Institute of Molecular Physical Science (IMPS)

Obituary for Professor Richard R. Ernst

To the Obituary for Professor Richard R. Ernst

About the Institute of Molecular Physical Science

The Institute of Molecular Physical Science (IMPS) combines theory and experiment in fundamental investigations of matter in the gas, liquid and solid phases. The research activity in the institute aims at the characterization and understanding and prediction of properties of matter at the atomic and molecular levels over a broad range of time and length scales, considering both structure and dynamics. It addresses open scientific questions across the entire range of the natural sciences from physics via chemistry and materials sciences to biology.

Theoretical research in the institute includes the development and applications of first-principles quantum chemistry, quantum dynamics, reaction-rate theory, classical molecular dynamics simulations, and cheminformatics. A traditional focus of experimental research in the institute lies in magnetic-resonance spectroscopy, with activities in electron-paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and bio-NMR spectroscopy and their applications to the characterization of bio-molecular systems. This activity is complemented by research in electrochemistry and electrochemical-energy storage and conversion primarily carried out at the Paul-Scherrer Institute, high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, reaction kinetics, and reaction dynamics.

All research groups have in common that they develop new instrumentation, techniques or algorithms to either extend existing methodologies beyond their current limits or initiate new fields of scientific investigations. The research activities are strengthened by state-of-the-art electronic and mechanical workshops as well as a chemical-synthesis and chemical-analysis laboratory.

Through its intrinsically interdisciplinary approach to research at the crossroads of physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology, the institute is integrated in, and contributes to, a broad range of ETH-wide, national and international research activities, such as the ETH Quantum Center, the ETH center on the origin and prevalence of life, the Bringing Material to Life Center and the Swiss National Competence Center for Research in Catalysis. Interdisciplinarity is also a key element of the teaching activity in the institute, with a strong involvement in the Chemistry curriculum, the curriculum in the Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences, and the curriculum in Computational Science and Engineering. The institute provides service lectures and laboratory courses to other departments, including D-​BIOL, D-​USYS, D-​PHYS, and D-​MATH.