Professor Bernhard Korte: The pioneer of discrete mathematics in NRW died

Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst on the death of state award winner Bernhard Korte

With great grief, Prof. H.C. mult. Dr. Dr. H.C. Bernhard Korte announced, an important mathematician and economist who died on April 26, 2025 at the age of 86. The University of Bonn confirmed this message and thus praised the life's work of one of the most outstanding scientists North Rhine-Westphalia.

Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst commented on Korte as a pioneer of discrete mathematics and optimization, whose influence extends far beyond the limits of science and region. Wüst emphasized how crucial Korte was for the design of the science landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia. By founding the arithmeum in Bonn and the gift of a significant collection of historical arithmetic machines, he has made mathematics tangible for many people.

Bernhard Korte was born in Bottrop on November 3, 1938. His academic career began in Bonn, where he studied mathematics, physics and chemistry and did her doctorate in 1967. From 1971 he worked as a professor at the University of Bonn, from 1987 he took over the management of the research institute for discrete mathematics. Under his leadership, research in this area experienced significant progress and was used in numerous applications, for example in the telecommunications industry and the development of modern microchip technologies.

his extraordinary commitment and his passion for mathematics were also recognized by several awards. In 1997 he received the State Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and in 2021 he was awarded the Innovation Award in the Honorary Award category. Korte has always campaigned to make mathematics more visible and to inspire future generations, which is also reflected in its unique collection of historical arithmetic machines that he leaves the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The loss of Bernhard Korte represents a significant cut for the scientific community. However, his inheritance will remain, not only in mathematics, but also in the hearts of students and researchers who have benefited from his knowledge and vision.