Chemical Landmark 2026 Ceremony

Arosa

Exactly 100 years ago, Erwin Schrödinger formulated the equation named after him here as a basis for quantum mechanics.

Instead of following his passion for skiing, physicist Erwin Schrödinger developed the so-called Schrödinger equation during his Christmas vacation in Arosa in 1925/1926. This equation allows us to describe the behavior of the smallest particles: not where they are, but how likely it is that they are at a certain position. The equation forms the foundation of quantum physics and quantum chemistry and has revolutionized science and society. Without it, there would be no computers, solar cells, GPS, or smartphones, among other things. In 1933, Schrödinger received the Nobel Prize for his work.

On January 11, 2026, the Platform Chemistry of the SCNAT invites interested community members to celebrate this achievement in Arosa. The event at Hotel Blatter's (Blatter's Arosa Hotel, Untere Waldpromenade 2-6, 7050 Arosa) is open to the public, but space is limited.

Programm

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Caspar Hirschi (Universität St. Gallen)

16.00  Begrüssung - Prof. Dr. ​Jean-Marc Piveteau (Präsident SCNAT)
16.10  Erwin Schrödinger – Physiker jenseits der Konventionen
               
Dr. Dr. Magdalena Gronau (Leibniz-Zentrum für Literatur- und Kulturforschung, Berlin)
               Martin Gronau (Leibniz-Zentrum für Literatur- und Kulturforschung, Berlin)
16.40  Quantenmechanik im Alltag - Prof. Dr. Andrea Hofmann (Universität Basel)
17.05  Von Wellenfunktionen zu Molekülen und Materialien – wie Schrödinger die Chemie veränderte - Prof. Dr. Fabian von Rohr (Universität Genf)
17.30  Spaziergang zur GedenktafelLaudatio und Enthüllung der Gedenktafel
               Prof. Dr. Christian Bochet (Universität Fribourg),
               Prof. Dr. Jean-Marc Piveteau (SCNAT),
               Prof. Dr. Laura Baudis (Universität Zürich),
               Yvonne Altmann (Gemeindepräsidentin Arosa),
               Ingo Schlösser (Direktor Tschuggen Grand Hotel)
18.00  Apéro
19.00  Ende

Disclaimer: „The cathedrals of science were built by people, not by saints, and while some committed truly reprehensible acts, when we use their names, we recognize their scientific contributions and honour their intellectual legacy, not their morals or political views.” Anna Krylov

Event Information

Event Date 11.01.2026 4:00 pm
Event End Date 11.01.2026 7:00 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Individual Price Free