Famous Austrian Scientists

Gregor Johann Mendel was an Austrian-Czech biologist, meteorologist, mathematician, Augustinian friar, and abbot of St. Thomas' Abbey in Brno. He conducted groundbreaking experiments on pea plants between 1856 and 1863, establishing the laws of Mendelian inheritance. Mendel worked with seven characteristics of pea plants, including plant height, pod shape and color, seed shape and color, and flower position and color. He coined the terms "recessive" and "dominant" to explain his findings, which laid the foundation for the modern science of genetics.

Erwin Schrödinger was an Austrian and Irish physicist who made significant contributions to quantum theory. He developed the famous Schrödinger equation for calculating the wave function of systems. Schrödinger also coined the term "quantum entanglement" and explored various fields of physics including statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, general relativity, and cosmology. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 for his work on quantum mechanics. Schrödinger held academic positions at various universities, with notable stints in Germany, Austria, and Ireland.

Kurt Gödel was a prominent logician, mathematician, and philosopher whose work profoundly impacted scientific and philosophical thinking in the 20th century. His groundbreaking discoveries in the foundations of mathematics, including the completeness theorem and incompleteness theorems, revolutionized the field. He developed the technique of Gödel numbering, which codes formal expressions as natural numbers, and showed that certain propositions cannot be proven within formal systems. Gödel's contributions to proof theory and set theory, including his results on the axiom of choice and the continuum hypothesis, solidified his legacy as one of the most significant logicians in history.

Wolfgang Pauli was an Austrian theoretical physicist known for his pioneering work in quantum physics. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1945 for his discovery of the exclusion principle, which has had a profound impact on our understanding of the structure of matter. Pauli's work on spin theory further advanced the field, establishing him as a key figure in the development of quantum mechanics. His contributions continue to influence physics to this day, solidifying his legacy as a groundbreaking scientist.

Ludwig Boltzmann was an Austrian physicist and philosopher known for his groundbreaking work in statistical mechanics and the statistical explanation of the second law of thermodynamics. His development of statistical mechanics provided a crucial link between macroscopic observations and microscopic parameters, revolutionizing the understanding of thermodynamic quantities. Boltzmann's definition of entropy and the introduction of the Boltzmann constant have had a lasting impact on the field of physics, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the history of modern physics.

Konrad Lorenz was an Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist who shared the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He is considered a pioneer in the field of ethology, focusing on animal behavior. Lorenz's research on instinctive behavior, particularly imprinting in birds like greylag geese, was groundbreaking. He collaborated with Nikolaas Tinbergen to establish ethology as a distinct branch of biology. Despite interruptions due to World War II, Lorenz's work left a lasting impact, with several of his books becoming widely read in the field.

Ernst Mach was an Austrian physicist and philosopher known for his contributions to the physics of shock waves. He is honored through the Mach number, which represents the ratio of speed to sound. A significant figure in logical positivism and American pragmatism, Mach influenced the philosophy of science. He critiqued Isaac Newton's theories of space and time, anticipating Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. His work bridged the gap between physics and philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.

Christian Doppler was an Austrian mathematician and physicist known for formulating the principle of the Doppler effect. His professional life was focused on the study of waves and their observed frequencies in relation to the relative motion of the source and observer. Doppler's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the understanding of how the perceived frequency of sound or light waves changes when the source or observer is in motion. His contributions have had a lasting impact on various scientific fields, particularly in astronomy and physics.

Albert Szent-Györgyi was a prominent Hungarian biochemist known for his groundbreaking discoveries in physiology and medicine. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937 for isolating vitamin C and elucidating key components of the citric acid cycle. His research also contributed to the understanding of muscle contraction at the molecular level. Szent-Györgyi's professional endeavors extended beyond scientific achievements, as he played an active role in the Hungarian Resistance during World War II and later became involved in Hungarian politics post-war.

Karl von Frisch was a prominent German-Austrian ethologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on the sensory perceptions of honey bees. His notable achievement was in deciphering the waggle dance of bees, which he detailed in his influential book, "The Dancing Bees." Initially met with skepticism, his theory was eventually validated as an accurate analysis. Alongside Nikolaas Tinbergen and Konrad Lorenz, von Frisch was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for his significant contributions to the field of ethology.

