Franz Exner

A pioneer of modern physics

Franz Exner was born to an influential Viennese academic family in 1849. In 1867 Exner began studying physics in Vienna and graduated in 1871. In the years that followed he was an assistant at the University of Strasbourg, but soon returned to Vienna to gain his professorship. In 1879 he was appointed professor at the Physical Chemistry Institute.

Franz Exner was a pioneer in numerous fields of modern physics. He was one of the first to concern himself with electrochemistry, spectral analysis, chromatics, radioactivity and atmospheric electricity. In 1908, at the peak of his scientific career, he was chosen as Rector of Vienna University. Through his large number of students Exner had a long-lasting influence on 20th century physics. Former students of his held chairs in the physics departments of many European universities, such as Berlin, Leipzig, Zürich, Prague, Krakow, Dublin, Graz, Innsbruck as well as Vienna.

In addition, two of his students received Nobel prizes. Exner’s work on atmospheric electricity awoke the interest of the young Viktor Hess for instance, who went on to discover cosmic rays in 1912, winning the Nobel Prize for his achievement in 1936.