Former Rector Prof. Dr. Gerhard Ackermann has passed away at the age of 91. He headed the Zittau University of Engineering for seven years.
For almost four decades, GDR energetics was closely associated with the name Gerhard Ackermann. He was at the forefront of all nuclear energy projects and enjoyed a high international reputation as one of the leading scientists in this field.
When the GDR's first research reactor went into operation in Rossendorf in 1957, the then 27-year-old Gerhard Ackermann was the responsible technical director. 24 years later, at the age of 51, he was appointed Rector of the then Zittau University of Engineering. He succeeded Prof. Hans-Joachim Hildebrandt, the founding rector of the engineering college. He headed the Zittau educational institution for seven years - until 1988. During this time, the Zittau University of Engineering was awarded the status of a technical university. It was now not only possible to obtain a doctorate in Zittau, but also a habilitation. Prof. Ackermann played a leading role in preparing and overseeing this process.
At the age of 91, the deserving scientist and university lecturer has now passed away. He was associated with the university for over 21 years. In 1969, he was appointed Professor of Nuclear Power Engineering at the newly formed Zittau University of Engineering and was immediately put in charge of the formation and management of the Power Plants and Energy Conversion section.
On his initiative, the teaching and research reactor was set up to provide students with practical training. It is also thanks to Gerhard Ackermann that specialists in nuclear energetics have been trained in Zittau since 1983. After retiring from his position as Rector, he remained active at the Chair of Nuclear Power Engineering at Zittau University of Applied Sciences until 1990 and was Dean of the Faculty of Power Plant Engineering and Energy Conversion.
In honorable memory on behalf of the Rectorate
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector
