# Detlef Schmid

> German computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q102363589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102363589)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/detlef-schmid

## Summary
Detlef Schmid was a German computer scientist and university teacher known for his contributions to electrical engineering and computer science. He was a professor at the University of Karlsruhe (now KIT) and mentored several notable computer scientists. His work earned him prestigious awards, including the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 15, 1934, in Worms, Germany
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**:
  - Studied electrical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe and the University of Mannheim
  - Earned a Doktoringenieur (Dr.-Ing.) degree from the University of Karlsruhe in 1968, advised by Karl Steinbuch
- **Known for**: Advancing computer science education and research, particularly in electrical engineering and related fields
- **Employer(s)**: University of Karlsruhe (later KIT)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, electrical engineering

## Contributions
Detlef Schmid made significant contributions to computer science and electrical engineering through his academic work and mentorship. He supervised several doctoral students who became prominent in the field, including Raúl Camposano (1981), Hermann Härtig (1984), Andreas Pfitzmann (1958–2010), and Klaus Schneider (1995). His research and teaching at the University of Karlsruhe helped shape the institution's reputation in computer science. Additionally, he was recognized for his professional achievements, receiving the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009 and an honorary doctorate in 2011.

## FAQs
**Where was Detlef Schmid born?**
Detlef Schmid was born on May 15, 1934, in Worms, Germany.

**What did Detlef Schmid study?**
He studied electrical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe and the University of Mannheim, earning his doctoral degree in 1968.

**Who were Detlef Schmid's notable students?**
His doctoral students included Raúl Camposano, Hermann Härtig, Andreas Pfitzmann, and Klaus Schneider, all of whom became influential computer scientists.

**What awards did Detlef Schmid receive?**
He was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009 and received an honorary doctorate in 2011.

**Where did Detlef Schmid work?**
He was affiliated with the University of Karlsruhe (now part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT) as a professor and researcher.

## Why They Matter
Detlef Schmid played a pivotal role in advancing computer science education and research in Germany. His mentorship of future leaders in the field, such as Klaus Schneider and Hermann Härtig, extended his influence beyond his own work. His contributions to electrical engineering and computer science helped establish the University of Karlsruhe as a key institution in these disciplines. The awards he received, including the Cross of the Order of Merit, underscore his impact on both academia and society.

## Notable For
- Earning a Doktoringenieur degree from the University of Karlsruhe in 1968
- Supervising prominent doctoral students, including Klaus Schneider and Hermann Härtig
- Receiving the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009
- Being honored with an honorary doctorate in 2011
- Contributing to the fields of computer science and electrical engineering through teaching and research

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Detlef Schmid was born on May 15, 1934, in Worms, Germany. Before pursuing higher education, he worked as a watchmaker from 1952 to 1955. He later studied electrical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe and the University of Mannheim. In 1968, he earned his Doktoringenieur (Dr.-Ing.) degree from the University of Karlsruhe under the supervision of Karl Steinbuch, a renowned German computer scientist.

### Academic Career
Schmid became a professor at the University of Karlsruhe, where he contributed significantly to computer science and electrical engineering. His work at the university helped shape its reputation in these fields. He mentored several doctoral students who went on to become influential figures in computer science, including:
- **Raúl Camposano** (1981)
- **Hermann Härtig** (1984)
- **Andreas Pfitzmann** (1958–2010)
- **Klaus Schneider** (1995)

### Awards and Recognition
Schmid's contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2009, he received the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Additionally, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2011, further cementing his legacy in the field.

### Legacy
Detlef Schmid's influence extended beyond his own research through his mentorship of future leaders in computer science. His work at the University of Karlsruhe (now KIT) helped establish the institution as a center for computer science and electrical engineering research. His awards and the success of his students highlight his lasting impact on the field.

### Personal Details
- **Full Name**: Detlef Schmid
- **Nationality**: German
- **Occupation**: Computer scientist, university teacher
- **Languages Spoken**: German, English
- **Death**: September 27, 2018

### Identifiers
- **GND ID**: 103040495X
- **VIAF ID**: 295961528
- **DBLP Author ID**: 01/2268
- **ACM Digital Library Author ID**: 81100145356
- **IEEE Xplore Author ID**: 37361751100

## References

1. [Source](http://cesweb.itec.kit.edu/%7Eschmid/lebenslauf.html)
2. [Source](https://www.informatik.kit.edu/309_10059.php)
3. [Source](https://www.fzi.de/aktuelles/news/detail/artikel/fzi-trauert-um-professor-detlef-schmid/)
4. [Source](https://www.informatik.kit.edu/11147_1502.php)
5. [Source](https://www.fakultaeten.tu-clausthal.de/math-inf-maschinenbau/ehrenpromotionen/detlef-schmid/)
6. Mathematics Genealogy Project
7. CiNii Research
8. Catalog of the German National Library
9. Integrated Authority File