Department of Molecular Physics

Researchers from the Molecular Physics and Physical Chemistry Departments of the Fritz Haber Institute have shown how two highly synchronized infrared (IR) laser beams can control molecules as they switch between different structural conformations. Their technique provides a new window into how molecules rearrange themselves during chemical reactions, offering fundamental insights into the microscopic processes that govern chemistry. more

On June 19, 2026, Prof. Dr. Gerard Meijer, Director of the Department of Molecular Physics at the Fritz Haber Institute, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada, in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements as a molecular physicist. more

In recognition of their scientific work, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is supporting four young researchers of the Fritz Haber Institute with a Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs: Dr. Alexander Gorfer from the Theory Department, Dr. Roey Ben David and Dr. Young Jae Kim from the Interface Science Department, and Dr. Sejun An from the Molecular Physics Department. more

As part of this year’s Girls’ Day on April 23, 2026, 32 girls aged 10 to 15 visited the Fritz Haber Institute and gained insight into the diverse work carried out in the research groups and workshops through hands-on experiments and craft projects. more