Johannes Hoeft studied physics at the newly established Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin, where he obtained his diploma in 1957, his doctorate in 1961 (under Prof. Honerjäger), and his habilitation in 1970. In the same year, he was appointed professor.

His field of research was Microwave Spectroscopy of Low-Volatility Molecules. Through his experiments, he made significant contributions to the establishment of the Collaborative Research Centers 161 “Hyperfine Interactions” and 337 “Energy and Charge Transfer in Molecular Aggregates”, both funded by the German Research Foundation DFG. In addition, Johannes Hoeft was deeply committed to teaching and to the development of the laboratory courses.

His kind nature and dedication were highly valued by the students. With Johannes Hoeft, we lose a respected colleague from the department’s early days.

On behalf of the Department of Physics
Ludger Wöste and F. W. Froben