December 12

Adolf Bötticher was a German journalist and historian born in 1842. He specialized in the study of art and architectural monuments, contributing to the documentation of European cultural heritage. Bötticher authored several works on medieval castles and churches, shedding light on their historical significance. His research supported early preservation efforts and influenced subsequent art historians. Throughout his career, he combined rigorous scholarship with journalistic clarity, leaving a lasting impact on the study of architectural history.

Alfred Werner was born in 1866 in Switzerland. He served as a professor at the University of Zurich, where he conducted groundbreaking research on coordination compounds. Werner proposed the spatial arrangement of ligands around metal centers, resolving longstanding questions in inorganic chemistry. In 1913, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this work, becoming the first inorganic chemist to be honored. His theories established key concepts that underpin modern chemical synthesis and catalysis. Werner's contributions continue to influence research in chemistry, materials science, and related fields.

Étienne-Émile Baulieu was born in 1926 in Strasbourg and became a leading figure in endocrinology. He conducted groundbreaking studies on steroid hormones and their roles in aging and reproductive function. Baulieu is best known for the development of mifepristone (RU-486), a medication that transformed reproductive medicine. As a professor at the Collège de France and director of INSERM, he mentored generations of researchers. He published hundreds of scientific papers and received accolades including the Légion d'honneur. His work had a profound impact on contraceptive technology and the understanding of hormone regulation. He passed away in 2025, leaving a legacy of scientific innovation.

Heiner Flassbeck is a German economist known for his work on international finance and macroeconomic policy. He served as Chief Economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 2003 to 2012. Flassbeck has authored numerous publications on globalization, monetary policy, and European economic integration. He has held academic positions at the University of Hamburg and German research institutes. As a public intellectual, he frequently comments on fiscal policy, advocating for full employment and coordinated European economic strategies. His research and advocacy have influenced debates on economic governance and social welfare.

Mayim Bialik is an American actress and neuroscientist born on 12 December 1975 in San Diego, California. She rose to fame as a child star on the sitcom 'Blossom' and later achieved acclaim portraying neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on 'The Big Bang Theory', earning four Emmy nominations. Concurrently, Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, publishing research on obsessive–compulsive disorder in adolescents with Prader–Willi syndrome. She has authored books on parenting and neurodiversity, advocating for women in STEM. Bialik is also a vocal proponent of mental health awareness and veganism. Her multifaceted career bridges entertainment and science.