# Heinz Zemanek

> Austrian computer pioneer (1920–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q43768](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43768)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_Zemanek)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heinz-zemanek

## Summary
Heinz Zemanek was an Austrian computer pioneer and computer scientist (1920–2014). He was recognized for his foundational work in the field, receiving awards such as the Computer Pioneer Award in 1985. Zemanek also served as a university teacher, notably at TU Wien.

## Biography
- Born: 1920-01-01 in Vienna, Austria
- Died: 2014-07-16 in Vienna, Austria
- Nationality: Austrian
- Education: University of Vienna, TU Wien
- Known for: Pioneering contributions to computer science
- Employer(s): TU Wien
- Field(s): Computer science

## Contributions
Heinz Zemanek made significant contributions as an Austrian computer pioneer and computer scientist. His work was recognized with the prestigious Computer Pioneer Award in 1985, acknowledging his foundational efforts in the early development of computing. As a university teacher, he influenced future generations of computer scientists, including his doctoral student Erich Neuhold, through his tenure at institutions like TU Wien. Zemanek's impact on the field was further highlighted by other accolades such as the Wilhelm Exner Medal in 1972 and the Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor in 1998. His career spanned decades, contributing to the academic and practical understanding of computer science in Austria and beyond. He was also a member of several distinguished academies, including the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, reflecting his broad influence and recognition within the scientific community.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Heinz Zemanek's primary occupation?
A: Heinz Zemanek was primarily known as an Austrian computer pioneer, computer scientist, and university teacher. He dedicated his career to the advancement and education within the field of computer science.

### Q: Where did Heinz Zemanek receive his education?
A: Heinz Zemanek was educated at both the University of Vienna and TU Wien. He also served as an employer at TU Wien.

### Q: What notable awards did Heinz Zemanek receive?
A: Heinz Zemanek received several significant awards, including the Computer Pioneer Award in 1985, the Wilhelm Exner Medal in 1972, and the Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor in 1998. He was also an IBM Fellow.

## Why They Matter
Heinz Zemanek's significance lies in his role as a foundational figure in the development of computer science, particularly in Austria. As a recognized computer pioneer, his early work helped shape the nascent field of computing. His career as a university teacher at TU Wien was crucial for educating and inspiring subsequent generations of computer scientists, as evidenced by his doctoral student Erich Neuhold. The numerous awards he received, such as the Computer Pioneer Award, Wilhelm Exner Medal, and Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor, underscore the profound and lasting impact of his contributions. Without his pioneering efforts and dedication to both research and education, the trajectory of computer science in Austria and its broader influence might have been significantly different. His legacy is cemented by his membership in multiple prestigious academies, reflecting his international recognition and influence.

## Notable For
*   Recipient of the Computer Pioneer Award in 1985.
*   Recognized as an Austrian computer pioneer and computer scientist.
*   Awarded the Wilhelm Exner Medal in 1972 and the Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor in 1998.
*   Served as a university teacher at TU Wien, educating future computer scientists.
*   Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences, and Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

## Body

### Personal Life and Background
Heinz Zemanek was born on January 1, 1920, in Vienna, Austria. He passed away on July 16, 2014, also in Vienna. His citizenship was Austrian. He was also known by the alias Heinrich Josef Zemanek.

### Education and Academic Career
Zemanek pursued his education at the University of Vienna and TU Wien. He later became a university teacher and was employed by TU Wien. Among his doctoral students was Erich Neuhold.

### Professional Achievements and Contributions
Heinz Zemanek was a prominent computer scientist and is recognized as an Austrian computer pioneer. His contributions to the field were acknowledged through several prestigious awards:
*   Wilhelm Exner Medal (1972)
*   Computer Pioneer Award (1985)
*   Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor (1998)
*   IBM Fellow
*   Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the State of Vienna
*   Kardinal-Innitzer-Preis

He was a distinguished member of several scientific academies:
*   European Academy of Sciences and Arts
*   Hungarian Academy of Sciences
*   Russian Academy of Sciences
*   Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities

His archives are preserved at the Computer History Museum. He spoke German.

### Images
*   Image: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Heinz_Zemanek_JKU_2007.jpg`
*   Image of grave: `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Grave_of_Heinz_Zemanek,_Baumgartner_Friedhof.jpg`

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.wilhelmexner.org/en/medalists/)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102746814)
9. SNAC
10. [Source](https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Heinz_Zemanek)
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File