Elettra Fellows 2012

Ernst Bauer

 
Prof. Ernst Bauer is a distinguished physicist and surface scientist who has given fundamental contributions to the understanding of epitaxial growth mechanism and to the development of microscopy techniques. He derived in 1958 the classification of thin film growth mechanism that provides to this day the theoretical thermodynamic framework used to understand epitaxy. In 1962 he invented Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM), which came to fruition in 1985. More recently he extended LEEM technique in two directions of capital importance by developing Spin-Polarized Low Energy Electron Microscopy (SPLEEM) and Spectroscopy Photo Emission and Low Energy electron Microscopy (SPELEEM). Using such methodsa comprehensive (structural, chemical, magnetic and electronic) characterization of surfaces and thin films on the 10nm scale became feasible. His interest in the development of synchrotron radiation microscopy techniques and his fifteen years involvement with Elettraresulted in the development of the Nanospectroscopy beamline, which is today one of the premiere synchrotronradiation microscopy facilities in the world. Over the years he has provided our staff with invaluable advice on scientific developments and strategies in areas as diverse as surface science, nanoscience and surface and thin film microscopy, greatly contributing to the success of our organization.
 

Helga Nowotny

 
Prof. Helga Nowotny distinguished academic career started at the University of Vienna and Columbia University New York. She then held teaching and research positions in Cambridge, Bielefeld, Ecole des Hautes Etudes Paris, Wissenschaftskolleg zuBerlin, Collegium Budapest, ETH Zurich and others. A prolific writer in the field of Science and Technology Studies, her books had a lasting impact on the understanding of the transformation in the relationship between Science and Society. After launching several successful Institutions, she has now focused her capabilities and experience on building and strengthening the European Research Council which is havening a great impact on the visibility and capability of the European Research Area.
The European Perspectives of European Research, and, within these, of Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste have been greatly improved thanks to the developments driven by prof. Helga Nowotny and we look forward to her continuing drive, as a true “European Citizen”.
 

Robert-Jan Smits

 
Dr. Robert Jan Smits is responsible for defining and implementing the EU policy and programmesin the field of research and innovation. This follows a distinguished career as director of the Research Programmesand Capacity of the EU and in this positionhe has been the Commission’s prime mover in proposing and accompanying the setting-up the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures by the Competitivity Council. At the same timehe has supported and helped to achieve the birth of the European Research Council, and strengthened the opportunities for research to use financial instruments supported jointly by the EC and the European Research Area. The European Perspectives of European Research, and, within these, of Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste have been greatly improved thanks to the developments driven by Dr. Robert Jan Smitsand we look forward to his continuing drive, as a true “European Citizen”.