Ranko Richert

Ranko Richert is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Arizona State University's School of Molecular Sciences. His research focuses on the physical chemistry of soft materials and glass transition phenomena, utilizing advanced dielectric relaxation techniques. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (summa cum laude) and a Diplom in Physics (magna cum laude) from Marburg University, Germany. Before joining ASU in 1999, he conducted postdoctoral research at Tel Aviv University and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz. His work explores structural and dynamic properties of supercooled liquids, glasses, and confined materials, with a focus on dielectric spectroscopy and nanocalorimetry. Richert is affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing and the Center for Biological Physics.

Education highlights include a Habilitation degree (1991) and a Minerva Fellowship (1992-93). His research group investigates phenomena such as phase transitions, confinement effects, and interfacial dynamics using cutting-edge equipment for dielectric measurements across extensive temperature and frequency ranges. Key findings include insights into vapor-deposited glasses, polyamorphism, and controlled crystallization via electric fields.

Publications span over 300 articles, emphasizing experimental and theoretical advances in glass dynamics, ionic liquids, and quantum effects in water. His lab's studies on structural recovery and aging mechanisms have advanced understanding of non-equilibrium dynamics in soft matter systems.