Two leading scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) have been lauded for groundbreaking contributions in the field of light scattering, recognized during the 21st International Electromagnetic and Light Scattering Conference held in Milazzo, Italy. Prof. Andreas Macke, the Director of TROPOS, was awarded the prestigious “Elsevier van de Hulst Prize for Light Scattering” 2025, celebrating his pioneering work on the scattering characteristics of atmospheric ice crystals. Simultaneously, Dr. Moritz Haarig, an emerging figure in atmospheric optics, received the inaugural AS&T Young Scientist Award for his impactful research presentation, marking a significant milestone for young researchers in the field.
Prof. Macke’s research represents a monumental shift in how scientists understand and model the interaction between electromagnetic waves and complex ice crystal structures suspended in Earth’s atmosphere. His innovative use of geometrical optics and advanced light scattering models has facilitated a more precise depiction of irregular ice crystals compared to traditional spherical or simplistic approximations. By capturing the intrinsic complexity and heterogeneity of atmospheric ice particulates, Macke’s models have transcended disciplinary boundaries, offering critical insights across astrophysics, biology, medicine, and atmospheric sciences. This versatility underlines the profound significance of his work in interpreting phenomena ranging from climate processes to remote sensing applications.
The Elsevier van de Hulst Prize, awarded annually since 2010 by the Journal of Quantum Spectroscopy & Radiative Transfer, honors researchers whose lifetime scientific achievements have considerably expanded the frontiers of electromagnetic scattering theory and its practical applications. Named after Dutch astronomer Hendrik C. van de Hulst, who famously predicted the 21-centimeter hydrogen line essential to modern astrophysics, the prize perpetuates a legacy of transformative scientific discovery. Prof. Macke’s receipt of this accolade is a testament to his sustained commitment to foundational research that bridges fundamental physics with applied methodologies, thereby driving the evolution of contemporary atmospheric science.
Prof. Macke himself reflects on the honor with humility and dedication. Though he never personally encountered Prof. van de Hulst, Macke’s postdoctoral experience at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies afforded him profound insight into the luminary’s influential work, particularly the seminal text “Light Scattering by Small Particles.” This formative period solidified Macke’s resolve to pursue application-driven foundational research, embodying the spirit of the Leibniz Association’s emphasis on scientific excellence and societal relevance.
Complementing this recognition of seasoned excellence, Dr. Moritz Haarig’s AS&T Young Scientist Award highlights emerging talent in aerosol and optical atmospheric research. Established by the Aerosol Science & Technology Journal in 2025, this award underscores the critical importance of engaging early-career scientists who are making impactful contributions to conference discourse and advancing experimental methodologies. Dr. Haarig’s leadership of the Leibniz Junior Research Group at TROPOS exemplifies this ethos, particularly through their development of the Optical Lab for Lidar Applications (OLALA). This cutting-edge laboratory is revolutionizing the study of complex, non-spherical dust particles, which have historically posed challenges in remote sensing data interpretation.
Dust particles, especially desert-derived aerosols, are notorious for their irregular shapes and variable optical properties, complicating the retrieval of accurate remote sensing measurements from both terrestrial and satellite platforms. The OLALA facility addresses this challenge by integrating meticulous experimental setups with sophisticated theoretical models to describe how such particles scatter light. Contributions from team members, including Esha Semwal in experimental configuration and Thomas Oppermann in modeling non-spherical particle scattering, have been instrumental in refining lidar data products and ultimately enhancing climate model parameterizations.
This integration of experimental innovation and theoretical rigor is emblematic of TROPOS’s broader mission to unravel the complexities of atmospheric aerosols and their interactions with radiation. The insights generated through OLALA not only improve remote sensing accuracy but also deepen understanding of aerosol radiative forcing mechanisms, which remain one of the largest uncertainties in climate projections. By accurately characterizing the morphology and optical behavior of desert dust, Haarig’s group is enabling scientists to quantify aerosol impacts on weather, climate, and air quality with unprecedented detail.
The conference itself, hosted in the culturally rich setting of Milazzo, served as an international nexus for discussions on electromagnetic and light scattering phenomena. Bringing together experts across physics, chemistry, and environmental science, the event fostered collaborations that bridge observational studies, laboratory experiments, and theoretical modeling. The recognition of TROPOS researchers within this global forum not only amplifies their scientific achievements but also highlights the institute’s role as a hub for cutting-edge atmospheric research.
The legacy of the van de Hulst Prize interlaces with the historical evolution of light scattering science, tracing lineage from fundamental astrophysical discoveries to contemporary atmospheric applications. Van de Hulst’s prediction of the 21-centimeter spectral line transformed our understanding of galactic structure and interstellar medium properties, foundations upon which modern remote sensing and radiative transfer methods are built. Prof. Macke’s models extend this tradition by refining our grasp of microscopic scattering mechanisms, enabling enhanced satellite retrievals of cloud and aerosol parameters vital for climate monitoring.
Moreover, the innovative methodologies introduced by Dr. Haarig and his team underpin emerging capabilities for lidar-based aerosol characterization. By elucidating how irregularly shaped particles interact with polarized and unpolarized light, the research advances not just remote sensing but also facilitates improved numerical weather prediction and air quality assessments. This work aligns with global scientific priorities aimed at mitigating environmental hazards and comprehending anthropogenic influences on atmospheric composition.
Taken together, the dual accolades bestowed upon TROPOS scientists epitomize a dynamic interplay between venerable scholarship and emergent innovation. They embody the spirit of interdisciplinary rigor and practical relevance that characterizes today’s forefront scientific endeavors in atmospheric optics and electromagnetic scattering. The expansions in theoretical frameworks and experimental precision herald new eras in understanding Earth’s climate system and its intricate particulate phenomena.
As these scientists continue to push boundaries, their work promises far-reaching implications for disciplines extending beyond atmospheric science. From enhancing medical imaging techniques to refining astrophysical observations and informing biological sensing methodologies, the ripples of their research permeate diverse fields where light-particle interactions serve as fundamental probes. The meticulous decoding of scattering signatures thus remains a vital scientific frontier.
In conclusion, the recognition of Prof. Andreas Macke and Dr. Moritz Haarig at the recent International Electromagnetic and Light Scattering Conference not only honors personal achievements but also emphasizes the progressing narrative of atmospheric light scattering research. Their contributions exemplify the synthesis of advanced theoretical developments and experimental innovation, which together illuminate the complex optical behaviors of atmospheric constituents. As remote sensing technologies evolve and climate challenges intensify, such foundational works grow increasingly indispensable to the scientific community and wider society.
Subject of Research: Light scattering properties of atmospheric ice crystals and complex-shaped desert dust particles; advancements in electromagnetic scattering models and lidar applications in atmospheric sciences.
Article Title: Leading TROPOS Researchers Honored at ELS2025 for Pioneering Contributions to Atmospheric Light Scattering
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Image Credits: Alessandro Magazzu, CNR / ELS2025
Keywords: Atmospheric ice crystals, light scattering, electromagnetic scattering, van de Hulst Prize, aerosol optics, lidar applications, desert dust, radiative transfer, TROPOS, optical modeling, aerosol remote sensing, climate science.