Viktor Schauberger was an Austrian figure known for his work as a forest caretaker, naturalist, philosopher, inventor, and pseudoscientist. Throughout his professional life, he gained recognition for his unconventional ideas and inventions related to water, energy, and natural phenomena. Schauberger's work often focused on the importance of understanding and working with nature's principles to achieve sustainable and harmonious outcomes. His innovative concepts have left a lasting impact on fields such as environmental science, energy technology, and biomimicry.

Walter Rudin was an Austrian-American mathematician and professor known for his significant contributions to complex and harmonic analysis. He taught Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and authored renowned textbooks such as Principles of Mathematical Analysis, Real and Complex Analysis, and Functional Analysis. Rudin's work, particularly Principles of Mathematical Analysis, is highly regarded for its elegance and clarity, making it a standard text for introductory real analysis courses in the United States and internationally, with translations in 13 languages.

Paul Ehrenfest was an Austrian theoretical physicist known for his significant contributions to the fields of statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. He developed the theory of phase transitions and formulated the Ehrenfest theorem. He established a close friendship with Albert Einstein and later became a professor in Leiden, where he often hosted Einstein. Ehrenfest's professional life was marked by his pioneering work in theoretical physics and his collaborations with leading scientists of his time.

Emil Artin, an Austrian mathematician of Armenian descent, was a prominent figure in twentieth-century mathematics. Renowned for his contributions to algebraic number theory, Artin made significant advancements in class field theory and L-functions. He played a pivotal role in the development of modern abstract algebra, particularly in the realms of rings, groups, and fields. Alongside Emmy Noether, Artin is credited with laying the foundation for abstract algebra, leaving a lasting impact on the field with his innovative and influential work.

Richard von Mises was an Austrian scientist and mathematician known for his work in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and statistics. He held the position of Gordon McKay Professor of Aerodynamics and Applied Mathematics at Harvard University. Von Mises also made contributions to the philosophy of science as a neo-positivist and empiricist, influenced by Ernst Mach. He had close connections with key figures in logical positivism such as Philipp Frank and was interested in literary figures like Robert Musil and Rainer Maria Rilke.

Fred Singer was an Austrian-American physicist and professor of environmental science known for rejecting the scientific consensus on various issues, including climate change and ozone depletion. He authored several books on environmental topics and co-authored works on global warming. Singer had a diverse career, serving in the armed forces, government, and academia. He played a key role in early space research, worked with earth observation satellites, and held government positions related to environmental protection. He founded the Science & Environmental Policy Project and was critical of climate change models based on human-caused carbon dioxide emissions.

Anton Zeilinger is an Austrian quantum physicist and Nobel laureate in physics of 2022. He is a professor of physics emeritus at the University of Vienna and a senior scientist at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. His research primarily focuses on the fundamental aspects and applications of quantum entanglement. Zeilinger has received prestigious awards such as the Inaugural Isaac Newton Medal for his contributions to quantum physics. He was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022 for his groundbreaking experiments with entangled photons and advancements in quantum information science.

Heinz von Foerster was a renowned Austrian-American scientist known for his pioneering work in second-order cybernetics. He was a prolific writer with nearly two hundred professional papers covering a wide range of fields, such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and epistemology. His research spanned diverse areas including high-speed electronics, biophysics, and cognition. Von Foerster played a key role in the development of cybernetics, working with prominent figures like Warren McCulloch, Norbert Wiener, and John von Neumann. He established the Biological Computer Laboratory and contributed significantly to the field's early proceedings.

Karl von Terzaghi was a prominent Austrian mechanical engineer, geotechnical engineer, and geologist recognized as the "father of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering." Throughout his professional life, he made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering by pioneering innovative techniques for understanding soil behavior and improving foundation design. Terzaghi's research and publications revolutionized the practice of geotechnical engineering, laying the foundation for modern soil mechanics. His work remains influential in the field, shaping the way engineers approach soil-related challenges.

Martin Hairer is an Austrian-British mathematician known for his work in stochastic analysis, particularly in stochastic partial differential equations. He holds the position of Professor of Mathematics at EPFL and Imperial College London. Hairer has previously worked at the University of Warwick and the Courant Institute of New York University. He has received prestigious awards such as the Fields Medal in 2014 and the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics in 2020. Hairer's contributions have significantly advanced the field of mathematics.

