Joachim Sauer: The Quantum Chemist Husband of Angela Merkel
Introduction
Joachim Sauer is a renowned German quantum chemist and professor emeritus of physical and theoretical chemistry. He is known for his contributions to theoretical chemistry and quantum chemistry, particularly in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Early Life and Education
Joachim Sauer was born on April 19, 1949, in Hoyerswerda, East Germany. He studied chemistry at the Humboldt University of Berlin, where he earned his doctorate in 1977. His doctoral thesis focused on the application of quantum chemical methods to NMR spectroscopy.
Academic Career
After completing his doctorate, Sauer joined the faculty of the Humboldt University of Berlin as a research assistant. In 1987, he was appointed a full professor of physical chemistry. From 1993 to 2017, he served as the director of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen.
Research Interests
Sauer's research interests encompass a wide range of topics in theoretical chemistry and quantum chemistry. He has made significant contributions to the development of density functional theory (DFT) and its applications in quantum chemistry. His work has also focused on the study of molecular structure, dynamics, and spectroscopy using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches.
Personal Life
Sauer met Angela Merkel, who became the Chancellor of Germany, in 1981. They married in 1998. Sauer is a private person who rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. He is known for his quiet and reserved demeanor.
Awards and Recognition
Sauer has received numerous awards and honors for his scientific contributions. These include the Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation (1997), the Max Planck Research Prize (2000), and the Werner Heisenberg Medal of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (2005). He is also a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Royal Society of London.
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