# Gerhard Woeginger > Austrian mathematician **Wikidata**: [Q20994323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20994323) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_J._Woeginger) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gerhard-woeginger ## Summary Gerhard J. Woeginger was an Austrian mathematician and computer scientist recognized for his academic contributions to technical universities in Europe. Born in Graz in 1964, he held professorships at institutions including RWTH Aachen University and the Eindhoven University of Technology. His career was distinguished by prestigious awards such as the Humboldt Prize and his election to the Academia Europaea. ## Biography - **Born:** May 31, 1964, in Graz, Austria - **Died:** April 1, 2022 - **Nationality:** Austria - **Education:** Graz University of Technology - **Known for:** Research in mathematics and computer science; mentorship of doctoral students - **Employer(s):** RWTH Aachen University, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, Graz University of Technology - **Field(s):** Mathematics, Computer Science ## Contributions Gerhard Woeginger built a substantial academic career focused on mathematics and computer science, contributing significantly to the research output of multiple European universities. His professional journey included long-term affiliations with the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and RWTH Aachen University in Germany. A core aspect of his contribution was the mentorship of the next generation of scientists. He supervised at least ten doctoral students, including Paul S. Bonsma, Leo van Iersel, Petra Schuurman, and Tim Nieberg, fostering academic growth in fields related to informatics and algorithms. His own academic lineage traces back to Franz Rendl at the Graz University of Technology. His work earned him international recognition, evidenced by the receipt of the Start-Preis in 1996 and the Humboldt Prize in 2011. These accolades highlighted his impact on the scientific community. Furthermore, his standing in the field was solidified through his membership in the Academia Europaea (Section Informatics), joining the organization in 2014. His research and authorship are cataloged in major scientific databases, including DBLP, ZbMATH, and the Mathematics Genealogy Project. ## FAQs ### Q: When and where was Gerhard Woeginger born? A: Gerhard Woeginger was born on May 31, 1964, in Graz, Austria. ### Q: What awards did Gerhard Woeginger receive? A: He received the Start-Preis in 1996 and the Humboldt Prize in 2011. ### Q: Which universities employed Gerhard Woeginger? A: He was employed by the Graz University of Technology, the University of Twente, the Eindhoven University of Technology, and RWTH Aachen University. ### Q: Was Gerhard Woeginger a member of any professional societies? A: Yes, he was a member of the Academia Europaea, specifically within the Informatics section, starting in 2014. ## Why They Matter Gerhard Woeginger matters to the scientific community for his sustained role in advancing the disciplines of mathematics and computer science within Europe's leading technical universities. His election to the Academia Europaea in 2014 confirms his status as a scholar of high international standing. By holding positions at institutions like Eindhoven University of Technology and RWTH Aachen University, he influenced the direction of research and education in informatics. His impact is also defined by his academic lineage; having supervised numerous doctoral students, his influence extends through the students he trained, who continue to contribute to the field. The recognition of his work through the Humboldt Prize underscores the value of his research contributions to global science. Without his presence, the network of scholars in European computer science would lack a significant node of mentorship and collaborative research that he provided throughout his tenure. ## Notable For - Receiving the **Humboldt Prize** in 2011. - Serving as a professor at **RWTH Aachen University** and **Eindhoven University of Technology**. - Membership in the **Academia Europaea** (Section Informatics) elected in 2014. - Supervising a significant cohort of **doctoral students** (at least 10 known). - Winning the **Start-Preis** in 1996. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Gerhard J. Woeginger was born on May 31, 1964, in Graz, Austria. He held Austrian citizenship. He pursued his higher education at the Graz University of Technology. During his academic training, he completed his doctorate under the supervision of Franz Rendl. ### Academic Career Woeginger’s career was marked by affiliations with several prominent technical universities across Central and Western Europe. His employers included: - **Graz University of Technology** (Austria) - **University of Twente** (Netherlands) - **Eindhoven University of Technology** (Netherlands) - **RWTH Aachen University** (Germany) His professional activities were rooted in the German language and English-speaking academic environments. ### Mentorship and Academic Lineage Woeginger played a pivotal role in the academic development of numerous researchers. He supervised the following doctoral students: - Gemayqzel Bouza Allende - Joep Aerts - Adriana Bumb - Tobias Brueggemann - Leo van Iersel - Maarten Lipmann - Tim Nieberg - Petra Schuurman - Paul S. Bonsma - Xin-Hui Wang ### Honors and Recognition Throughout his career, Woeginger received notable distinctions: - **1996:** Awarded the Start-Preis. - **2011:** Received the Humboldt Prize. - **2014:** Elected as a member of the Academia Europaea, affiliated with the AE section Informatics. ### Death Gerhard Woeginger passed away on April 1, 2022. ## References 1. [BnF authorities](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb14498996j) 2. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0001-8816-2693/employment/8482838) 3. Mathematics Genealogy Project 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. CiNii Research 6. [Source](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/User/Woeginger_Gerhard)