Leopold Karl Schmetterer contributed to the fields of mathematical analysis, probability theory, and statistics throughout a career that spanned the twentieth century. Born in Vienna in 1919, he emerged from his formative years at the University of Vienna to navigate a professional life shaped by institutional research and academic instruction within the Austrian university system.
Early Career and Education
Schmetterer completed his initial university education in Vienna between 1938 and 1941. His early professional trajectory was interrupted by the demands of the mid-century European climate, leading to service with the Luftwaffe from 1941 to 1943. He subsequently transitioned to private industry, working for Henschel & Sohn during 1944 and 1945. Following the conclusion of these roles, he returned to the University of Vienna in 1945 to continue his academic development.
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The mathematician held several teaching positions that established his reputation in mathematical statistics. After his tenure at the University of Vienna, which lasted until 1956, he accepted an appointment at the University of Hamburg. He served there for four years before returning to his alma mater in 1960. He remained on the faculty at the University of Vienna until his retirement in 1990, serving as chairperson from 1973 to 1975.
Professional Recognition and Membership
The scientific community acknowledged his output through numerous awards and memberships. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics in 1961 and joined the American Statistical Association in 1973. His research achievements earned him the Prize of the City of Vienna for Natural Sciences in 1976 and the Erwin Schrödinger Prize in 1984. Additional state recognition included the Great Silver Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, awarded in 1980, and the Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the State of Vienna in 1979.
Institutional Affiliations
Schmetterer maintained ties to international research organizations, including the German Academy of Sciences at Berlin, the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He was also a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He received an honorary doctorate from the Blaise-Pascal University in 1972.
Fast facts
- Born: 1919, Vienna
- Died: 2004, Gols
- Primary Fields: Statistics, Probability Theory, Mathematical Analysis
- Education: University of Vienna (1938-1941)
- Erwin Schrödinger Prize recipient: 1984
- Language: German
Questions readers ask
Where did Leopold Schmetterer hold academic teaching posts?
He taught at the University of Vienna and the University of Hamburg.
What major honours did he receive for his scientific work?
His awards include the Prize of the City of Vienna for Natural Sciences, the Erwin Schrödinger Prize, and the Great Silver Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.
Achievements
- Great Silver Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria — 1980
- Erwin Schrödinger Prize — 1984
- Prize of the City of Vienna for Natural Sciences — 1976
- Held posts at University of Hamburg, University of Vienna and Luftwaffe
- Fields: statistics, mathematical statistics and probability theory
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