Martin Karplus is an Austrian and American theoretical chemist known for his significant contributions to the field. He serves as the Director of the Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory at the joint laboratory of the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Strasbourg, France. Additionally, he holds the title of Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry, emeritus at Harvard University. Karplus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013, alongside Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel, for their work on developing multiscale models for complex chemical systems.

Walter Kohn was an Austrian-American theoretical physicist and theoretical chemist known for his pioneering work in the field of density functional theory. Alongside John Pople, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for their contributions to understanding the electronic properties of materials. Kohn's key role in developing density functional theory revolutionized quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations by focusing on electronic density. This innovation led to more accurate predictions for complex systems, offering crucial insights for materials science, condensed-phase physics, and chemical physics.

Josef Stefan was a prominent physicist, mathematician, and poet from the Austrian Empire. He made significant contributions to the fields of thermodynamics and radiation laws, most notably formulating the Stefan-Boltzmann law which describes the power radiated from a black body in terms of its temperature. Stefan also served as a professor at the University of Vienna, where he furthered his research and inspired future generations of scientists. His work continues to be influential in the realms of physics and mathematics to this day.

Hans Hass was an Austrian biologist and underwater diving pioneer who played a significant role in popularizing marine life such as coral reefs, stingrays, octopuses, and sharks. He led the development of underwater documentaries, utilizing innovative filming techniques. Hass also contributed to the advancement of rebreather technology, enhancing diving safety. His energon theory and dedication to environmental conservation further solidified his legacy in marine science. Hass's professional life was marked by exploration, discovery, and a commitment to raising awareness about the beauty and importance of the underwater world.

Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy was an Austrian biologist and one of the founders of general systems theory (GST). His interdisciplinary approach described systems with interacting components, applicable to various fields including biology and cybernetics. Bertalanffy proposed the application of classical thermodynamic laws to closed systems, excluding open systems like living organisms. His mathematical model for the growth of organisms, published in 1934, remains influential today. Bertalanffy worked in Vienna, London, Canada, and the United States, contributing significantly to the field of systems theory.

Erich von Tschermak was an Austrian agronomist known for developing disease-resistant crops such as wheat-rye and oat hybrids. He received his doctorate from the University of Halle and later joined the University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna as a professor. He was one of the scientists who independently rediscovered Gregor Mendel's work on genetics and published his findings in 1900. His work in genetics was influenced by his brother Armin von Tschermak-Seysenegg.

Paul Kammerer was an Austrian biologist known for his research and promotion of Lamarckism, a theory suggesting that acquired traits can be inherited by offspring. He conducted experiments on amphibians, particularly the midwife toad, to support his ideas. Kammerer's work focused on the inheritance of acquired characteristics and the role of environment in evolution. Despite controversy and skepticism from the scientific community, he made significant contributions to the study of evolutionary biology during his career.

Carl Auer von Welsbach was an Austrian scientist and inventor known for his groundbreaking work in the field of rare-earth elements. He successfully separated didymium into neodymium and praseodymium in 1885 and independently discovered lutetium in 1907. Von Welsbach's innovative contributions led to the development of ferrocerium "flints" for lighters, gas mantles for street lighting, and metal-filament light bulbs. His ability to translate scientific discoveries into commercially viable products revolutionized the lighting industry, earning him a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry.

Edwin Ernest Salpeter was a renowned astrophysicist known for his significant contributions to the field. He made pioneering advancements in understanding stellar structure, nucleosynthesis, and the evolution of stars. Salpeter's work on the theory of stellar structure and the formation of elements in the universe has had a lasting impact on astrophysics. He also played a key role in developing the theory of stellar populations and the study of neutron stars and black holes. Salpeter's research and insights continue to influence the field of astrophysics today.

Alexander Oscar Gettler was a pioneering toxicologist at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York for over four decades. Working alongside Charles Norris, he laid the groundwork for modern medicolegal investigation in the United States. Gettler's role as the first forensic chemist employed by a U.S. city was instrumental in shaping the field of forensic toxicology. His contributions earned him the title of "the father of forensic toxicology in America." The American Academy of Forensic Sciences honors his legacy with the Alexander O. Gettler Award.

