Bernhard Korte: A mathematician who combines art and science

<p> <strong> Bernhard Korte: A mathematician who combines art and science </strong> </p>

mathematician and museum founder Bernhard Korte died

Bernhard Korte, an important mathematician and founder of the Arithmeum in Bonn, died on April 26 at the age of 86. Korte, who was born in Bottrop in 1938, leaves an impressive legacy in mathematics and the museum landscape. His commitment to science and the museum remained until his last breath when he acquired a valuable Renaissance circle for his museum while he was in the hospital.

After studying at the University of Bonn, where he later also did his doctorate and habilitated, Korte repeated his academic career stations in cities such as Regensburg and Bielefeld before starting his professorship in Bonn. His scientific work in particular included the development of methods and algorithms in the field of discrete mathematics that set milestones in chip optimization. The "Bonnnools" he developed are integrated in numerous microprocessors worldwide.

Korte bundled his passion for mathematics and technology in the founding of the arithmet, which houses the largest collection of historical arithmetic machines in the world. The museum combines technology and art and offers visitors an insight into the development of arithmetic technologies from the beginning to modernity. The exclusive collection aims to make the history of arithmetic accessible to a wide audience and to raise contemporary questions.

In addition, he played a central role in the establishment of a new building for his institute, which is dedicated to both research and the public. Korte was able to implement the project despite considerable challenges and created a space that connects science and art. His tireless pursuit of making science transparent and being tangible for society will be remembered in Bonn and beyond.

In his death notice, he reflected on a "wonderful life". Korte was not only a remarkable academic, but also a charismatic intellectual who passionately dealt with architecture and technology. His loss leaves a gap in the science community and in the city of Bonn, which will worship his vision and influence.