Karl W. Böer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics and Solar Energy, recently received another honor in his career as a pioneer in the field of solar energy: He has been elected one of the first 37 fellows of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), which he served as president in 1976-77.

An earlier recipient of the ASES Charles G. Abbot award, Böer was cited for his "many years of valued service in advancing the cause of solar energy" during the annual ASES meeting in June.

?Internationally known for his work in solid state physics and large-scale conversion of solar energy into electric energy, early in his career, Boër carried out research on the interaction of light with semiconductors, improving the photosensitivity of cadmium sulfide, a material that directs the shutter of modern cameras and streetlight controls.

Since the late 1960s, he has worked on improving the efficiency of solar cells. Böer lives in a solar heated house with a newly installed photovoltaic roof, the largest installation of its kind in a private home.

Receiving his doctorate in physics from Humboldt University in 1952, where he later served as a director and chaired professor, Böer joined the UD faculty in 1962. At UD, he founded and served as first director of the Institute of Energy Conversion.

A fellow of the American Physical Society, Böer was named to the advisory board of the Photonic Center of the WISTA Scientific and Industrial Center Berlin-Aldershof in 1995. WISTA fosters cooperative enterprise between business and scientific institutions, representing approximately 200 companies and institutions.

The author of Survey of Semiconductor Physics, 300 articles and the holder of 28 patents, Böer created the international journal, physica status solidi, in 1960 and serves on its editorial board. He served as editor-in-chief of Advances in Solar Energy through volume 12, which was published in 1998.

In 1987, the University created the Karl W. Böer Solar Energy Award in his honor, which was first awarded to former President Jimmy Carter. Böer also was awarded UD's highest award, the Medal of Distinction in 1998.

–Sue Moncure