# Dan Shechtman

> Israeli scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q44111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44111)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Shechtman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dan-shechtman

## Summary
Dan Shechtman is an Israeli physicist and crystallographer renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of quasicrystals in 1982, which challenged long-held assumptions about atomic structure. A professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011 for his work, making him the first Israeli to win the prestigious award.

## Biography
- Born: January 24, 1941, in Tel Aviv, Israel
- Nationality: Israeli
- Education: Ph.D. in physics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (1972)
- Known for: Discovering quasicrystals, a new class of materials with non-periodic atomic structures
- Employer(s): Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (professor), University of Iowa (visiting professor)
- Field(s): Physics, crystallography

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Quasicrystals (1982)**: Shechtman identified a new class of materials with atomic structures that defied traditional crystallographic rules, earning him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011.
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2011)**: Recognized for his groundbreaking work on quasicrystals, which expanded the understanding of atomic structures and materials science.
- **Research on Metallurgy and Crystallography**: Contributed to the field of metallurgy and crystallography, influencing the development of new materials and technologies.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Iowa, shaping the next generation of scientists.

## FAQs
**What is Dan Shechtman known for?**
Dan Shechtman is known for discovering quasicrystals, a new class of materials with non-periodic atomic structures, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011.

**Where did Dan Shechtman study?**
Shechtman earned his Ph.D. in physics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in 1972.

**What award did Dan Shechtman receive?**
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011 for his discovery of quasicrystals.

**Where has Dan Shechtman worked?**
Shechtman has worked as a professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Iowa.

**What is the significance of quasicrystals?**
Quasicrystals challenge traditional crystallographic rules and have led to advancements in materials science and technology.

## Why They Matter
Dan Shechtman's discovery of quasicrystals revolutionized the field of crystallography and materials science. His work challenged the long-held belief that atomic structures must be periodic, leading to the development of new materials with unique properties. His Nobel Prize recognition highlighted the global impact of his research and inspired future scientists to explore the boundaries of atomic structure. Shechtman's contributions have influenced the development of advanced materials, including those used in aerospace, electronics, and medicine, making him a pivotal figure in scientific innovation.

## Notable For
- First Israeli to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2011)
- Pioneer of quasicrystals, a new class of materials with non-periodic atomic structures
- Professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Iowa
- Recipient of the Israel Prize and the Wolf Prize in Physics
- Contributor to the fields of metallurgy and crystallography

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Dan Shechtman was born on January 24, 1941, in Tel Aviv, Israel. He pursued his academic studies at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, where he earned his Ph.D. in physics in 1972. His early work in metallurgy and crystallography laid the foundation for his groundbreaking discovery of quasicrystals.

### Discovery of Quasicrystals
In 1982, Shechtman identified a new class of materials known as quasicrystals, which have atomic structures that do not follow the traditional periodic arrangements. This discovery challenged long-held assumptions about crystallography and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011. His work expanded the understanding of atomic structures and led to advancements in materials science.

### Academic Career and Leadership
Shechtman has held professorships at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Iowa. His academic leadership has influenced the next generation of scientists, particularly in the fields of physics and crystallography. He has mentored numerous researchers and contributed to the development of new materials and technologies.

### Awards and Recognition
Dan Shechtman has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2011), the Israel Prize, and the Wolf Prize in Physics. These accolades recognize his significant contributions to science and his pioneering work on quasicrystals.

### Influence on Materials Science
Shechtman's discovery of quasicrystals has had a profound impact on the field of materials science. His work has led to the development of new materials with unique properties, which are used in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, and medicine. His research continues to inspire scientists to explore the possibilities of atomic structures and materials innovation.

## References

1. Davos 2014 Participant List
2. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2011/)
3. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
4. [Source](https://wolffund.org.il/dan-shechtman/)
5. [Source](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/mcgroddy.cfm)
6. [Source](https://clarivate.com/citation-laureates)
7. [Source](https://embassies.gov.il/marseille/NewsAndEvents/Pages/pr-Dan-Shechtman-.aspx)
8. [Doctor honoris causa - Dr.h.c.](https://www.stuba.sk/sk/vyskume/habilitacie-inauguracie-a-udelene-tituly/udelene-tituly/doctor-honoris-causa-dr.h.c.html?page_id=13662)
9. [Professor Dan Shechtman, winner of the Nobel Prize, awarded Dr. h. c. by STU. 2024](https://www.stuba.sk/english/news/news/professor-dan-shechtman-winner-of-the-nobel-prize-awarded-dr.-h.-c.-by-stu.html?page_id=17122)
10. www.ae-info.org
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. YouTube