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DRI Research
Foundation Trustee Rudolf Gunnerman Receives International Award
Rudolf Gunnerman displaying his Einstein
Medal. (Photo by John Doherty)
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Renowned Reno-area scientist
and inventor Rudolf Gunnerman recently received the Albert Einstein
Gold Medal of Honor for the Advancement of Science and Technology.
Gunnerman is a trustee of the DRI Research Foundation and sponsor
of the $25,000 Gunnerman Silver State Award for Excellence in Science
and Technology presented annually by DRI.
The Einstein Medal, a
gold medallion and certificate from the United States section of
the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAS), honored Gunnerman’s
lifetime achievement in physics, specifically his contribution to
developing energy efficient fuels.
According to Dr. George
Chillingar, professor of civil and petroleum engineering at the
University of Southern California (USC) and president of the U.S.
section of the RAS, the award is given “to people who distinguish
themselves by discovering something new and innovative in the sciences.”
Gunnerman’s medal
is the 29th since its establishment after Albert Einstein’s
death in 1955. Chillingar cites several reasons for Gunnerman receiving
the medal, including his inventive ability and creativity, as well
as his scientific discoveries and “common sense solutions,”
which have benefited people around the world. “Dr. Gunnerman
is a genius,” says Chillingar.
Gunnerman says the Einstein award was a complete surprise. When
he was asked to go to Los Angeles for a January RAS meeting at USC,
he had no idea why his presence was required—until he was
called before more than 100 colleagues to receive the medal. In
his mid-70s, Gunnerman’s piercing blue eyes shine at the remarkable
experience of receiving one of the highest honors in his field.
“Einstein and physics
are synonymous,” he notes. “And, because there are so
many others doing excellent work in physics and chemistry, when
you are recognized by your peers, you tend to ask ‘why me
and not you?’”
He says that it is gratifying
to receive one of the highest awards possible in his field. “It
says that I have done something outside the usual, and that gives
me inner strength,” Gunnerman muses, “I do things basically
for the environment—to solve our problems. As a human, if
you can make a difference, big or small, it is important.”
Important inventions
define his career. Gunnerman is the founder, chairman, and CEO of
SulphCo, Inc., a company that uses patent-pending, cost-cutting
technology to remove sulfur from various refined oil products. Gunnerman
also developed
A-55 Clean Fuels, a process
that reduces atmospheric nitrous oxide, which is a major source
of ozone depletion. His other inventions include fireproof, insulating
building materials, and wood pellets, which are a clean-burning,
cost-effective alternative to non-renewable coal, natural gas, and
diesel fuels.
Holding three honorary
doctoral degrees in physics and more than 200 U.S. and international
patents, Gunnerman also has been named a member of the International
Scientific and Executive Hall of Fame, the Russian Academy of Natural
Sciences, and the New York chapter of the American Academy of Sciences.
Helping the next generation
of scientists is another of Gunnerman’s goals, and he supports
upcoming Nevada scientists with the Gunnerman Award. Established
in 2000, the Gunnerman Award annually recognizes Nevada scientists
whose work benefits society through basic science or its application
in a specific field. The award includes a medallion and $25,000.
Among other requirements, the recipient’s research must primarily
occur in Nevada, demonstrate the highest quality work and commitment
to the sciences, and have a direct, positive effect both on the
general population and the State of Nevada.
“Dr. Gunnerman
is a pioneer researcher and entrepreneur, with both a national and
international reputation for intellectual property development,”
says DRI President Stephen Wells. “This award, given to one
of our trustees, is analogous to one of the DRI faculty receiving
international recognition. I am proud of our association and his
accomplishment.”
–Lynn Taylor
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