The Körber European Science Prize is awarded annually to outstanding researchers based in Europe. With the prize money of 750,000 euros, the Körber-Stiftung funds pioneering research in life sciences and physical sciences. The prize money is intended to fund the winners’ research projects for a period of three years. The prizewinners decide at their own discretion how to use the funding.
Prizewinners at FAU
Two professors from Erlangen have won the Körber Prize so far: Norbert Sauer from the Chair of Molecular Plant Physiology in 2001 and Philip Russell from the Chair of Experimental Physics in 2005.
Revolutionising glass fibre: Philip St John Russell (2005)
Philip Russell received special renown for the development of a new type of glass fibres that contain tiny air holes. These fibres revolutionise the measurement of light frequencies as they are the main component of a so-called frequency comb, which is a device used to make extremely precise measurements of the wavelength of electromagnetic rays. In addition, the glass fibres are used in new light sources in the ultraviolet range that are important for chip production. Russell’s fibres are also used in fundamental research to investigate, for example, the interaction between light and matter in the nanometre range.
Equipping plants for influences from the environment: Norbert Sauer (2001)
Farmers all over the world have to overcome many difficulties including water erosion, salinisation, and drought. Equipping plants for such conditions is the aim of Norbert Sauer’s research. In conjunction with his colleagues, Sauer was awarded the Körber Prize for breeding plants that are resistant to high levels of salt.