Olaf Fischer

Olaf Fischer is a Researcher at the House of Astronomy in Heidelberg since 2010, with a focus on astronomy didactics and science education. He studied physics and astronomy at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (1982–1987) and became a qualified teacher in Leipzig (1987–1988).

• Doctorate in 1993 on polarization modeling in circumstellar dust shells (Jena)
• Humboldt Foundation research fellow at Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (1995)
• Contributed to science education programs like WIS (Science in Schools!)

His research bridges astronomy, physics, and educational methodologies, with a focus on developing didactic materials and training teachers. Key publications include experimental guides for astronomical education and IR experiment kits for SOFIA outreach. He has participated in multiple educational initiatives across Germany, including roles at the Sonneberg Observatory's astronomy museum and the State Academy for Further Education in Schools.

Scientific awards include a prestigious fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 1995. His work remains centered on connecting cutting-edge astronomical research with classroom practices.