Colleagues honour Leiden astrochemist Harold Linnartz with a collection of academic articles
In memory of Harold Linnartz (1966–2023), Professor of Laboratory Astrophysics at Leiden University, a special Festschrift has been published. The volume brings together contributions from colleagues and offers a rich portrait of Linnartz’s scientific influence and his significance for astrochemistry.
Linnartz was internationally renowned for his pioneering laboratory experiments exploring the chemistry of interstellar molecules under extreme conditions. Under his leadership, Leiden developed into a leading centre for laboratory astrophysics. In the Festschrift, published by the American Chemical Society, the articles reflect both the thematic breadth of his work and the close collaboration he fostered within the community.
Helga Linnartz, Harold’s widow, received the volume on 4 June 2026 during the second edition of the Harold Linnartz Prize Lecture. This award is intended for early-career researchers active at the interface of astronomy and chemistry, in honour of Linnartz, whose research embodied the interdisciplinary nature of astrochemistry.
‘The fact that an exceptionally large number of contributions were submitted by renowned scientists shows how highly Harold was regarded and how central he was to the global community,’ says co-editor Wim Ubachs (VU). ‘This is truly remarkable and a fitting tribute,’ agrees Ewine van Dishoeck.
-
Co-editor of the Festschrift, Wim Ubachs, presents the first copy to Helga Linnartz, Harold’s widow -
Wim Ubachs, Helga Linnartz and her children pose with the first copy of the Festschrift