Richard R. Ernst

Richard Robert Ernst (14 August 1933 – 4 June 2021) was a Swiss physical chemist and Nobel Laureate. Renowned for his work on the development of the methodology of high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Ernst's innovations significantly advanced the field of chemistry and molecular biology. His contributions have had a profound impact on the way scientists analyze chemical compounds and complex molecules.

Early Life and Education

Richard R. Ernst was born in Winterthur, Switzerland. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in both the sciences and the arts, particularly in music. Ernst pursued his higher education at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), where he studied chemical engineering. He completed his diploma in 1957 and subsequently embarked on his doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Hans H. Günthard. His doctoral thesis focused on NMR and was completed in 1962.

Career and Research

After obtaining his doctorate, Ernst moved to the United States to work at Varian Associates in Palo Alto, California, where he continued his research on NMR. During this period, he developed Fourier Transform NMR, a technique that significantly improved the sensitivity and resolution of NMR spectroscopy. This innovation was a turning point in the field of NMR, allowing for more detailed and precise analysis of molecular structures.

In 1968, Ernst returned to Switzerland and joined the faculty at ETH Zurich. Here, he expanded his research interests to include two-dimensional NMR and several other spectroscopic techniques. His work was instrumental in making NMR one of the most powerful tools in chemical and biochemical analysis. Ernst's research group developed a number of experimental techniques that enhanced the utility of NMR, including methods to study the structure of biologically important molecules.

Nobel Prize

In 1991, Richard R. Ernst was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the development of the methodology of high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The Nobel Committee recognized his work for revolutionizing the way chemists analyze chemical compounds, thereby having a significant impact on both academic research and industrial applications.

Later Life and Legacy

Beyond his scientific achievements, Ernst was also known for his interest in Tibetan art and culture. He was an avid collector of Tibetan thangkas (painted or embroidered Buddhist banners) and authored several books on the subject. Ernst was also a strong advocate for ethical responsibility in science and the importance of science education.

Richard R. Ernst passed away on 4 June 2021. His legacy is carried on through the numerous students he mentored, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to chemistry and related fields. Ernst's work on NMR spectroscopy continues to be a foundational element in modern chemical and biochemical research.

Selected Publications

Ernst authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and books throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:

• Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in One and Two Dimensions
• NMR—From Spectra to Structures: An Experimental Approach

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Richard R. Ernst received several other prestigious awards, including:

• The Wolf Prize in Chemistry
• The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize
• The Marcel Benoist Prize

See Also

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Chemical Shift
• Fourier Transform Spectroscopy