Mourning for Peter Lockemann

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the KIT Faculty of Computer Science and the Institute for Program Structures and Data Organization mourn the loss of

Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Peter C. Lockemann,

who passed away on July 21, 2025 at the age of 89.

With his passing, we have lost one of the formative founding fathers of computer science in Karlsruhe, a visionary scientist and a committed academic teacher.

Peter Lockemann had been a professor at the former University of Karlsruhe since 1972. This made him not only a founding member of the first German computer science faculty, but also one of the first generation of computer science professors in Germany. As Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science (1979-1981) and long-standing Director of the Institute for Program Structures and Data Organization (IPD), he played a key role in shaping the development of the faculty. His research in the field of database systems and information systems was internationally recognized and influenced generations of students and scientists. In addition, he contributed significantly to the convergence of computer science and business administration and was thus a pioneer of business informatics in Germany.

His tireless commitment to the transfer of research into practice deserves special mention. As a co-founder and long-standing board member of the FZI Research Center for Information Technology, he was a driving force in establishing the FZI as a bridge between university research and industrial application. With vision, perseverance and a keen sense for social and economic developments, he built the FZI into an institution of national importance. It was not without reason that he was often referred to as "Mister FZI".

He had an excellent international network - as a visiting professor in the USA, President of the VLDB Foundation and sponsor of Eastern European scientists. Professor Lockemann supervised over 50 doctorates, wrote four textbooks, more than 100 publications and was honored many times, including with an honorary doctorate from the University of Frankfurt and the Federal Cross of Merit. His life's work was characterized by scientific excellence and the promotion of practical innovation.

Until the end, Mr. Lockemann was an important contact, a welcome guest and a loyal companion to our faculty. With his open and always solution-oriented manner, he was able to initiate and implement many projects related to computer science in Karlsruhe, even as an emeritus professor.

In him, we are not only losing an excellent scientist, but also a valued colleague, mentor and friend. His work will live on in the faculty and far beyond.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and all those who were close to him.

Obituary of the FZI Research Center for Information Technology

Interview with Professor Lockemann on the 50th anniversary of the KIT Faculty of Computer Science