Biozentrum der Universität Würzburg

Würzburg

Würzburg: Professor of Zoology and Director of the Zoological Institute (1893), Rector of the University (1905-06)

In 1897 at the age of 30, Boveri is appointed professor of zoology and director of the Zoological Institute at the Julius-Maximilians-University in Würzburg. His institute quickly gains an international reputation: numerous foreign scientists, especially from the USA, visit for longer and longer research stays. One of them is his future wife, Marcella. Despite enquiries from other institutions, including Freiburg and Berlin, Boveri remains true to his adopted home. In addition to his professional obligations, he is involved in the faculty, in the senate, and in the administrative committee of the University of Würzburg, which he heads as rector from 1905 to 1906.

Würzburg: city of science

Würzburg changes a lot during Boveri's lifetime. Within a few decades, the population doubles, and the former fortress town becomes a hotbed of modern science. In the early years of the 20th century, the university produces several important scholars and Nobel Prize winners. The number of students rises dramatically, and new disciplines and university buildings are built. Among them is the Institute of Zoology on today's Röntgenring, which was established in 1889 under his predecessor Carl Semper and is now headed by Boveri. Boveri lives within walking distance of his institute on Pleicherglacisstraße (today: Bismarckstraße) and receives many honours: he is appointed Privy Councillor (1912) and receives the Bavarian Maximilian Order (1913).

Further information to Boveris research in Würzburg

  • A summary with many details about Theodor Boveri's life and work in Würzburg can be found on the homepage of the Chair of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Würzburg at: www.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de/zeb/research/topics/theodor-boveri/ .
  • In the „History of Würzburg Zoology“, Ulrich Scheer describes the life, scientific work and significance of Theodor Boveri for today's biology.
  • Two detailed and very informative biographies about Theodor Boveri have been published in book form:
    • Rudnick, D. 1967: Theodor Boveri. Life and Work of a Great Biologist 1862-1915. Univ. of Calif. Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles (englische Übersetzung von: Baltzer F. 1962: Theodor Boveri. Leben und Werk eines grossen Biologen 1862-1915. Wiss. Verlags-Ges., Stuttgart).
    • Neumann H.A. 1998: Vom Ascaris zum Tumor. Leben und Werk des Biologen Theodor Boveri (1862-1915). Blackwell Wiss. Verlag, Berlin.