Paderborn University and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering mourn the loss of Prof. Dr. Hans Albert Richard, who passed away on 2 March at the age of 76. The scientist was a university professor for almost 30 years, four of them as Rector of Paderborn University, and headed the "Applied Mechanics" department at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering until his retirement in 2015.
For many years, Professor Richard shaped the teaching and research in his field and showed great personal commitment to the academic development of numerous students and researchers in the early stages of their careers. In 1989, the Hesse-born Professor Richard became Dean of the Department of Mechanical Engineering before heading Paderborn University as Rector from 1991 to 1995. His work for the university went far beyond his subject. During his time as Rector, Professor Richard provided important impetus for the further development of the university. His time as Rector was characterised by extensive building activities on campus and an increased emphasis on the quality of teaching. In 1994, the Audimax was inaugurated and the former Nixdorf headquarters on Fürstenallee was acquired for the university.
"Professor Richard played a key role in shaping the academic development of our university and inspired many generations of academics and students with his passion for research, teaching and building a strong technical discipline. His commitment to innovation, his clear vision and his tireless dedication to scientific excellence will remain firmly anchored in our university community," says University President Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer.
Professor Richard was awarded the Griffith Medal in Stockholm in 2004 for his research achievements in the field of mixed-mode crack propagation. During his time as a junior professor and professors at Paderborn University, he also wrote eight textbooks for teaching and practice. Even after his retirement, he remained closely associated with the university and was actively involved as a senior professor until 2017.
"In Professor Richard, the university is losing a highly committed and esteemed junior professor and professors who earned the recognition of students and a high reputation among his colleagues. We pay him great respect and deep gratitude," says Prof. Dr. Mirko Schaper, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Paderborn University will always honour the memory of Professor Richard.
This text was translated automatically.
