Ivar Giaever

Ivar Giaever was born on April 5, 1929, in Bergen, Norway. Raised in Norway, he later pursued studies at the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1952. This marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career in physics and engineering, setting the stage for his later groundbreaking work in superconductivity and biomolecular research.

In 1958, Ivar Giaever emigrated from Norway to Canada and then moved to the United States. He joined the General Electric Research Laboratory in Schenectady, New York, where he started his work as an applied mathematician and later transitioned into research in solid-state physics. This move was pivotal in his scientific career, as it exposed him to advanced research facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In 1960, Ivar Giaever began his pioneering research into superconductivity. His work focused on tunneling phenomena in superconductors, leading to significant breakthroughs in understanding the properties of superconducting materials. This research became instrumental in the development of superconducting electronics, and it contributed to the foundation for many applications in magnetic resonance imaging and quantum computing.

Ivar Giaever received his Ph.D. degree in 1969 from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. His dissertation focused on phenomenological theories of superconductivity, further solidifying his expertise and contribution to the field. The degree was not only a recognition of his academic accomplishments but also a testament to his deepening involvement in theoretical physics and materials science.

On October 16, 1973, Ivar Giaever was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, shared with Leo Esaki and Brian Josephson. He received the prize for his experimental discoveries regarding tunneling phenomena in superconductors. This recognition highlighted his significant contribution to the field of low-temperature physics, providing deeper insight into superconducting materials and impacting technologies such as superconducting magnets and circuits.

In 1986, Ivar Giaever joined the faculty at his alma mater, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where he held a position as a professor. His role involved not only teaching but also leading research endeavors, mentoring students, and continuing his investigation into physical phenomena. His appointment highlighted his transition from industrial research to academic leadership, where he influenced future generations of physicists.

By 1991, Ivar Giaever had begun significant research in the field of biophysics, particularly in molecular and cellular biophysics. His work in this area focused on the application of physical principles to understand biological processes and structures. This interdisciplinary work has contributed to advances in understanding cell behavior, the development of new materials, and therapeutics inspired by biological systems.

On March 23, 2001, Ivar Giaever became known for his public stance on global warming, expressing skepticism about the consensus on climate change. He stated that he was unconvinced about global warming being a pressing problem, a position that attracted attention and sparked debate. Giaever's stance is an example of the scientific discourse on climate issues and highlights differing perspectives among scientists on this complex problem.

On October 10, 2006, Ivar Giaever announced his retirement from his active roles in academia and industry. Despite retiring, Giaever has remained a vocal figure on scientific issues, particularly concerning his views on climate change and the policies surrounding it. His career spanned several decades and included profound contributions to physics, particularly in the areas of superconductivity and biophysics, influencing both fields significantly.

On June 13, 2011, Ivar Giaever resigned from the American Physical Society (APS) in protest of its official statement on climate change. Giaever disagreed with the APS's assertion about the evidence and implications of climate change, leading to a public split with the organization. His resignation underscored the tension between individual scientific beliefs and broader scientific consensus, highlighting challenges in addressing complex global issues.