Gerd Binnig is a German physicist best known for his pioneering work in the field of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Born on July 27, 1955, he co-invented this groundbreaking technology in 1981, which allows scientists to visualize surfaces at the atomic level. His contributions have significantly advanced the study of materials and nanotechnology. In recognition of his achievements, Binnig was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986, sharing it with Heinrich Rohrer and Eric Betzig. His work has had a profound impact on various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and materials science, enabling new discoveries in nanostructures and quantum phenomena.