Biosketch

Abraham Nitzan was born in Israel in 1944, received his Ph.D degree from Tel Aviv University in 1972. Following post doctoral studies at MIT and the University of Chicago he has returned to Tel Aviv University in 1975 where he is a professor of Chemistry since 1982 (Emeritus since 2014). Since 2015 he is a professor of Chemistry and (since 2018) Donner Professor of Physical Science at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. His research focuses on the interaction of light with molecular systems, chemical reactions in condensed phases and interfaces and charge transfer processes in such environments. He has published over 350 papers and a comprehensive text (“Chemical Dynamics in Condensed Phases”, Oxford U. Press, 2006). Among his main recognitions are the Israel Chemical Society Prize (2004) and Medal (2015), the Emet Prize, the APS Plyler Prize, the ACS Theoretical Chemistry Prize and the Israel Prize in Chemistry. Hi is a Foreign Honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and a member of the Israel Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2010 he has received an honorary doctorate (Dr. Honoris Causa) from th e University of Konstanz.
During 1992-2015 Nitzan was the incumbent of the Kodesh Chair of Chemical Dynamics at Tel Aviv University. Among his main recognitions are the Humboldt Award, the Israel Chemical Society Prize (2004) and Medal (2015), the Emet Prize and the Israel Prize in Chemistry. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Foreign Honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Israel Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2010 he has received an honorary doctorate (Dr. Honoris Causa) from the University of Konstanz.

Research Interests

Theoretical studies of activation, relaxation and energy transfer processes in molecular systems. Theory of transport phenomena in condensed phases and on surfaces. Theory of chemical reaction rates in condensed phases. Theory of ionic diffusion and conductivity in solid ionic conductors, in polymers and in confined systems. Electromagnetic and electronic interactions in small particles and clusters Theoretical investigations of charge transfer and charge separation phenomena in condensed phases, at interfaces and in nano-junctions. Theory of molecular electronics. Numerical simulations of relaxation and transport processes.

Membership Type

International Member

Election Year

2015

Primary Section

Section 14: Chemistry

Secondary Section

Section 13: Physics