Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. mult. Klaus Friedrich passed away

On 29 May 2021, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. mult. Klaus Friedrich, who for many years led and shaped our institute like no other, passed away. In August 1990, he became Research Director for Materials Science at the then newly founded Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe at the University of Kaiserslautern. His outstanding scientific achievements in the field of fiber reinforced composites are known and sought after worldwide.  More than 900 papers in peer-reviewed journals and books have made him one of the most internationally cited scientists in the Stanford rankings, including "Friction and Wear of Polymer Composites", "Application of Fracture Mechanics to Composite Materials", "Advances in Composites Tribology", "Multifunctionality of Polymer Composites" and "Structure and Properties of Additive Manufactured Polymer Components". We owe Professor Friedrich the education of numerous students and doctoral candidates who today work in leading positions in industry and science. Due to his exemplary function and hospitality, sustainable international networks have been established, which are the basis of the good reputation of our institute, but also of Kaiserslautern's cosmopolitanism in the world. He has been active in the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Research Foundation, the German Society for Materials Science and high-profile review panels in Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland and South Africa, among others. Three honorary professorships (Zhogshan University Guangzhou, University of Science and Technology of China, Wuhan University of Technology) and two honorary doctorates from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and from the V.A. Belyi Metal Polymer Research Institute of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, innovation awards and patents distinguished his excellence. In 2005, Prof. Friedrich was honored as a "World Fellow" of the International Committee on Composite Materials. Even when receiving the emeritus status in 2006, there was no retirement for him. He accompanied IVW ever since, until shortly before his passing, as a loyal advisor, reviewer and supervisor of scientific work. With Professor Klaus Friedrich, a great man has left us. His good example remains.