Manfred Eigen

Manfred Eigen was born on May 9, 1927, in Bochum, Germany. He would go on to become a notable chemist known for his work on fast chemical reactions. Eigen's contributions to science significantly advanced the understanding of biophysical chemistry and molecular biology. His early life in Germany shaped his educational ambitions and scientific career.

On December 10, 1967, Manfred Eigen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his studies on extremely fast chemical reactions, effected by disturbing the equilibrium by means of very short pulses of energy. This pioneering work laid the foundation for our current understanding of reaction mechanisms at a molecular level, significantly advancing the field of physical chemistry.

In 1971, Manfred Eigen became the director of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany. Under his leadership, the institute became a leading center for research in chemistry and biochemistry, fostering numerous innovative research projects. Eigen's work at the institute further solidified his status as a leading figure in the scientific community.

In 1981, Manfred Eigen published 'The Hypercycle: A Principle of Natural Self-Organization'. This book explores the concept of hypercycles in the context of evolution, suggesting how prebiotic structures could evolve complexity. It remains a significant theoretical contribution to understanding chemical self-organization and evolution, influencing scientific perspectives on the origins of life.

In 1985, Manfred Eigen was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society. This honor recognized his outstanding contributions to science, particularly in chemistry and biophysics. Membership in the society is a testament to his influence and distinguished accomplishments in scientific research and thought leadership.

In 1992, together with Ruthild Winkler, Manfred Eigen published 'Laws of the Game: How the Principles of Nature Govern Chance'. The book discusses the interplay of chance and necessity in the natural world, elaborating on how the fundamental laws of physics govern biological processes. This work contributed to bridging disciplines and expanding the dialogue between physics and biology.

Manfred Eigen received the National Medal of Science in 1995 in recognition of his work on fast chemical reactions and molecular biophysics. This prestigious award, given by the United States government, honored his significant contributions to the scientific community and his influence on both theoretical and practical aspects of chemical kinetics.

Manfred Eigen published a comprehensive review titled 'On Self-Organization of Matter and the Evolution of Biological Macromolecules', which provides an in-depth analysis of how biological systems self-organize. This work is significant for its insights into the connections between physical and biological sciences, offering a framework for understanding the complexity of biological systems.

In 2014, Manfred Eigen was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements and contributions to chemistry and molecular biology. This honor emphasized his global influence and the international recognition he received for his work and leadership in the scientific community.

Manfred Eigen passed away on February 6, 2019, in Göttingen, Germany, at the age of 91. His death marked the end of an era for many in the fields of chemistry and biophysics. Eigen's legacy endures through his pioneering research and the many scientists and scholars he inspired. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the understanding and advancement of science.