Mariana Weissmann

An important characteristic of the physical sciences is that although new theories describe reality better, they require more complicated mathematics in order to be put to use. Hence, in quantum physics, high-level theoretical and computational mathematics have to be brought into play in order to make quantitative predictions. Condensed matter physics and solid-state physics are no exception and the work of Mariana Weissmann has helped to move our understanding of quantum solids from a qualitative view to quantitative predictions. In the same way, Professor Weissmann has recently pursued an interest in fullerenes, the third form of carbon (after graphite and diamond), discovered in the 1980s, and has calculated the possibility of doping them with silicon and also the paths for fragmentation when excited with laser light. Her initial research work was on the structure of water and ice, motivated by the possibility of seeding clouds to inhibit hail formation and instead release rain. Professor Weissmann has been a pioneer in the use of computers to study the properties of solids in Latin America. These calculation techniques have now become a completely separate specialized field. Professor Weissmann was the first woman to be elected to membership in the National Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Argentina.