Rate Professor Lars Goerigk

Professional Summary for Professor Lars Goerigk

Professor Lars Goerigk is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a robust background in computational chemistry and quantum chemistry. His research and teaching contribute significantly to the advancement of theoretical and computational methods in chemistry, focusing on the development of accurate and efficient tools for molecular modeling.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Goerigk holds advanced degrees in chemistry, with his academic training rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Münster, Germany (completed in 2011), where he focused on quantum chemical methods under the supervision of Professor Stefan Grimme.
• Diploma in Chemistry from the University of Münster, Germany.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Goerigk’s research primarily centers on computational and theoretical chemistry, with specific interests in:

• Development and benchmarking of density functional theory (DFT) methods.
• Quantum chemical approaches for thermochemistry, kinetics, and non-covalent interactions.
• Application of computational tools to address challenges in organic and inorganic chemistry.

His work aims to improve the accuracy of computational predictions, making them more reliable for real-world chemical problems.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Goerigk has held several prestigious positions in academia, reflecting his expertise and leadership in the field:

• Associate Professor, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne (current position as of available data).
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, Australia, working on computational chemistry projects.
• Research Associate at the University of Münster, Germany, prior to his move to Australia.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Goerigk has been recognized for his contributions to computational chemistry through various accolades:

• Recipient of the Rennie Memorial Medal (2019) from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), awarded for outstanding contributions to chemical science by an early-career researcher.
• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship, supporting his innovative research in quantum chemistry.

Key Publications

Professor Goerigk has authored numerous influential papers in high-impact journals, contributing to the field of computational chemistry. A selection of notable works includes:

• Goerigk, L., & Grimme, S. (2011). 'A thorough DFT benchmark: The importance of long-range interactions and steric effects.' Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
• Goerigk, L., et al. (2017). 'A look at the density functional theory zoo with the advanced GMTKN55 database for general main group thermochemistry, kinetics and noncovalent interactions.' Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
• Goerigk, L., & Mehta, N. (2019). 'The role of dispersion corrections in density functional theory.' Australian Journal of Chemistry.

These publications are widely cited and have helped shape modern approaches to DFT benchmarking and application.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Goerigk’s work has had a profound impact on computational chemistry, particularly in the area of density functional theory. His benchmarking studies, such as the development of the GMTKN databases, are widely used by researchers globally to test and validate computational methods. His contributions have improved the reliability of quantum chemical calculations, influencing both academic research and practical applications in drug design and materials science.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Goerigk is actively involved in the academic community, sharing his expertise through various platforms:

• Invited speaker at international conferences on computational chemistry, including the International Conference on Quantum Chemistry.
• Member of editorial boards and reviewer for leading journals in chemistry, contributing to the peer review process.
• Active participant in committees within the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), promoting advancements in chemical sciences.