Victor Frederick "Viki" Weisskopf was an Austrian-born American theoretical physicist. He conducted postdoctoral work with renowned physicists such as Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, Wolfgang Pauli, and Niels Bohr. During World War II, he served as the Deputy Division Leader of the Theoretical Division of the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos. Later in his career, Weisskopf actively advocated against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, highlighting his commitment to global peace and international security.

Max Perutz was an Austrian-born British molecular biologist known for his groundbreaking research on the structures of haemoglobin and myoglobin, which earned him the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1962 alongside John Kendrew. He founded and chaired The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge University, where numerous scientists under his guidance went on to win Nobel Prizes. Perutz's contributions to the field were further recognized with prestigious awards such as the Royal Medal and the Copley Medal from the Royal Society.

Georg Joachim Rheticus was a versatile professional, excelling as a mathematician, astronomer, cartographer, navigational-instrument maker, medical practitioner, and teacher. His notable achievements include the development of trigonometric tables and being the sole pupil of Nicolaus Copernicus. Rheticus played a crucial role in facilitating the publication of Copernicus's groundbreaking work, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, which revolutionized the understanding of the universe. His diverse skills and contributions have left a lasting impact on the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and education.

Eduard Suess was an Austrian geologist renowned for his expertise in Alps geography. He made significant contributions to the field by proposing the existence of the supercontinent Gondwana in 1861 and the Tethys Ocean. Suess conducted extensive studies on the Earth's crust and was a pioneer in paleogeography. His work revolutionized the understanding of the planet's geological history and continental drift theory. He was a respected authority in his field, leaving a lasting legacy in the scientific community through his groundbreaking theories and research.

Gottlieb Haberlandt was an Austrian botanist known for his pioneering work in plant tissue culture and totipotency. He suggested the culture of isolated tissues could reveal the potential of individual cells and their reciprocal influences. His ideas paved the way for significant discoveries in Biology and Medicine. In 1905, he proposed that plants might have light-sensing organs on leaf surfaces. Additionally, he described the specialized leaf anatomy crucial for C-4 photosynthesis, known as Kranz anatomy. Haberlandt's contributions have greatly influenced the understanding of plant biology.

Clemens von Pirquet was an Austrian scientist and pediatrician known for his significant contributions in bacteriology and immunology. He conducted pioneering research in these fields, particularly in the study of allergies and immune responses. Von Pirquet developed the concept of "allergy" and "sero-diagnosis" techniques, which revolutionized the understanding and diagnosis of allergic reactions. His work paved the way for advancements in immunology and diagnostic medicine, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community and shaping future research in these areas.

Josef Loschmidt was an Austrian scientist known for his groundbreaking work in chemistry, physics (thermodynamics, optics, electrodynamics), and crystal forms. He became a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Vienna in 1868. Loschmidt developed innovative ideas on molecular structures during an epoch of scientific advancement, contributing significantly to the Kinetic Theory of Gases. He proposed two-dimensional representations for over 300 molecules, including benzene, and was the first to estimate the size of air molecules. His collaboration with Ludwig Boltzmann led to significant advancements in thermodynamics and entropy.

Richard Adolf Zsigmondy was an Austrian chemist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of colloids. His research led to significant contributions in the development of the slit-ultramicroscope and various membrane filters. Zsigmondy's achievements in colloidal chemistry earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1925. His innovative methods and discoveries have had a lasting impact on the scientific community, with the crater Zsigmondy on the Moon serving as a testament to his enduring legacy in the field of chemistry.

Herman Francis Mark was an Austrian-American chemist known for his significant contributions to polymer science. His X-ray diffraction studies on fiber molecular structures provided crucial evidence for the macromolecular theory of polymer structure. Alongside Houwink, he developed the Mark–Houwink equation, highlighting the relationship between a polymer's intrinsic viscosity and its molecular weight. Mark was a distinguished faculty member at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and established the influential Journal of Polymer Science in 1946.

