Nobel laureate Martin Karplus: Austria's great loss in science

Nobel laureate Martin Karplus: Austria's great loss in science

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - Science mourns the loss of one of the most outstanding personalities of the 20th century: Martin Karplus, the charismatic Nobel laureate for chemistry, died on December 28, 2024 at the age of 94 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) expresses its depths and describes its death as a great loss for the academy, science and the country of Austria. Karplus, who has been an honorary member of the mathematical and scientific class of the ÖAW since 2015, leaves an impressive legacy in chemical research. As Derstandard.at reported, developed carplus pioneering methods for simulation complex molecules, which drove the digitization of chemistry significantly.

born in Vienna in 1930, Karplus had to flee from Austria in 1938 when the National Socialists marched in with his family. First after Switzerland, then to France and finally to the USA, where he studied and taught at renowned institutions such as Harvard. His research led him to the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013. During his career, Karplus was not only involved in science, but also in social projects and accompanied contemporary witness programs at schools in Austria, as ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann emphasized. The life story of Karplus, which is characterized by optimism and perseverance, was also reflected in his book "Facets of my life. Optimism, self -confidence and sometimes happiness", which was published in 2024, like the ÖAW reported.

a lasting inheritance

karplus' influence also extended to culture; He was associated with the film "Exile & Excellence. The Class of ’38", in which the fate of scientists who fled from National Socialism are discussed. In addition, last summer he was awarded the great golden honor for merit for the Republic of Austria, an honor that his life's work appreciates. His death leaves a feeling of fate and renewal in many, since Karplus inspired countless people not only as a scientist, but also as an artist and mentor.