Leipzig University, Germany
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
He was born on August 23, 1947, in Waltersdorf near Greiz in Thüringen, Germany. His academic journey began in 1966 at the Universität Leipzig, where he pursued a rigorous course in mathematics, culminating in 1973. His doctoral work, completed in 1982, focused on the singular initial value problem of the Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation, investigating the continuity of solution operators and their mathematical properties—a topic reflecting a deep engagement with applied mathematical physics.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Quapp’s professional career spanned nearly four decades at Universität Leipzig, where he served from 1973 until his retirement in 2012. Despite a temporary hiatus due to an 18-month military service between 1973 and 1975, he remained an integral figure in Leipzig’s academic and research landscape. His career included international academic collaborations, including guest positions at prestigious institutions such as VIK Dubna near Moscow and the University of Leningrad under Prof. Dr. A.A. Kiselev, as well as with Prof. Dr. M. Winnewisser in Gießen.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Quapp’s research is renowned for bridging mathematics and theoretical chemistry. His work delves into mathematical methods in theoretical chemistry, quantum chemistry, and molecular physics. A significant focus has been the analysis of potential energy surfaces, valley-ridge inflection points, and reaction path bifurcations—critical to understanding molecular mechanisms and chemical reactions. Since 2010, he has collaborated extensively with Prof. Dr. J.M. Bofill in Barcelona, contributing to the intersection of chemical reaction theory and differential geometry.
🌍 Impact and Influence
By 2024, Dr. Quapp had authored over 120 scientific publications, presented 75 talks or posters, and conducted 190 peer reviews for 70 esteemed journals, underlining his influence as both a thought leader and a dedicated academic community contributor. His insights have shaped modern understanding in computational chemistry and mathematical modeling of complex chemical systems.
📚 Academic Cites and Recognition
Dr. Quapp is a respected member of several scholarly bodies, including the Leibniz-Sozietät Berlin, the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung, the Deutsche Bunsengesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie, and the Ostwald-Gesellschaft. These memberships reflect his stature in both the mathematical and physical chemistry communities. His works are widely cited, and his academic website catalogues his prolific output: List of Activities.
🧰 Technical Skills
Possessing strong analytical and computational skills, Dr. Quapp has contributed to solving nonlinear partial differential equations, the geometric theory of dynamical systems, and computational modeling in chemistry. His ability to apply high-level mathematical techniques to chemical problems highlights his interdisciplinary mastery.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
During his tenure at Universität Leipzig, Dr. Quapp was not only a researcher but also a mentor and educator, guiding generations of students in the complex interplay between mathematics and chemistry. His teaching helped bridge disciplinary boundaries and inspire future scholars to pursue rigorous theoretical investigations.
🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions
Though formally retired since 2012, Dr. Quapp continues to collaborate internationally and publish influential work. His legacy is one of cross-disciplinary innovation, scholarly rigor, and mentorship. His ongoing collaboration with researchers like Prof. Bofill ensures that his work will continue to influence the fields of quantum chemistry and mathematical modeling for years to come.
📖Notable Publications
Comment to: “Topology of molecular deformations induces triphasic catch bonding in selectin–ligand bonds”
Authors: W Quapp, J.M. Bofill
Journal: bioRxiv, Preprint ID 2024.08.21.608529
Year: 2024
Shaping Reactions: The Exciting World of Mechanochemistry and Molecular Interactions
Authors: W Quapp, J.M. Bofill
Year: 2024
Altering Selectivity in the Tug-of-War Mechanism by Mechanochemistry – with an Explanation of Catch Bond Behavior
Authors: W Quapp, J.M. Bofill
Journal: Foundations, Volume 1, Pages 1–26
Year: 2023
An algorithm to find the optimal oriented external electrostatic field for annihilating a reaction barrier in a polarizable molecular system
Authors: J.M. Bofill i Villà, M. Severi, W. Quapp, J. Ribas Ariño, I.P.R. Moreira, and others
Journal: Journal of Chemical Physics, Volume 159, Pages 1–19
Year: 2023