Leopold Auenbrugger was an Austrian physician credited with inventing percussion as a diagnostic technique in medicine. This groundbreaking discovery solidified his status as one of the founders of modern medicine. Auenbrugger's innovative approach revolutionized the field of healthcare by enabling doctors to diagnose various conditions through careful examination of the sounds produced by tapping the patient's body. His contributions to the medical world have had a lasting impact on the practice of medicine and continue to be recognized and utilized to this day.

Fritz Pregl was a Slovenian-Austrian chemist and physician known for his significant contributions to quantitative organic microanalysis. His groundbreaking work in improving the combustion train technique for elemental analysis revolutionized the field of chemistry. Pregl's expertise and dedication earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1923. Throughout his professional life, he focused on advancing analytical methods, particularly in the realm of organic chemistry. Pregl's innovative approach and meticulous research have left a lasting impact on the scientific community.

Paul Alfred Weiss was an Austrian biologist known for his work in morphogenesis, development, differentiation, and neurobiology. He made significant contributions to science through his research on limb regeneration, cell differentiation, and neurobiology. Weiss conducted experiments using newts and frogs to study tissue regeneration and nerve connections. He also introduced the concept of the "natural experiment" in teaching. He held academic positions in Europe and the United States, published influential works such as "Principles of Development," and received prestigious honors for his contributions to science.

Wilhelm Blaschke was an Austrian mathematician known for his significant contributions to the fields of differential and integral geometry. His professional life was focused on researching and advancing mathematical theories related to geometric shapes and structures. Blaschke's work played a crucial role in developing the understanding of geometric properties and their applications in various mathematical contexts. His expertise and findings continue to influence modern mathematics, particularly in the areas of differential and integral geometry.

Georg von Peuerbach was a prominent astronomer and mathematician known for his significant contributions in the field. He is best known for his work "Theoricae Novae Planetarum," which presented a more understandable version of Claudius Ptolemy's geocentric system. Peuerbach also computed his own eclipse tables, called the Tabulae Eclipsium, which remained influential for many years. He collaborated with Regiomontanus on translating Ptolemy's Almagest and developed important trigonometric tables. Peuerbach's work helped modernize the study of astronomy and greatly influenced future astronomers.

Karl Ferdinand Herzfeld was an Austrian-American physicist known for his contributions to the field of physical chemistry and molecular physics. He conducted research on the theory of heat capacities, rotational spectra of molecules, and the theory of radiation. Herzfeld also played a key role in the development of quantum mechanics, collaborating with renowned scientists such as Niels Bohr. His work significantly advanced the understanding of molecular structure and dynamics, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of physics and chemistry.

Giacomo Luigi Ciamician was a renowned Italian chemist and senator recognized for his pioneering work in the fields of photochemistry and green chemistry. Throughout his professional career, Ciamician made significant contributions to the scientific community, particularly in advancing the understanding of chemical reactions influenced by light and advocating for environmentally sustainable practices in chemistry. His research and advocacy efforts have left a lasting impact on the fields of chemistry and environmental science, solidifying his legacy as a notable figure in the scientific community.

Johann Palisa was an Austrian astronomer known for his prolific discoveries of asteroids, with a total of 122 findings to his credit. His notable discoveries include asteroids such as 153 Hilda, 216 Kleopatra, and 253 Mathilde. Palisa achieved these discoveries without the use of photography, making him the most successful visual asteroid discoverer in history. He received recognition for his work, including the Valz Prize from the French Academy of Sciences in 1906. Palisa's contributions were further honored through the naming of asteroid 914 Palisana and the lunar crater Palisa.

Alexander Meissner, an Austrian engineer and physicist, played a significant role in advancing radio telegraphy through his innovative work on antenna design. He was a pioneer in designing the rotary radio beacon and made groundbreaking discoveries in amplifying high-frequency radio signals. Meissner's expertise led him to teach at the Technical University of Berlin, where he shared his knowledge and inspired future generations of engineers. His contributions to the field of radio technology have left a lasting impact on communication systems and continue to be studied and applied today.

Angelika Amon was a renowned Austrian American molecular and cell biologist who held the prestigious Kathleen and Curtis Marble Professorship in Cancer Research at MIT. Her research focused on the regulation, duplication, and partitioning of chromosomes during the cell cycle. Amon's contributions to the field were widely recognized, leading to her election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017. She made significant advancements in understanding the fundamental processes that govern cell division, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.

