The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) grieves for its long-serving staff scientist

Dr. Peter Kuschk,

who passed away unexpectedly on 14 October 2014.

Dr. Peter Kuschk was active as a scientist at the UFZ since its inception in December 1991. He studied Biochemistry in Halle (1977-1982) and then worked on treatment of industrial wastewater at the Institute for Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR.

After Germany’s re-unification his professional expertise was an important keystone for the UFZ’s agenda of remediation of contaminated sites. In 1998 he started his working group “Ecological Water Treatment Technologies” in the Department of Environmental Biotechnology where he pursued with great passion the development of near-natural technologies for water treatment. Peter Kuschk’s vision and intuition for timely and exciting research topics enhanced substantially the biotechnological profile of the UFZ.

His knowledge, experience, work output, and ideas were received with great praise by the scientific community, and fostered numerous co-operations with other leading scientists in his research field. He forged relationships and friendships with many scientists, in particular in those countries for which efficient near-natural water treatment systems are instrumental for a better water management regime. Many international partners entrusted Peter Kuschk with their doctoral students or joined his group here for research stays. His global scientific network added significantly to the UFZ’s international visibility.

Peter Kuschk had a special heart for the next generation of researchers. By his warm attitude and his legendary meetings for “homeless people”, which he housed for international fellows, he was a trusted and reliable mentor for many younger researchers at the UFZ. He kept his door always open. His calm and outstanding social vein will remain forever in our memory.

Peter Kuschk spent almost half his life at the UFZ. He was one of the doyens of this research institution, an inspiration to many and a good friend. His scientific expertise, pragmatism, rock-solid work ethics, civility and optimism, his dry wit and his compassion will be dearly missed!

The passing of Dr. Peter Kuschk is a big loss and leaves deep marks in the Department of Environmental Biotechnology, which are an obligation to us. With great regret and grieve our condolences are with his family. We will honor his memory and continue his work in the department.

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research– UFZ, Leipzig

The Senior Administration
Prof. Dr. G. Teutsch
Dr. H. Grassmann

The Works Council
Dr. M. Gehre

The Department of Environmental Biotechnology and the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology
Prof. Dr. Matthias Kästner
Prof. Dr. Roland A. Müller

and Colleagues