Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Rolf Emmermann (died July 10, 2026)

Rolf Emmermann was a prominent German geoscientist and a leading international figure. After completing his studies and earning his habilitation in mineralogy, he served as a professor at the University of Giessen and headed the GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ) from 1992 to 2007.

Among his most important achievements were his leadership of the Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) and his pivotal contribution to the founding of the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). As the founding director of the GFZ, he played a pivotal role in the institution’s development and the integration of German geosciences following German reunification.

Under his leadership, the GEOTECHNOLOGIEN funding program was also established, bringing together universities and research institutions. Following the 2004 tsunami disaster, he played a decisive role in establishing the InaTEWS tsunami early-warning system, thereby championing science’s social responsibility.

In addition, he was actively involved in numerous scientific organizations and Academies. For his achievements, he received, among other honors, the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class; the Order of Merit of the State of Brandenburg; and the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Since 2005, he had been a Corresponding Member of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.