Max Planck
Awards & Honours
6
Awards Won
7
Honours
2
Rankings
2
Covers
3
Records
Max Planck's achievements are extraordinary in their impact. He is the father of quantum theory, a framework that underpins all modern physics. His discovery of the quantum of action (Planck's constant) earned him the Nobel Prize and led to the development of quantum mechanics, which revolutionized technology from lasers to semiconductors. He was one of the first recipients of the Max Planck Medal, named after him, and the Copley Medal from the Royal Society. In 1999, TIME named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. The Max Planck Society, with its 83 institutes, continues to advance science globally, a living tribute to his legacy.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Order of Merit of the German Eagle with Star
Awarded for his scientific achievements.
Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts
Served as Chancellor of this order.
Namesake of the Max Planck Society
The Kaiser Wilhelm Society was renamed in his honor.
Namesake of Asteroid 1069 Planckia
Asteroid named after him.
Namesake of Planck Space Observatory
ESA mission to study the cosmic microwave background.
Portrait on 10 Deutsche Mark Banknote
His image appeared on the currency.
Honorary Doctorates
Multiple honorary doctorates from leading universities.
Rankings & Lists
TIME 100 Persons of the Century
Greatest Physicists of All Time
Magazine Covers
TIME Magazine
1939-02-20
The Atom
TIME Magazine
1955-01-03
Men of the Year
Records & Feats
First to propose the quantum of action (Planck constant)
In 1900, Planck introduced the concept of energy quanta and the constant h, founding quantum theory.
First recipient of the Max Planck Medal
Planck was the first scientist to receive the Max Planck Medal, awarded by the German Physical Society in 1929.
Namesake of the world's largest independent research organization
The Max Planck Society, with 83 institutes, is named after him and is one of the most prestigious research networks globally.