The University of Stuttgart held a memorial service to bid farewell to Prof. em. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Effenberger, the former Rector, Vice-Rector and Head of the Institute of Organic Chemistry. Professor Effenberger died on December 11, 2024 at the age of 94. Rector Peter Middendorf and numerous companions paid tribute to his extraordinary life, his outstanding scientific achievements and his passionate commitment as a scientist, university lecturer and rector.
As Vice Rector from 1980 to 1986 and as Rector from 1987 to 1990, Prof. Effenberger played a decisive role in the massive development and expansion of new technologies at the University of Stuttgart. His accomplishments include the creation of the Center for Bioprocess Engineering, the establishment of the Institute for Display Technology and Laser Technology, and the founding of the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) in Stuttgart/Ulm.
Effenberger also campaigned for the financing and construction of the Hysolar building, for securing the sports science course and for the construction of the sports facilities on Campus Vaihingen. He also secured over three million German marks in private funding for the construction of the International Meeting Center (IBZ). Effenberger significantly contributed to elevating the field of computer science by founding the Institute for Parallel and Distributed Systems and overseeing the development of the wind tunnel at the Research Institute for Automotive Engineering and Powertrain Systems Stuttgart (FKFS). His work in the chemistry of aromatics and heterocycles as well as molecular electronics has attracted international attention.
As a committed university lecturer, inspiring mentor and outstanding scientist, Prof. Franz Effenberger left his mark on generations of students, employees and colleagues.
Prof. Franz Effenberger leaves a void that is difficult to fill.