Suche
Mein Konto
A scientist from Bremen turns 95: A life for physics!
Dr. Rolf Siems will be 95 years old on June 24th. He had a decisive influence on theoretical physics at Saarland University.
A scientist from Bremen turns 95: A life for physics!
On June 24, 2025, the renowned physicist Dr. Rolf Siems celebrates his 95th birthday. Born in Bremen, Siems has had a remarkable academic career, working in a variety of scientific institutions and producing numerous important publications. He began his studies at the University of Göttingen and continued his education at Michigan State College. After completing his doctorate in 1963 at the Aachen University of Technology, for which he received the Borchers plaque, he completed his habilitation in 1968 on a topic about “interactions between defects in crystals”.
His career took him to, among other places, the Jülich nuclear research facility and the Belgian atomic research center in Mol. Siems also gained international experience at the Argonne National Laboratory and at the Pennsylvania State University in the USA. In 1970 he accepted a position at Saarland University and took over the chair for theoretical physics. He held this position until his retirement at the end of the summer semester of 1998.
Scientific contribution
Dr. Siems has made a significant contribution to research, particularly in the areas of phase transitions in modulated structures and the classical and quantum mechanics of chaotic systems. His comprehensive scientific portfolio includes around 150 publications and conference contributions. His research into the properties of pseudospin systems and hydrogen in metals also demonstrates his broad expertise. During his time at the university, Siems was actively involved in various special research areas, including the research area “Ferroelectrics” and the special research area 277 on “Interface-determined materials”.
As part of his teaching activities, Siems imparted in-depth knowledge of complex physical phenomena, which were covered in his lectures on the thermodynamic description of phase transitions. Different microscopic models such as the Ising and Heisenberg models as well as methods such as molecular field theory were used. Essential concepts of renormalization group theory also became part of his teaching program, which included not only theoretical content but also practical exercises.
Influence and engagement
Dr. In addition to his research activities, Siems was also involved in academic self-administration. He took on various responsible tasks, including that of vice dean and chairing examination offices for diploma examinations. His involvement also extended to library administration at Saarland University.
His lifelong commitment to physics and academic teaching not only inspired his students, but also enriched scientific discourse in Germany. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Dr. Rolf Siems is an outstanding example of dedication and excellence in science.
For more information about Dr. You can read the reports from Siems and his work uni-saarland.de, details on the theoretical physics of tu-dresden.de, as well as the analyzes of scientific careers degruyterbrill.com see.