He is one of the founding fathers of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH), the IPH – Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover gGmbH and the Hannover Centre for Production Technology (PZH). As professor emeritus, he is still available to the scientific staff of the IFW – Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools with advice and support and is in demand as a second examiner for IFW doctoral students: Today, Professor Hans Kurt Tönshoff celebrates his 90th birthday. The IFW congratulates Prof. em. Dr.-Ing. E.h. mult. Dr. h.c. Hans Kurt Tönshoff most sincerely!
„You can recognize a truly great man by three things: Generosity in design, humanity in execution and moderation in success.“ With these words from Otto von Bismarck, Professor Berend Denkena, Head of the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools, characterizes his predecessor Professor Hans Kurt Tönshoff – a man whose influence has not only shaped the Hanover region. His influence on manufacturing technology extends far beyond the borders of Germany. His CV is an impressive sequence of academic achievements, industrial accomplishments and international recognition.
Born the son of Margarete and Kurt Tönshoff, his path into the world of technology began at his parents’ machine factory, Tönshoff. From 1954 to 1959, he studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Hanover. Even at this early stage, his outstanding technical talent and social skills were already evident: at the time, this was certainly a reason for him to be elected Chairman of the General Student Committee.
After completing his studies, he moved to the United States, where he worked as a design engineer before completing his doctorate at his alma mater in 1965. His academic career eventually took him to the Technical University of Hanover, where he worked as head of the IFW until 2002.
As President of the International Academy for Production Engineering and as a member of numerous scientific committees, he has shaped the development of production technology on a global level. Professor Tönshoff has received many awards for his achievements, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and numerous honorary doctorates.
But perhaps his greatest legacy is the generation of doctoral students he mentored and inspired during his career as head of the IFW. Their success is his legacy, which extends far beyond his 90 years of life.
Professor Hans Kurt Tönshoff has shaped manufacturing technology like few others: with his tireless dedication, his groundbreaking research and his commitment to the next generation of scientists.