Volume 30, No. 11
November 2005

Arthur von Hippel: The Scientist and the Man
Frank N. von Hippel

Abstract
"We will not be intimidated!" is one of the mottos Arthur R. von Hippel lived by. From refusing to salute Hitler to starting a unique interdisciplinary university laboratory—the Laboratory for Insulation Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—von Hippel followed his principles, laying the foundations for modern materials research and distinguishing himself as a pioneering scientist, an inspirational mentor, and a devoted
family man. This article shows the personal and professional contexts within which
von Hippel—the namesake of the Materials Research Society's highest award—emerged as a scientific leader and role model of interdisciplinarity, as seen through the eyes of his
son, Frank N. von Hippel, physicist, professor of public and international affairs, and
co-director of the Program on Science & Global Security at Princeton University.

Keywords: Arthur R. von Hippel, dielectrics, interdisciplinary, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, materials engineering, materials research, MIT.