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Nov. 18, 2024
Dear friends and colleagues,
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Dr. Mikhail Eremets—a visionary scientist and pioneer whose contributions were essential in shaping the landscape of experimental high-pressure physics and superconductivity research.
A true scientist of the world, Dr. Eremets began his academic journey in Russia, earning his degree from the prestigious Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI). His remarkable international career included research positions in France, the Netherlands, the UK, the United States, and Japan, until he found his long-term scientific home at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany. Mikhail had been a senior scientist at the Institute since 2001, and he led the independent research group on High Pressure Chemistry and Physics.
Among his most significant achievements was his groundbreaking discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in hydrogen-rich materials under extreme pressure. Mikhail and his group discovered conventional superconductivity in hydrides, and they reached record-high critical temperature of more than 200 K in sulfur hydride and more than 250 K in lanthanum hydride, setting new records for superconductivity. These breakthroughs not only redefined the limits of superconductivity, but also brought humanity close to realizing the dream of room-temperature superconductivity.
In addition to this milestone, Dr. Eremets made numerous other fundamental contributions to high pressure research, including:
· Universal diamond edge Raman scale to 0.5 terapascal
· Semimetallic molecular hydrogen
· Single-bonded cubic form of nitrogen
He also authored the renowned book “High pressure experimental methods”. A true inventor and a creative engineer, throughout his career Dr. Eremets continuously designed new high-pressure instruments and developed innovative measurement techniques to advance the study of materials under extreme conditions. His work was driven by insatiable curiosity, a tireless pursuit of understanding nature’s fundamental laws, and a deep commitment to exploring new concepts and ideas.
Mikhail Eremets was not only an exceptional scientist but also a dedicated mentor and an inspiring role model. He shared his extensive knowledge across various disciplines with enthusiasm and generosity, profoundly impacting the students and colleagues he guided throughout his career.
His extraordinary contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors, including:
· The Bragg Lecture at University College London (2023),
· The Bernd T. Matthias Prize for Superconducting Materials (2022),
· The Bodo-von-Borries Special Lecture (2022),
· The James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials of the American Physical Society (2020),
· The Breakthrough Winner in Physical Sciences, Falling Walls, Berlin (2020),
· The Bridgman Award, AIRAPT (2017),
· A Honorary Doctorate from Leipzig University, Germany (2016),
· The Ugo Fano Gold Medal (2015), and
· Being named one of Nature’s “10: Ten People Who Mattered This Year” (2015).
As we mourn the loss of Mikhail Eremets, we honor his legacy by continuing the research and discoveries he so passionately pursued. His vision, dedication, and spirit will remain a guiding light for future generations of scientists.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless colleagues and students whose lives he touched.
Mikhail Eremets will be deeply missed, but his legacy will endure in the discoveries he made and the inspiration he provided to the scientific community.
In remembrance,
On behalf of Mikhail Eremets´ Group
Vasily Minkov, Alexander Drozdov, Vadim Ksenofontov, Feng Du and Lilia Boeri
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