Vanderbilt professor of physics Thomas Weiler received a 2009 Humboldt Research Award for his past innovations in physics and his future ambitions to further a field that used to be considered mere science fiction.

The award recognizes Weiler's contributions in the developing field of neutrino astrophysics.

"Neutrino astrophysics is largely a theoretical field at the moment," Weiler said on his homepage on the Vanderbilt Web site. "The boon for astronomy if astrophysical neutrinos are measured is pretty clear. With neutrinos one may peer back in time and out in distance far beyond what is (currently) available ... One can expect a flurry of excitement and discovery over the next decade or two."

In addition, Weiler is honored for his work in developing the understanding of the strong force that binds together quarks within the atomic nucleus.

Weiler said he intends to use the award, valued at almost $78,000, to travel to the University of Dortmund and the Max Planck Institute in Munich. He said he plans to explore the possibility that certain particles can take shortcuts through extra dimensions. These particles could potentially enable communication with the past and future because of their high speed of travel.

"Relentless inquiry is one of the most important features (logic, art and music are others) that defines our species," Weiler said on his Web site. "It provides technological spin-offs that better our lives materially and thereby benefit us with more leisure time."

Weiler said he also plans to collaborate with other renowned scientists on the quantum mechanical mechanisms that influence the emission of neutrinos from core-collapse supernovas, the largest stellar explosions.

Weiler has been highly involved in the forefront of the physics field. He spent his 2004 sabbatical at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland.

"I wish to draw upon my particle theory background, and be part of the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) discovery process," Weiler said on his Web site.

The award is granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Bonn, Germany. The foundation seeks to encourage research collaborations between German and international scientists and scholars from all disciplines, backgrounds and levels of experience. Up to 100 Humboldt awards are granted to nominees each year.

Vanderbilt News Service contributed reporting to this article.