Auditorium FaMAF

(premio Nobel de Química 1991)

Laboratorium für Physikalische Chemie,ETH Zürich

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experienced quite remarkable progress during its past. Starting from a curious physics experiment, apparently of little practical usage, it became one of the most powerful analytical tools of science with applications that proved to be indispensable in chemistry, biology, and medicine. Some of its spectacular applications will be discussed.

The growing importance of NMR has been recognized by the Nobel Committees in Stockholm. Already eight Nobel Prizes were awarded for achievements in NMR. Several Nobel Laureates, who significantly contributed to NMR, received their prizes for innovations in other fields. Additional Nobel Prizes were given for ground-breaking scientific achievements that proved to be seminal for NMR. This lecture traces the various contributions of those who have been honoured, mentioning also some of those who would have had equally deserved to receive this honour.