Dr. Bernard Delley is a distinguished theoretical physicist renowned for his pioneering contributions to computational methods in condensed matter physics. He currently holds the position of Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Paul Scherrer Institut's Condensed Matter Theory Group, where he has been a central figure since joining in 1987. Dr. Delley received his doctoral degree from the University of Basel in 1979, establishing the foundation for his decades-long career at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and computational science. His early work at the institute positioned him as a key contributor to the development of theoretical frameworks that would later transform multiple areas of materials characterization and semiconductor physics.
Dr. Delley's groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the field of Density Functional Theory applications, particularly in the realm of X-ray and neutron spectroscopies for complex materials systems. His systematic computation of crystal-field multiplets for x-ray core spectroscopies, published in Physical Review B in 2012, established new methodologies that have become essential tools for interpreting experimental data in correlated electronic systems. His innovative work extends to semiconductor device simulations, including Shockley semiconductor modeling, and the development of computational approaches for analyzing mixed valence compounds through the Anderson Impurity Model. These contributions have provided researchers worldwide with powerful analytical frameworks for understanding electronic structure phenomena across diverse material systems.
Recognized with prestigious honors including Fellowship in the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Delley's influence extends throughout the global scientific community. His receipt of the Seymour Cray Prize for Scientific Computing underscores his exceptional contributions to computational methodologies that have accelerated discovery in materials science. As one of the most highly ranked researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institut, currently positioned third among its scientific staff, his work continues to shape theoretical approaches in condensed matter physics. Dr. Delley's legacy endures through the widespread adoption of his computational techniques, which remain indispensable tools for researchers investigating electronic structure phenomena in advanced materials.
