Roland Wester

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Roland Wester is a Full Professor at the University of Innsbruck, where he leads the Department of Ion Physics and Applied Physics. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics (2017–2021) and currently acts as Speaker for the FWF-funded doctoral programme Atoms, Light, and Molecules. His research focuses on ion-molecule reaction dynamics, quantum tunneling, and interstellar chemistry using cryogenic ion traps.

• Education: Doctorate in Physics (University of Heidelberg, 1999)
• Postdoctoral Experience: University of California, Berkeley (2000–2002)
• Habilitation: University of Freiburg (2007)

Wester's research explores cold ion-molecule interactions, including photodetachment spectroscopy and state-changing collisions under extreme conditions. His work spans astrochemical modeling of anionic species and quantum dynamics in nucleophilic substitution reactions.

Recent publications highlight temperature-dependent reaction kinetics, vibrational quenching, and tunneling effects in interstellar environments. His team investigates rotational state changes, dipole-bound states, and elimination pathways using advanced computational and experimental methods.

• Scientific Awards:
  • ERC Advanced Grant (2020)
  • Fellow of the American Physical Society (2017)
  • Member of the Young Academy of the Austrian Academy of Science (2013)
  • Broida Prize (2012)
  • ERC Starting Grant (2011)
  • Gustav-Hertz-Preis (2009)

Grants include FWF doctoral programme leadership and multiple ERC grants. His lab develops cryogenic ion traps to study astrochemical reactions and quantum state transitions, with future work targeting product state resolution and extreme environment dynamics.