Pause for a moment here at the Institut für Physikalische Chemie und Institut für Lebensmittelchemie. This may seem like just another university building. But its history stretches back centuries.
The Institut für Physikalische Chemie and Institut für Lebensmittelchemie have a rich past. The roots trace back to 1613. That was the year the Akademisches Gymnasium was founded. Joachim Jungius, the rector, significantly contributed to chemistry as a natural science.
It was during this time that Purple of Cassius was discovered. Dr. Cassius, a friend of Jungius, lived in Hamburg. Another key moment in Hamburg’s chemistry history was the discovery of white phosphorus. The physician and alchemist Henning Brand made this discovery.
In 1841, the Akademisches Gymnasium expanded. It included a chemical laboratory. This became the Chemisches Staatslaboratorium in 1878. Scientists worked on practical problems for the city there.
The Universität Hamburg was founded in 1919. The Chemisches Staatslaboratorium zu Hamburg became the Chemisches Staatsinstitut in 1921. Then, the Institute for Physical Chemistry was established in 1923. Otto Stern was one of the eminent figures here. He is Universität Hamburg’s only Nobel Prize winner to date.
The first buildings at the Department’s current site were built between 1961 and 1965. Later, neighboring buildings were added. This accommodated the growing scientific activities. New institutes and departments were founded.
Today, the University buildings stand near the Outer Alster Lake. Also close by is the Planten un Blomen botanical park. This central location makes it easily accessible. Students, guests, and employees can easily reach the Department. They can also relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Since 2005, the Department of Chemistry has been part of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. The Institut für Physikalische Chemie itself houses nine departments. These include the Electron Microscopy Service Center. Research focuses on investigating nanoscopic materials.
There are close ties to the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology. Also, it has connections to the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht. The Institute for Physical Chemistry significantly contributes to the Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging.
Here at the Institut für Physikalische Chemie and Institut für Lebensmittelchemie, science and history converge. From alchemists to Nobel laureates, this place has been at the forefront of chemical discovery. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of innovation. It continues to shape our understanding of the world.