Bernhard Korte: The mathematician who shaped tomorrow

The University of Bonn has mourned the death of Professor Bernhard Korte, an important scientist in the field of mathematics and computer science. Korte was born in Bottrop and studied from 1959 to 1967 at the University of Bonn, where he did his doctorate and habilitated. After various professorships in Regensburg and Bielefeld, he returned to his hometown, where he founded the research institute for discrete mathematics, which he headed until the end of his life.

Korte gained worldwide recognition through his work in combinatorial optimization. His research led to the development of methods and algorithms, which are of crucial importance for the design of complex chips and microprocessors. More than 3,000 microprocessors were realized using the "BonnnTools" he developed. This shows the relevance of his institute in global cooperation with industry, for example with IBM in chip development.

Another important legacy of Professor Korte is the arithmeteum, a museum that documents the history of the arithmetic machines. His commitment combined science, technology and art in a unique way, which made the arithmeum an important place for science in Bonn.

Professor Korte was not only an outstanding scientist, but also an inspiring university lecturer and important player in various scientific academies. Its numerous awards, including the great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, attest to his extraordinary contribution to science and society. The recognition by the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and the Acatech-German Academy of Technology underlines its influence in academic circles.

Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. H.C. Michael Hoch praised Korte as a "tireless bridge builder" between mathematics, computer science, industry and the public. Korte has inspired generations of students and will continue to be remembered as a creative personality and pioneer in mathematics. His heir will remain alive through the works he left and the University of Bonn will always remember his merits.