

Ivar Giaever is a distinguished Norwegian-American engineer and physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of superconductors. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973 for his experimental discoveries related to tunneling phenomena in superconductors. Giaever's contributions to electron tunneling in superconductors led to his election as a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1975. He currently serves as a professor emeritus at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and holds a leadership role at Applied Biophysics.

Lars Onsager was a renowned Norwegian American physical chemist and theoretical physicist. He held the prestigious Gibbs Professorship of Theoretical Chemistry at Yale University, where he made significant contributions to the field. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Onsager was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1968. Throughout his professional life, he conducted groundbreaking research in the field of physical chemistry, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community with his innovative theories and discoveries.

May-Britt Moser is a renowned Norwegian psychologist and neuroscientist, currently serving as a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Alongside her former husband, Edvard Moser, she was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking work on grid cells and other space-representing cell types in the brain. Together, they established and lead the Moser research environment at NTNU and she also heads the Centre for Neural Computation. Moser's impressive career includes obtaining a PhD in neurophysiology and being promoted to professor of neuroscience, with her research group achieving the status of a separate "centre of excellence."

Kristen Nygaard was a notable Norwegian computer scientist, renowned for his pioneering work in programming languages. He is widely recognized as the co-inventor of object-oriented programming and the Simula programming language, developed in collaboration with Ole-Johan Dahl during the 1960s. Nygaard's contributions to computer science were highly acclaimed, culminating in the prestigious A. M. Turing Award in 2001. His innovative ideas and groundbreaking research have left a lasting impact on the field, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in programming language development.

Edvard Ingjald Moser is a prominent Norwegian psychologist and neuroscientist, currently serving as a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. Alongside his then-wife and collaborator, May-Britt Moser, and mentor John O'Keefe, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for their groundbreaking research on the brain's positioning system. Moser's expertise lies in the study of grid cells and place cells, which are specialized neurons that play a crucial role in spatial navigation. Over the years, he has established and led multiple research groups and centers focused on neuroscience, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field.

Vilhelm Bjerknes was a pioneering Norwegian physicist and meteorologist known for his significant contributions to the field of weather forecasting. He formulated the primitive equations essential for numerical weather prediction and climate modeling. He also established the Bergen School of Meteorology, which played a crucial role in advancing meteorological understanding and forecasting techniques in the early 20th century. Bjerknes' work laid the foundation for modern practices in meteorology and weather prediction, shaping the way we understand and predict weather patterns today.

Ole-Johan Dahl was a prominent Norwegian computer scientist known for his significant contributions to the field of computer science. He served as a professor at the University of Oslo and played a pivotal role in the development of Simula, a pioneering programming language. Alongside Kristen Nygaard, Dahl is recognized as one of the key figures in the establishment of object-oriented programming. His work and research have had a lasting impact on the field, shaping the way modern programming languages are designed and implemented.

Sophus Lie was a prominent Norwegian mathematician known for his pioneering work in the theory of continuous symmetry, which he applied to geometry and differential equations. His contributions to the field of algebra were significant, influencing the development of the subject. Lie's professional life was marked by his groundbreaking research and innovative approaches to mathematical problems. He played a key role in advancing mathematical knowledge and his work continues to have a lasting impact on various branches of mathematics.

Jon Lech Johansen, also known as DVD Jon, is a Norwegian programmer known for his work in reverse engineering data formats. He gained recognition for developing the DeCSS software, which decoded the Content Scramble System used in DVD licensing enforcement. Johansen is a self-taught software engineer who left high school to focus on the DeCSS case. He worked as a software engineer in the United States from 2005 to 2006 before returning to Norway briefly and then moving back to the United States in 2007.

Victor Goldschmidt was a Norwegian mineralogist known for his groundbreaking work in modern geochemistry and crystal chemistry. He is credited, alongside Vladimir Vernadsky, as the founder of modern geochemistry. Goldschmidt's notable contributions include the development of the Goldschmidt Classification of elements, which revolutionized the understanding of chemical elements and their properties. His work laid the foundation for further advancements in the field of geochemistry, shaping the way scientists study the composition and behavior of minerals and elements in the Earth's crust.

Fredrik Carl Mülertz Størmer was a prominent Norwegian mathematician and astrophysicist known for his significant contributions in number theory, particularly in the calculation of π and the development of Størmer's theorem. In the field of physics, he focused on the study of charged particle movement in the magnetosphere and the formation of aurorae. Størmer authored a renowned book, "From the Depths of Space to the Heart of the Atom," and held a distinguished position as a mathematics professor at the University of Oslo. His legacy is further honored by having a crater on the far side of the Moon named after him.

