Nobel laureate Martin Karplus: A big loss for Austria

Nobel laureate Martin Karplus: A big loss for Austria

The famous chemical laureate Martin Karplus, born in Austria and from the Nazis to the United States, died on December 28, 2024 at the age of 94, "peaceful in his house in Cambridge". His family announced this in an obituary. Karplus was awarded Michael Levitt and Arieh sausage for his groundbreaking work on the development of universal computer models, which can predict chemical processes, such as 5min.at reported.

The Viennese native had a reserved attitude to his homeland throughout his life, from which he had to flee in 1938 as a child. He found Austria's approach to approach as "a little late" at his Nobel Prize, but rated the country's honorary testimony as "good for reconciliation". The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) regretted its loss and, as it were, praised its connection to Austria, e.g. by participating in the contemporary witness program in schools. In addition to his academic career, Karplus was also a passionate photographer and cook; His works were exhibited worldwide, and he cooked in renowned three-star Michelin-Restaurants in France and Spain, such as study

a life in science and art

Karplus' career not only testifies to scientific success, but also a passion for cooking and photography. His fate reflects the many displaced scientists who are only remembered after their success. ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann emphasized how valuable Karplus' conciliatory attitude and his ultimate return to Austria are. The loss of Martin Karplus is a severe blow to the scientific community and reminds us of the painful chapters of the past.