Thomas Boller - Short Biography#

Since 1990 I am working at the Max-Planck-Institute for extraterrestrial physics in Garching. My main research interests include Active Galactic Nuclei. In 1994 I established a new scientific research area on Seyfert 1 galaxies with narrow optical permitted emission lines, an area with still increasing scientific interest. My lead in studying this field resulted in a better understanding of the Seyfert phenomenon more generally. The importance of our detailed studies of active galaxies has gained further acceptance by observations with the present generation of X-ray observatories. The international outreach of my science activities is documented in the organization of international conferences and by invitations from and collaboration with leading AGN scientists from Europe, the US and Japan.

Since 1996 I taught in preparation for the postdoctoral lecture qualification courses in astrophysics and became awarded as an adjunct professor in 2005 at the Goethe-University Frankfurt. In 2001 I built up an astrophysical education programme for students at international standards. Starting from 5 students in 2000 I taught in 2009 more than 100 students per semester in the Bachelor and Master course. My promotion of learning and high level education is of the benefit for the university as a whole.