Róbert Bárány was an eminent Austro-Hungarian otologist who made significant contributions to the field of physiology and pathology of the vestibular apparatus. His groundbreaking work in this area led to him being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1914. Throughout his career, Bárány focused on understanding the inner ear's role in balance and spatial orientation, laying the foundation for further advancements in otology and vestibular research. His pioneering research and discoveries continue to influence the field of otology to this day.

Martin Deutsch was an acclaimed Austrian-American physicist and professor at MIT. His groundbreaking discovery of positronium solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the field. Deutsch's research and contributions significantly advanced the understanding of particle physics and quantum mechanics. As a respected academic, he played a vital role in shaping the scientific community through his teaching and mentorship at MIT. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of physicists and researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge in the field of physics.

Stephan Endlicher was a prominent Austrian botanist, numismatist, and Sinologist. He served as the director of the Botanical Garden of Vienna, where he made significant contributions to the field of botany. Endlicher's expertise extended beyond botany, as he also delved into numismatics and Chinese studies. His work and research in these diverse fields helped advance knowledge and understanding in each area. Endlicher's legacy is marked by his dedication to scientific exploration and his lasting impact on the fields of botany, numismatics, and Sinology.

Johann Georg Hagen was an Austrian Jesuit priest and renowned astronomer. He served as the Director of the Georgetown University Observatory before being appointed by Pope Pius X as the first Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory in 1906. Father Hagen's expertise in astronomy was highly esteemed, and he played a crucial role in the development of astronomical studies at both institutions. Additionally, he served as the spiritual director of Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad, who he baptized and who later became a saint.

Claire F. Gmachl is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University. She is renowned for her pioneering contributions to the field of quantum cascade lasers. Gmachl's research has significantly advanced the development and application of this technology, with implications for various fields such as telecommunications and environmental sensing. As a respected academic and leader in her field, she has made substantial contributions to both research and education, shaping the future of electrical engineering and photonics through her innovative work.

Joseph Dieffenbach was an Austrian gardener known for his significant contributions to the imperial gardens of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace. Serving as the head gardener for an extended period, he played a key role in maintaining and enhancing the prestigious gardens. Dieffenbach's expertise and dedication led to the naming of the Dieffenbachia genus of plants in his honor, showcasing his lasting impact on the botanical world. His legacy continues to be celebrated through his innovative work and the recognition of his botanical namesake.

Friedrich Johann Karl Becke was an Austrian mineralogist and petrographer known for his research in rock-forming minerals and their light-refractive properties. He held various academic positions, including lecturer on geology at the University of Vienna and professorships at the University of Czernowitz and Prague. Becke eventually became a professor of mineralogy at the University of Vienna. He published numerous papers on geology and mineralogy, and his significant contributions were highlighted in the Mineralogische und Petrographische Mittheilungen journal.

Cecil Edgar Tilley was a renowned Australian-British petrologist and geologist. He made significant contributions to the understanding of igneous rocks and their formation processes. Tilley's work focused on the petrology of various rock types, particularly in relation to the Earth's crust and mantle. He conducted extensive research in the field, publishing numerous influential papers and studies. Tilley's expertise and discoveries have had a lasting impact on the fields of petrology and geology, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in earth sciences.

Wilhelm von Biela was a German-Austrian military officer who later became an amateur astronomer. He specialized in observing and calculating the orbits of comets, as well as conducting sunspot observations. Biela made significant contributions to the field of astronomy through his publications on various astronomical subjects. He independently discovered comets and is best known for the periodic Biela's Comet, which later split in two and disintegrated. Biela's work and discoveries earned him recognition in the scientific community, with a minor planet named in his honor.

Beatrix Tugendhut Gardner was an Austrian zoologist renowned for her groundbreaking research in the United States. Her work focusing on sign language studies with Washoe the chimpanzee made her a significant figure in the field. Washoe's ability to learn sign language under Gardner's guidance marked a milestone in animal communication research. Through her dedicated efforts, Gardner contributed valuable insights into the cognitive abilities and communication skills of chimpanzees, leaving a lasting impact on the study of animal behavior and psychology.