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05/06/2025 12:31

Bessel Research Award brings Berkeley scientist to Regensburg

Bastian Schmidt Präsidialabteilung, Bereich Kommunikation & Marketing
Universität Regensburg

    Professor Michael Zuerch from the University of California, Berkeley is awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Prize

    Professor Michael Zuerch from the University of California, Berkeley has been awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The award recognizes his outstanding scientific achievements at the interface of chemistry, physics and materials science, in particular his research in the field of ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy.

    Professor Zuerch has made a name for himself internationally through the development of novel spectroscopic methods. With his innovative approach, he has opened up new insights into the symmetry and electronic structure of quantum systems, which is of great importance for both basic research and technological applications. His work combines ultrafast X-ray methods with attosecond time scales in order to observe and control quantum phenomena in a targeted manner.

    The research prize provides for the prizewinners to carry out a research project of their choice together with researchers in Germany. Michael Zuerch is planning a cooperation with Professor Dr. Rupert Huber. Huber's team at the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics and the Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN) at the University of Regensburg is primarily known for the observation and control of ultrafast electron motion in novel quantum materials. The RUN research center offers the perfect environment for the cooperation: In ultra-modern laboratories, globally unique ultra-high-resolution slow-motion cameras are being developed to directly observe and understand the ultra-fast quantum movements of atoms and molecules in nanomaterials as well as in biological systems and thus make them usable for future technologies.

    “Receiving the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award is a great honor,” said Professor Zuerch. “I am particularly pleased about the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in Germany, which will push the boundaries of our research and potentially lead to groundbreaking discoveries in quantum materials science.”
    Professor Huber is visibly delighted about the award for his successful colleague: "We are very proud that RUN, as the host institute, is attracting outstanding top researchers of the caliber of Mr. Zuerch from Berkeley. The collaboration promises exciting scientific breakthroughs and underlines the importance of international cooperation in research."

    About the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award:
    The Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award is presented annually by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It is awarded to internationally recognized foreign scientists whose achievements to date have had a significant impact on their own specialist field and whose research is expected to continue to provide groundbreaking impetus in the future. The prize is named after the German astronomer and mathematician Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel (1784-1846) and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The prize, endowed with 60,000 euros, includes an invitation to carry out freely chosen research projects in cooperation with specialist colleagues in Germany. The foundation awards a total of around 20 of these prestigious prizes each year.

    About the Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN):
    The RUN is the first research building at the University of Regensburg to be funded under Article 91b of the German Constitution and is one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Germany. With a budget of 60 million euros and space for over 20 interdisciplinary research groups, the RUN offers excellent conditions for research into ultrafast quantum processes. The two-part building - with underground precision laboratories and a separate office wing - meets the highest requirements for vibration protection and shielding. The aim of the RUN is to make atomic movements in molecules and nanomaterials visible with the highest temporal resolution and thus enable new technological developments. As a future “young elite center”, it strengthens both basic research and the international visibility of the University of Regensburg and Bavaria as a science location.


    Contact for scientific information:

    Prof. Dr. Rupert Huber
    Chair of Experimental and Applied Physics
    Universität Regensburg
    Phone: 0941 943-2070
    Email: Rupert.Huber@ur.de


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    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists, Scientists and scholars, Students
    Chemistry, Physics / astronomy
    transregional, national
    Contests / awards, Transfer of Science or Research
    English


     

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