The GFZ mourns the loss of the former head of the GFZ Section “Reservoir Science”, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 88.

Peter Möller was an exceptional scientist and pioneer in the field of geochemistry. After studying chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin and obtaining a doctorate in analytical (radio)chemistry, he began his scientific career at the Hahn-Meitner-Institut (HMI, now Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin). At the end of 1992, after more than 25 years at the HMI, he became head of the Department of Mineral Resources at the newly founded then GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (now: GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences). Even after his retirement in 2002, he remained active in research at the GFZ and was always a sought-after advisor to colleagues until the end.

His scientific interests ranged from high-temperature geochemistry of magmatic systems to low temperatures in groundwater. A particular focus of his work was in the field of rare earth elements, whose application he significantly influenced as so-called “geochemical probes”. He was the author of several books and numerous research articles in international journals, including the widely cited work “The Water of the Jordan Valley”. He wrote a textbook on “Inorganic Geochemistry” for his lectures at the Technical University and Free University of Berlin. Discussing science with him was inspiring and stimulating.

The GFZ mourns the loss of a passionate researcher, inspiring teacher and valued colleague. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and all those who were close to him.