Did you know ...

Every two years, Carl Zeiss honors outstanding scientists in the field of optics with the Carl Zeiss Research Award. Physicists Rainer Blatt and Ignacio Cirac received this year's prize on November 11. They were recognized for their work in quantum communications and quantum computers. Working closely together for many years, experimental physicist Blatt and theorist Cirac have made valuable, pioneering contributions to the new field of quantum information.

Every two years, technology company Carl Zeiss looks for researchers who are laying the foundation for the technical innovations of tomorrow through important basic research today. Since 1990, scientists have had the opportunity to submit their best work in optical research for the Carl Zeiss Research Award with its cash prize of €25,000. It is presented by the Ernst Abbe Fund in the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft (a joint initiative of German industries to promote science and higher education).

Two Carl Zeiss Research Award winners went on to win the highest award: the Nobel Prize. American Eric Cornell won the Carl Zeiss Research Award in 1996 and the Nobel Prize in Physics five years later. Ahmed Zewail was honored with the Research Award in 1992. The Egyptian chemist garnered the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1999. Perhaps one, or both, of this year's winners will win the Nobel Prize.

November 18, 2009