Jacob Aall Bonnevie Bjerknes was a prominent meteorologist known for his groundbreaking work on the dynamics of the polar front and north-south heat transport. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Oslo and contributed to the development of the Norwegian cyclone model. Bjerknes was part of the team that made the first Arctic crossing in the airship Norge and provided assistance during WWII for the planning of atomic bombings. He also made significant contributions to understanding the weather phenomenon El Niño.

Odd Hassel was a prominent Norwegian physical chemist known for his groundbreaking work in molecular structure. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his research on the conformation of molecules. Hassel's work significantly advanced the understanding of chemical bonding and molecular geometry. He also made important contributions to the field of stereochemistry, particularly in the study of cycloalkanes. His research laid the foundation for further developments in the field of chemistry and continues to influence scientists today.

Harald Ulrik Sverdrup was a prominent Norwegian oceanographer and meteorologist, known for his significant contributions to the field of oceanography. He held prestigious positions as the director of both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Norwegian Polar Institute. Sverdrup's expertise and leadership played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the world's oceans and polar regions. His work continues to inspire and influence research in the fields of oceanography and meteorology to this day.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam is a prominent Norwegian-Iranian neuroscientist and human rights advocate. He has dedicated his career to advancing research in neuroscience while also actively promoting human rights causes. As a respected figure in his field, Mahmood has made significant contributions to the scientific community through his research and publications. Additionally, his advocacy work has focused on raising awareness about human rights issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. Mahmood's professional life is characterized by a strong commitment to both scientific advancement and social justice.

Atle Selberg was a distinguished Norwegian mathematician acclaimed for his significant contributions to analytic number theory and automorphic forms, particularly for his innovative integration with spectral theory. He was honored with the prestigious Fields Medal in 1950 for his groundbreaking work. Later in his career, he received an honorary Abel Prize in 2002, recognizing his enduring impact and profound insights in the field of mathematics. Selberg's pioneering research continues to inspire and influence generations of mathematicians worldwide.

Henrik Steffens was a prominent figure in the fields of philosophy, science, and poetry. He made significant contributions to the advancement of these disciplines through his writings, lectures, and research. Steffens's work focused on exploring the interconnectedness of nature, science, and the human spirit, emphasizing the importance of a holistic understanding of the world. He was known for his innovative ideas and his ability to inspire others through his teachings. Steffens's legacy continues to influence thinkers and scholars across various fields to this day.

Christopher Hansteen was a prominent Norwegian geophysicist, astronomer, and physicist recognized for his groundbreaking work in mapping Earth's magnetic field. Through his research and observations, Hansteen made significant contributions to the understanding of geomagnetism. His dedication to the study of Earth's magnetic phenomena led to important advancements in the field of geophysics. Hansteen's work remains influential in shaping our understanding of the Earth's magnetic properties and continues to inspire further research in the realm of geophysical sciences.

Sverre Petterssen was a distinguished Norwegian meteorologist known for his contributions to weather analysis and forecasting. He played a significant role in advancing the field through his research and innovative methodologies. Petterssen's work had a lasting impact on meteorology, particularly in the development of numerical weather prediction models. He was recognized for his expertise and leadership in the scientific community, and his legacy continues to influence the study and understanding of atmospheric processes.

Waldemar Christofer Brøgger was a distinguished Norwegian geologist and mineralogist known for his groundbreaking research on Permian igneous rocks in the Oslo district. His work significantly contributed to the advancement of petrologic theory related to rock formation. Brøgger's expertise and discoveries in the field of geology have left a lasting impact on the scientific community, enhancing our understanding of geological processes and the history of Earth's rock formations. His legacy continues to inspire further research and exploration in the field of geology.

Cato Maximilian Guldberg was a prominent Norwegian mathematician and chemist renowned for his pioneering work in physical chemistry. His contributions in this field have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in advancing the understanding of chemical reactions and equilibrium. Guldberg's innovative research and theories have significantly influenced the development of modern physical chemistry, earning him recognition as a leading authority in the scientific community during his lifetime and beyond.

Bjørn Helland-Hansen was a Norwegian pioneer in modern oceanography, known for his work on weather variation in the northern Atlantic Ocean and atmosphere. He studied medicine and physics at the University of Christiania and later became a Professor of oceanography at the Bergen Museum. He developed the "Helland-Hansen Photometer" in 1910 and was awarded the Alexander Agassiz Medal in 1933. He served as President of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics from 1946 to 1948 and trained notable oceanographer Alexander Kuchin.

Johan Herman Lie Vogt was a prominent Norwegian geologist and petrologist known for his significant contributions to the field. He served as a professor at the University of Oslo and the Norwegian Institute of Technology, where he imparted his knowledge and expertise to countless students. Vogt's research focused on the study of rocks, minerals, and geological processes, leading to important advancements in the understanding of Earth's composition and history. Throughout his career, Vogt established himself as a respected authority in the field of geology, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.