Ernst Hammel earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Vienna in 1978 and completed a postdoctoral program in Semiconductor Engineering at UC Berkeley in 198 vestibular2. During this time, he worked at American Microsystems Inc. He was a key member of the startup team that later became AMS-Osram (1983–1986). At IMS Nanofabrication (1986–1996), as Manager of Application Engineering, he advanced ion beam lithography techniques, contributing to innovations that enabled 3 nm node technology. At Electrovac AG (1998–2009), he led Research, Development, and Technology, securing over 15 patents and publishing more than 40 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.

Since 2010, Ernst has focused on climate science and SETI, publishing articles and critical reviews on ResearchGate and skeptical platforms, offering evidence-based analyses to challenge mainstream perspectives.

Today, Ernst is an independent researcher and consultant in Vienna, specializing in climate and broader political issues. Retired from the commercial technology sector, he enjoys cycling and spending time with his family, including his nine grandchildren.