Academic & Professional Activities, 1945-2002 (bulk dates: 1962-1988)

Brochures, conference programs, correspondence, financial papers, general office files, notebooks, pamphlets, photographs, published journals, teaching materials, theses & dissertations, travel documents.

The twenty linear feet of Series I comprises materials related to Böer’s academic career from the time he was employed at Humboldt University in Berlin (1950-1961) and then at the University of Delaware (1962-1994). Also included are materials related to Böer’s professional activities with the German scientific group WISTA (1994- 2000). The materials in this series document Böer’s activities both inside and outside of the University and are arranged in six sub-series: Administrative and Subject Files, Professional Activities, Teaching, Theses and Dissertations, Humboldt University, and WISTA.

Böer began his career at the University of Delaware as an associate professor of physics in 1962. In 1965 he became professor of physics and in 1971 professor of physics and engineering. Böer founded the Institute of Energy Conservation (IEC) at the University of Delaware and served as director from 1972-1975. Under Böer’s direction the IEC grew from a small research and development group into a major research facility with 45 fulltime employees and a budget of over one-million dollars. In 1975 Böer returned to a fulltime research and teaching position and began advising the University’s president on longterm projects. The University of Delaware established the Karl W. Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit in Böer’s honor in 1987. In 1993 the University named Böer Distinguished Professor of Physics and Solar Energy. In addition to his university and publishing activities, Böer maintained close contacts with the emerging fields of solar energy and energy conservation by attending conferences, making public addresses, reviewing and refereeing academic publications, and serving as a consultant to industries and governments. Some records related to these activities are interfiled in Series I., though more thorough documentation in each area is found in other series in the collection.