Professor Yizhak Marcus is a distinguished scholar whose career has significantly advanced the field of physical chemistry with particular expertise in surface phenomena and solution chemistry. Born in Germany in 1931, he received all his education in Jerusalem where he earned his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1956. Following his doctoral studies, Professor Marcus established himself as a leading figure in chemical research, eventually becoming a full professor at the Hebrew University's Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry. In 1999, he transitioned to emeritus status, though he continues to contribute to the academic community through his scholarly work and mentorship. His early career included prestigious international collaborations, notably through the Humboldt Research Fellowship Programme beginning in 1971.
Professor Marcus has made seminal contributions to the understanding of physical chemistry at surfaces and inorganic molecular chemistry, with his work on solution chemistry earning international recognition. His research has provided fundamental insights into the behavior of chemical species at interfaces, advancing theoretical frameworks that explain complex surface phenomena in both natural and engineered systems. The methodologies he developed for analyzing solution chemistry have become standard approaches in the field, influencing generations of chemists studying molecular interactions in liquid environments. His extensive body of work, documented in numerous publications, has established critical connections between theoretical principles and practical applications in areas ranging from environmental chemistry to industrial processes.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Professor Marcus has played a pivotal role in shaping chemical education and research through his long-standing affiliation with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His guidance as a mentor has influenced countless students and early-career researchers who have gone on to establish their own successful careers in academia and industry. The Humboldt Research Fellowship he received in 1970 facilitated important international collaborations that strengthened scientific ties between German and Israeli research institutions. While his formal teaching responsibilities have diminished since becoming emeritus, Professor Marcus remains an active presence in the chemical sciences community, continuing to publish and participate in scholarly discussions that advance the frontiers of physical chemistry.
