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In Memory of Sabine Grau-Corsépius

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The Research Institute for Applied Knowledge Processing (FAW/n) in Ulm mourns the passing of Sabine Grau-Corsépius, who died on November 30, 2021, after a long and courageous struggle with a severe illness. (*September 25, 1959 – November 30, 2021†)

Ms. Grau-Corsépius worked for more than 25 years as Executive Assistant to the Institute’s Board, always serving as a steady and calming presence. She joined FAW from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, then led by Prof. Valentin von Braitenberg, in 1989/1990, shortly after the founding of the Research Institute for Applied Knowledge Processing (FAW). There, she took on the role of Chief Assistant to the Institute Director. Through her broad overview, effectiveness, dedication, patience, and keen sensitivity for what truly mattered, she decisively shaped the work of FAW and later FAW/n. Her finesse and understanding of the essence of science, the importance of scholarly exchange, and the role of events, conferences, meetings, and the necessary associated decorum were particularly impressive. She was an outstanding assistant to the Institute Director and a valued colleague to all staff members. Without her contributions, the influence and presence of the institute, as well as its successor FAW/n, would certainly have been diminished.

It is deeply painful that Ms. Grau-Corsépius has left us and this world far too soon. We will miss her and honor her memory with lasting gratitude for the time we were privileged to spend with her.

FAW/n, its staff, leadership, project partners, and supporters

Image source: Uwe Kienle (Pixabay), FAWn

FAW/n Mourns the Passing of Lothar Späth

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FAW/n has received with deep sadness the news of the death of former Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Lothar Späth.

As Minister President, Lothar Späth made a significant contribution not only to advancing our state and establishing the Science City of Ulm, but also, in this context, to founding the then Research Institute for Applied Knowledge Processing (FAW) – the first institute for artificial intelligence in Germany – together with partners from industry and the University of Ulm. After his transition from politics to business, Lothar Späth maintained close ties with the FAW, especially with the institute’s director, and later also with FAW/n. Companies from his sphere of influence, such as Jenoptik and m + w Zander, were at times sponsors of the FAW. We will preserve the memory of Lothar Späth with deep respect and gratitude.

Photo: Inauguration of the FAW–fischertechnik production facility in 1990. From left to right: Klaus Fischer (fischer Group of Companies), Dr. Eberhard Leibing (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Stuttgart; then Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Hanns Albrecht Maute (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Stuttgart), Lothar Späth, Helmut Xander (LEG, builder of the FAW), Institute Director Prof. F. J. Radermacher, Prof. Werner Mellis (then Daimler Benz AG, Ulm)

https://www.fawn-ulm.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Spaeth-CIM-Minifabrik-e1458652845746.jpg

Image source: Wikimedia

Dr. habil. Thomas Kämpke – Obituary

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After a long and serious illness, our esteemed colleague passed away on Monday, January 2, 2015.

Dr. Kämpke, who previously worked at RWTH Aachen and for an extended period at the University of Passau, came to Ulm together with the FAW/n Director F. J. Radermacher. Dr. Kämpke played a major role in shaping the development and work of the Research Institute for Applied Knowledge Processing (FAW) from 1987 to 2004, and later of FAW/n from 2004 onward, as a senior scientist. With his broad background in mathematics (habilitation in mathematics at the University of Ulm in 1992), his interdisciplinary scientific education, and his excellent sense for practical applications, he made numerous significant contributions over the years.

At FAW/n, he was centrally involved in analyses concerning the social balance of societies, the mathematics of Lorenz curves, the modeling of the German energy system, and the analytical groundwork for the work of the Club of Rome. His research particularly addressed questions about the future development of humanity in light of global trends in population, innovation, and sustainable development.

Thomas Kämpke was a trusted advisor to many thanks to his reliability, scientific creativity, and consistently kind and thoughtful manner. At the University of Ulm, he served for many years as a Privatdozent (lecturer), mentoring and inspiring numerous students in both teaching and research. It is deeply painful that Thomas Kämpke has left us – and this world – far too soon. We will miss him greatly and cherish his memory with profound gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with him.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his sister, Eva Kämpke.

The obituaries from InMach and FAW/n, published in the Südwest Presse on January 10, 2015, as well as the condolence card from his sister, Eva Kämpke, are available for viewing.

Image source: congerdesign (Pixabay)