Madam President, dear Colleagues and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a moment of great honor and deep emotions. Receiving the Career Award of the MTT-Society – my professional home for more than 50 years – is not only a splendid accolade, but also a most credible and gratifying distinction, bestowed on me by my peers who are best qualified to assess my lifetime work.

However, I could not imagine receiving this award without the inspiration, synergy, and contributions of my colleagues, associates, students, and the support of many universities, companies, and funding agencies.

I am also deeply grateful to the peoples and governments of Germany, France, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the United States and Singapore for their precious support that enabled my education and career, and who provided me and my family with rich opportunities to live and to grow in their cultures.

Speaking of my family, notably my spouse Diana who unfortunately cannot be with us today, and our children and grandchildren, this is THE occasion to pay tribute to them: through their unfailing love and support they have defined me in more than one way, sustained, and enriched my life and career. They deserve a lion’s share of the honor and recognition I receive today, and which I am delighted to share with them!

Most among us have been very fortunate to live during a period of unprecedented possibilities and opportunities to realize our goals and ambitions. For me, the MTT-Society has been a defining and empowering agent in this endeavor. Particularly during the last twenty years I realized how closely the unifying power of joint vision and shared interests can bring together the most diverse group of people from all corners of the world. I often wish that all humans could live and work together in the same way.

It is no coincidence that many of my closest and most loyal friends are MTT members. We likely met at some microwave event early in our careers, and subsequently got to know each other’s spouses, children or even grandchildren. Research collaboration often led to mutual visits and extended stays in each other’s laboratories. Unfortunately, as time passes, we also experience more frequently the loss of dear friends and colleagues who had a seminal impact on our career in one way or another. May they rest in peace.

I close by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to you, Madam President, the members of the Awards Committee, the Administrative Committee, my Nominator, and my Endorsers for honoring me beyond expectations. By doing so you have also bestowed genuine recognition on my family, colleagues, students, associates, and sponsors for making my career possible and immensely rewarding. Thank you so much!

Wolfgang J. R. Hoefer