I have been connected with the Niels Bohr Institute since the completion of my university studies first as a research fellow and from 1956 as a professor of physics at the University of Copenhagen. After the death of my father in 1962 I followed him as director of the Institute until 1970.

Both for my wife and myself the personal friendships that have grown out of scientific contacts with colleagues from many different countries have been an important part of our lives and the travels we have made together in connection with the world-wide scientific co-operation have given us rich treasures of experiences.

In March 1950 in New York City I was married to Marietta Soffer. We have three children: Vilhelm Tomas and Margrethe.