Prize Recipient


Recipient Picture

Michael Allan
University of Fribourg

Citation:

"For outstanding contributions to the field of electron-atom and electron-molecule collisions, particularly studies of resonance and threshold effects in inelastic electron scattering and dissociative electron attachment processes."

Background:

Michael Allan was awarded the Will Allis Prize of the American Physical Society for his contributions to the field of electron-driven physics and chemistry, that is, to the field of electron-atom and electron-molecule collisions, particularly studies of resonance and threshold effects in inelastic electron scattering and dissociative electron attachment processes. His passion for encounters of electrons and molecules encompassed both scientific curiosity and an endeavor to improve the instrumentation, an effort which often opened the horizon to new observations. Many of the projects involve mutual inspiration and support with leading theoretical groups working on the complex problem of discrete states embedded in a continuum of a free electron and an atom or a molecule. Allan received a diploma in Chemistry in 1973 and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1977, both from the University of Basel in Switzerland. Subsequently he spent three years at the Yale university as a postdoctoral associate. In 1980 he became an „Oberassistent“ and in 1988 professor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland where is presently professor emeritus. He received the Habilitation (venia legendi) in 1988. He won the Werner – prize of the Swiss Chemical Society in 1987.


Selection Committee:

2020 Selection Committee Members: Klaus Bartschat (Chair), Leanne Pitchford ('18 Recipient), Christine Charles, John Foster, Cliff Surko