Walter Kohn was an Austrian physicist born on March 9, 1923. He is best known for his work in theoretical chemistry and condensed matter physics. Kohn received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for developing density functional theory, which has become a crucial tool in quantum mechanics for understanding the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. His contributions to science have had a significant impact on materials science and chemistry. Kohn passed away on April 19, 2023, leaving a legacy of innovation in physics.

"However, while the Nazi barbarians and their collaborators threatened the entire world, I could not accept his philosophy and, after several earlier attempts, was finally accepted into the Canadian Infantry Corps during the last year of World War II."



"On another level, I want to mention that I have a strong Jewish identity and - over the years - have been involved in several Jewish projects, such as the establishment of a strong program of Judaic Studies at the University of California in San Diego."



"I was fortunate to find an extraordinary mathematics and applied mathematics program in Toronto."



"Originally I had planned to revert to nuclear physics there, in particular the structure of the deuteron."



"I have just joined the Board of the Population Institute because I am convinced that early stabilization of the world's population is important for the attainment of this objective."



"In particular, I established a reasonably accurate energy threshold for permanent displacement of a nucleus from its regular lattice position, substantially smaller than had been previously presumed."

