Passing of Hartmut Weule

Former Institute Director and Honorary Citizen of KIT Passed Away on March 19, 2026, at the Age of 85

As a visionary scientist, courageous trailblazer, and bridge builder between academia and industry, Professor Hartmut Weule uniquely united these two worlds and provided forward‑looking impetus far beyond individual institutions. His contributions shaped the University of Karlsruhe (TH) and later Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in a lasting way over several decades.

After an outstanding academic career and formative work in industry – during which he laid important foundations for modern automotive production – he brought his extensive expertise to the University of Karlsruhe (TH) in 1982 as Professor at the Chair of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering – known today as the wbk Institute of Production Science at KIT. With exceptional dedication, he fostered strong connections among science, industry, and politics and made significant contributions to societal and research‑policy issues.

Supporting young researchers was always a matter of great personal importance to him: His innovative, industry‑oriented educational approach continues to shape engineering education today and has set international standards. With his decisive support, the English‑language study track and the International Department were established – now hallmark of the internationalization of teaching at KIT. In recognition of his exceptional service to the university, the University of Karlsruhe (TH) named Hartmut Weule an Honorary Citizen in 2006.

KIT owes Hartmut Weule its deepest gratitude for his achievements and extraordinary commitment and will honor his legacy with lasting appreciation.

dse/jho, March 30, 2026