Prof. Dr. Gerard Meijer Awarded the 2024 MOLEC Senior Scientist Award

In a significant recognition of his contributions to the field of molecular physics, Prof. Dr. Gerard Meijer, Director of the Department for Molecular Physics at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, has been honored with the 2024 MOLEC Senior Scientist Award.

This prestigious award was presented to Prof. Meijer at the 24th European Conference on the Dynamics of Molecular Systems (MOLEC 2024), held from June 30 to July 5, 2024, in Aarhus, Denmark.

MOLEC 2024 is a cornerstone event that brings together the global scientific community to explore the experimental and theoretical facets of atomic and molecular interactions. This year's conference placed a spotlight on a diverse range of topics, including astrophysics, astrochemistry, chirality, and ultrafast electron dynamics, among others. The gathering serves as a platform for keynote and invited lectures, hot topic talks, and poster presentations, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and innovation.

In addition to receiving the award, Prof. Meijer delivered a lecture titled „About thermionic electron emission and associative ionization." Prof. Meijer's award is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field, particularly in the areas of gas-phase molecular physics, cold molecules, and clusters. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of molecular interactions, paving the way for new discoveries and technologies.

With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Prof. Meijer has held various prestigious positions, including his role as President of the Executive Board at Radboud University Nijmegen and his membership in the German Science and Humanities Council. His leadership at the Fritz Haber Institute and his involvement in the DEAL Consortium highlight his commitment to advancing scientific research and education.

The MOLEC Senior Scientist Award not only recognizes Prof. Meijer's scientific achievements but also his role as a mentor and leader in the molecular physics community. His work continues to inspire researchers and students alike, contributing to the ongoing development of the field.