Berni Alder (1925–2020)

Berni Alder (1925–2020)

A master of molecular dynamics

Theoretical physicist Berni Alder pioneered the computer modelling of matter — but himself preferred intuitive understanding over mathematical derivations, writes his former colleague David Ceperley. “He was never the programmer, but the impresario of younger colleagues, pushing them to work on difficult problems through his curiosity and intense interest,” writes Ceperley. Alder died last month, aged 95.

Nature | 5 min read