# Heinrich Hußmann

> German computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q102257292](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102257292)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heinrich-humann

## Summary
Heinrich Hußmann (1959–2022) was a distinguished German computer scientist and university teacher who specialized in human–computer interaction and media informatics. He is best known for his long-standing professorship at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and his role in bridging industrial research at Siemens with academic excellence in digital media studies.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 4, 1959, in Munich, Germany
- **Nationality:** Germany
- **Education:** Technical University of Munich; University of Passau (Doctor of Natural Sciences, 1989)
- **Known for:** Academic leadership in media informatics and human–computer interaction (HCI)
- **Employer(s):** Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2003–2022), TUD Dresden University of Technology (1997–2002), Siemens (1994–1997), Technical University of Munich (1989–1994), University of Passau (1983–1989)
- **Field(s):** Human–computer interaction, media informatics, computer science

## Contributions
Heinrich Hußmann was a central figure in the development of media informatics, a field focusing on the intersection of digital media, information technology, and human-centric design. His career was marked by a successful transition between high-level industrial application and academic research. After completing his doctoral studies at the University of Passau under the supervision of Manfred Broy in 1989, he spent several years at the Technical University of Munich before joining Siemens from 1994 to 1997. This industrial experience informed his subsequent academic roles at the TUD Dresden University of Technology and later at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU).

At LMU Munich, where he served from 2003 until his death in 2022, Hußmann was instrumental in shaping the media informatics curriculum and research agenda. He was a prolific mentor, supervising a wide array of doctoral students who have since become significant contributors to the field of computer science, including Raphael Wimmer, Alexander De Luca, and Steffen Zschaler. His research is widely indexed in major academic databases such as DBLP, the ACM Digital Library, and zbMATH, reflecting a career dedicated to the rigorous study of how humans interact with evolving digital systems.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Heinrich Hußmann’s primary area of expertise?
A: Hußmann specialized in media informatics and human–computer interaction (HCI). His work focused on the technical and human-centric aspects of digital media and information technology.

### Q: Which major institutions was Heinrich Hußmann affiliated with?
A: He held significant roles at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and TUD Dresden University of Technology. He also gained industrial experience working for Siemens in the mid-1990s.

### Q: Who was Heinrich Hußmann’s doctoral advisor?
A: His doctoral advisor was Manfred Broy, a prominent German computer scientist, during his time at the University of Passau.

## Why They Matter
Heinrich Hußmann played a vital role in establishing media informatics as a robust academic discipline within Germany. By integrating the study of digital media with the principles of human–computer interaction, he helped ensure that computer science education evolved to address the complexities of modern user interfaces and digital services. His work was particularly significant for its ability to span the industrial and service sectors, applying theoretical computer science to real-world technological challenges.

Beyond his personal research, Hußmann’s lasting impact is found in his extensive academic genealogy. By advising numerous doctoral students at both TU Dresden and LMU Munich, he fostered a generation of researchers who continue to advance HCI and media informatics today. His nearly two-decade tenure at LMU Munich solidified the university's position as a leading center for media-focused informatics. His death in 2022 marked the end of a career that was essential in defining how digital media is studied and taught in the German academic landscape.

## Notable For
*   **Academic Leadership:** Served as a professor at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München for 19 years (2003–2022).
*   **Industrial-Academic Bridge:** Successfully integrated industrial experience from Siemens (1994–1997) into his academic research and teaching.
*   **Prolific Mentor:** Acted as the doctoral advisor for numerous influential researchers, including Raphael Wimmer, Alexander De Luca, and Steffen Zschaler.
*   **Field Definition:** Contributed significantly to the specialized discipline of media informatics, focusing on the human-centric aspects of digital technology.

## Body
### Education and Early Career
Heinrich Hußmann was born in Munich on May 4, 1959. He pursued his higher education at the Technical University of Munich and the University of Passau. From 1983 to 1989, he was employed at the University of Passau, where he completed his doctoral studies. He received the degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences in 1989 under the supervision of Manfred Broy.

### Professional Trajectory
Following his doctorate, Hußmann served at the Technical University of Munich from 1989 to 1994. He then transitioned to the private sector, working at Siemens between 1994 and 1997. He returned to academia in 1997, taking a position at the TUD Dresden University of Technology, where he remained until 2002.

### Tenure at LMU Munich
In 2003, Hußmann joined Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). During his 19-year tenure at LMU, he became a cornerstone of the media informatics department. His work during this period is characterized by a high volume of collaborative research and the supervision of many Ph.D. candidates.

### Doctoral Students and Mentorship
Hußmann supervised a significant number of doctoral students throughout his career, including:
*   **Raphael Wimmer** (University teacher and HCI researcher)
*   **Steffen Zschaler**
*   **Alexander De Luca**
*   **Andreas Pleuß**
*   **Richard Atterer**
*   **Heiko Drewes**
*   **Simone Röttger**
*   **Arnd Vitzthum**
*   **Sean Eikenberg**
*   **Sten Löcher**

He also worked alongside researchers such as Emanuel von Zezschwitz, Alina Lang, and Max-Emanuel Maurer at LMU Munich.

### Death and Legacy
Heinrich Hußmann passed away on May 23, 2022, in Starnberg, Germany. He is remembered for his contributions to the field of computer science and his extensive influence on the German HCI research community.

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## References

1. BnF authorities
2. datos.bne.es
3. Mathematics Genealogy Project
4. [Source](http://www.medien.ifi.lmu.de/team/heinrich.hussmann/index.xhtml)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Library of Congress Authorities
8. [Source](http://web.archive.org/web/20220523203708/http://www.medien.ifi.lmu.de/)
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File