16.04.2008
Scientists awarded renowned prize
The State Research Prize went to Prof. Markus Oberthaler of the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics of the University of Heidelberg and
Prof. Britta Nestler of the Institute for Computational Engineering (ICE) of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Copyright: Horst Rudel, Stuttgart)
With 200,000 Euros, Baden-Württemberg’s annual State Research Prize has the largest purse of any state award. This year, it went to Prof. Britta Nestler of Karlsruhe and Prof. Markus Oberthaler of Heidelberg.
Britta Nestler of the Institute for Computational Engineering (ICE) of the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences received the prize for applied research. Her work focuses on computer-based materials development, and involves new simulation technologies and modelling methods. For example, she can determine whether the bumper of a car can withstand an impact with just a few clicks of the mouse. The methods also provide clarity about how material properties change due to the influence of various processing techniques and material combinations.
The State Research Prize for basic research went to Prof. Markus Oberthaler of the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics of the University of Heidelberg. Oberthaler was the first to observe the so-called tunnel effect under controlled conditions. In it, quantum particles spontaneously penetrate spatial obstacles – an occurrence which is inconceivable in traditional physics. He also developed a new method to measure extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (-273°C).
More:
http://www.hs-karlsruhe.dehttp://www.kip.uni-heidelberg.de
