Celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Professor Norbert Klein

In loving memory of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Professor Norbert Klein, the Department of Materials at Imperial College London has created this tribute website. Norbert sadly passed away on 31 July 2023 from cancer. He is survived by his cherished wife, Olena, and six beloved children.
 
Norbert joined the department in 2009 as Professor in Electromagnetic Nanomaterials, from the Juelich Research Centre in Germany. Norbert was a tremendous scientist, engineer and all-round enthusiast who made huge contributions to his field of research, spanning the study of functional materials properties to the implementation of terahertz sensor devices. Norbert was also intensely committed to the department's success, always ready to share his wisdom and brighten conversations with his superb sense of humour. 
 
Although Norbert's physical presence is no longer with us, his fervour, brilliance, and outstanding contributions will forever inspire us. We invite you to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy by sharing your tributes, thoughts, and memories.

Fundraising

Fundraising for

Fundraising

Fundraising for

Contribute

Help grow Norbert's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.

Thoughts

Hi Norbert, I just wanted to say it was great to have you as a colleague. Your support to me and your guidance in the early stages has been invaluable and thanks to you I managed to fulfill my dream of opening my own company, which I hope will help other people in the future. I will miss talking to you, especially at the Away Day! I don't think I have ever told you and maybe it was not even necessary but I had a great respect for you, not only as a scientist but also because you have always been genuine and have always spoken your mind, no matter what the topic was. It was really a breath of fresh air. I am sad about what happened, I would have loved to have you around more, but at least I am thankful our paths crossed. Good-bye Norbert.
Stefano
3rd November 2023
Norbert had tremendous contributions to my career and will always be an inspiring scientist for me. I remember approaching Norbert on a Friday night in 2019 to propose a collaboration between his team at Imperial College and mine at Southampton Uni. Within few years, this collaboration became very fruitful, leading to several publications, a large grant and several awarded doctorate degrees. Without Norbert's passion, curiosity, enthusiasm, and positivity, we would have never been where we are now.
Yasir Noori
1st November 2023
Norbert was always so positive, even when something frustrated him. Happy memories of talking Mark Knopfler and Led Zeppelin over a beer or two at away days.
Julian Jones
29th September 2023
Fundraising for
Cancer Research UK
Recent Activity