Ernst Albert Gäumann

Ernst Albert Gäumann (6 October 1893 – 5 December 1963) was a Swiss botanist and mycologist who made contributions to plant pathology. As professor and director of the Institute for Special Botany at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology from 1927 until his death, he authored over 250 scientific publications, including influential works on fungal morphology and plant infections. Gäumann was particularly renowned for his pioneering research on rust fungi, fungal toxins, and plant defence mechanisms. His groundbreaking work on host-specific toxins and wilt diseases established foundational concepts in phytopathology. For his contributions to science, he received numerous accolades, including the Marcel Benoist Prize, honorary doctorates from several universities, and membership in the French Academy of Sciences.

Early life and education

Born in Lyss, Canton of Bern, he obtained his early education in Biel, experiencing both German and French languages and cultures. Studying with Eduard Fischer at the University of Bern, Gäumann received his PhD in 1917 for his research on Peronospora, a genus of water moulds.