UD solar scientist Karl W. Böer
named prestigious IEEE fellow

Karl W. Böer. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics and Solar Energy, has been named a fellow of the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), one of the most prestigious honors of the organization, for his "contributions to research, development and commercialization of thin film solar cells."

Last year, Böer also was elected one of the first 37 fellows of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). He also has been a fellow of the American Physical Society since 1965.

A pioneer in the field of solar energy, Böer served on the advisory board of the Photonic Center of the WISTA Scientific and Industrial Center Berlin-Aldershof. He is the author of Survey of Semiconductor Physics, serves on the editorial board of Energy Conversion and Management and physica status solidi, which he founded, and is former editor-in-chief of Advances in Solar Energy. He holds 28 patents and has written more than 300 articles.

He came to UD in 1962 and was first director of the Institute of Energy Conversion, which was designated as a national center of excellence for photovoltaic research and education by the U.S. Department of Energy.

In 1993, he donated the Karl Wolfgang Böer Papers, which covered 53 linear feet, to the University Library.

Böer received his doctorate from Humboldt University's Institute of Physics where he later served as a director and chaired professor. In 1996, he was honored at a special Fest-Colloquium at his alma mater.

In 1987, the University created the Karl Wolfgang Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit in his honor, consisting of a bronze medal and a $40,000 stipend. Former President Jimmy Carter received the first award in 1993 for his work in focusing world attention on solar energy. Last April, Allen M. Barnett, president and CEO of AstroPower Inc., was the recipient.

In 1998, the University presented Böer with its Medal of Distinction.