Robert Eichler

Robert Eichler serves as Professor at the University of Bern and Lecturer at ETH Zurich while heading the Laboratory of Radiochemistry at Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) since 2016. His interdisciplinary work bridges academic curriculum development with cutting-edge nuclear research at Switzerland's largest research institute.

Education:

• PhD in Nuclear Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Bern (1996-2000)
• BS/MS in Chemistry, Technical Universities Dresden and Darmstadt (1990-1996), specializing in Analytical and Physical Chemistry

Research Focus: Prof. Eichler pioneers superheavy element identification to study electronic structure under extreme nuclear charges, GenIV reactor safety chemistry for liquid-metal cooled systems, and radiopharmaceutical production. His team develops ultra-fast chemical separation protocols and event-by-event radioanalytical detection systems, enabling breakthroughs in nuclear forensics and medical isotope development.

Publication Trends: Recent works (2019-2022) demonstrate escalating focus on transactinide chemistry validation, accelerator-driven system safety analysis, and medical radionuclide innovation. Key themes include polonium behavior in molten lead-bismuth systems, SHE identification methodologies, and PSI's evolving role in nuclear medicine.

Awards:

• University of Bern Doctoral Thesis Award (2001)
• German Chemical Society Nuclear Chemistry Division PhD Award (2001)
• Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship (2004)
• GSI GENCO Young Scientist Award (2006)

Academic Leadership: Prof. Eichler mentors nuclear science students through ETH Zurich and University Bern programs while securing major grants including SNF fellowships. His research leverages PSI's large-scale facilities and international collaborations across Europe and the US.

Laboratory Operations: The Radiochemistry Laboratory maintains specialized infrastructure for superheavy element studies, including target irradiation systems, ultra-clean separation chambers, and alpha-particle detection arrays supporting both fundamental research and industrial nuclear safety applications.