Roots, Foundation, and Achievements of the “Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre”

This chapter collects some basic ingredients of the research carried out at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (Institut fur Physik der Atmosphare-IPA) during the five decades 1962–2012. A few older roots are mentioned and the initial vision of the founding director is recalled. A march through five decades presents important achievements and illustrates the contributions which IPA made to the steady development of the atmospheric sciences in experiment and simulation during the past half century. A vision into the decade ahead and a look at partner institutes of similar age conclude the chapter.