Dominik Stolzenburg

AS Atmospheric Sciences

The 2025 Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award is awarded to Dominik Stolzenburg for innovative contributions and dedication to the fields of atmospheric chemistry and physics, particularly in the areas of new particle formation and nanoparticle growth.

Dominik Stolzenburg is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Materials Chemistry at TU Wien. Throughout his career, Stolzenburg has shown a remarkable ability to balance theoretical rigor with practical applications. His work has not only advanced the understanding of molecular clusters and nanoparticles but has also led to the creation of new concepts that have the potential to positively impact various aspects of understanding aerosol cloud interactions and thus the radiation balance of our planet.

Within the CERN CLOUD experiment Stolzenburg revolutionised nanoparticle growth rate measurements through the development of a new instrument. He demonstrated the first closure of the mass flux between measured gas-phase condensable molecules and observed sub-10 nm growth rates and provided a new benchmark measurement for sulfuric acid condensation. He continued to innovate on new methodologies for improving aerosol size-distribution measurements and successfully applied these also in ambient settings in Beijing and the boreal forest.

Only recently Stolzenburg has focussed on urban air in Vienna by investigating new particle formation from residential areas. Of special interest are non-combustion sources of both anthropogenic and biogenic origin. For this aim, he is developing new and innovative concepts such as special techniques in mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy to characterise ultrafine aerosol particles. He has worded his research mission as: What’s the role of aerosols in the future urban atmosphere? This is a hot and current research topic that is of crucial socio-political relevance and affects several Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Dominik Stolzenburg has also demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration skills that led to the creation of innovative projects that have the potential to drive meaningful changes and is also committed to scientific outreach and communication.

In summary, Dominik Stolzenburg is an exemplary representative of the next generation of scientists who are shaping the future of their respective fields.