Applied Mineralogy

Welcome to the Mineralogy group!

In memory of Prof. Dr. Matthias Göbbels

It is with great sadness that we anounce the passing of Professor Dr. Matthias Göbbels on 28 June 2024. His death leaves a great void in our academic community and in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Professor Göbbels was an outstanding personality in his field and dedicated his life to science and teaching. After studying at the RWTH Aachen University, he earned his doctorate in natural sciences (Mineralogy) and began his impressive career as a lecturer and researcher. His career led him through several stations in Japan (National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials in Tsukuba) in the years 1987-1992 towards his habilitation in Mineralogy & Cristallography in 1996 in the field of oxide materials for optical, magnetic and ion-conducting properties. In 1997, Matthias Göbbels took over the Chair of Mineralogy at FAU, initially as a deputy and from 1998 as Chairholder finally.
From 1999 to 2007, Matthias Göbbels was FAU Senator with the Faculty of Natural Sciences III and from 2011 to 2013 a member of the Teaching and Study Committee and Research and Young Academics Committee. He then took on the role of Dean of Studies for the geosciences degree programs for many years. Matthias Göbbels was also Associate Editor of the European Journal for Mineralogy from 1999-2007.

His enthusiasm for mineralogy was an inspiration for many geoscience students. Many challenges of students during their studies could be resolved over a cup of coffee in his office. During interdisciplinary field trips, he was able to impart knowledge far beyond the textbooks. In his role as Chair of the Examination Board and Dean of Studies, students could always rely on an understanding university lecturer.
At the Chair of Mineralogy he created an exceptional environment for academic and personal development. Under his leadership, new working groups were established, thus diversifying research in the field of Applied Mineralogy. The well-being of everyone and the community was of great concern to him. We miss Matthias Göbbels very much.

The GeoZentrum of the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
with all colleagues, employees, doctoral candidates and students