Numerical linear algebra, differential-algebraic equations, and control theory represent the primary areas of focus for Volker Ludwig Mehrmann, a German mathematician born in 1955. Based in Berlin, he has held significant academic and leadership roles across various institutions throughout his career, contributing extensively to the development of methods used in multiphysics system modeling and scientific computation.
Academic Background
Mehrmann began his formal training in mathematics at Bielefeld University, securing his diploma in 1979. He continued his doctoral studies at the same institution under the guidance of Ludwig F. Elsner. During this period, he spent time at Kent State University working with Richard S. Varga. In 1982, he completed his Ph.D. with a dissertation focused on matrix classes, specifically M-matrices and hermitian positive semidefinite matrices. He later received his habilitation from Bielefeld University in 1987.
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His professional tenure began with an interim professorship at RWTH Aachen University between 1990 and 1992. He subsequently moved to the Chemnitz University of Technology, holding a professorship there from 1993 to 2000. Since 2000, he has served as a professor at the Institute for Mathematics at Technische Universität Berlin. Throughout his career, he has managed significant research responsibilities, including acting as spokesperson for the Matheon mathematical center from 2008 until 2016.
Leadership and Recognition
Mehrmann has provided substantial leadership to global mathematical organizations. He served as president of the Gesellschaft für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik from 2011 to 2013 and as president of the European Mathematical Society between 2019 and 2022. His contributions have been acknowledged through several honors, including the Gauss Lectureship in 2015, the W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize in 2018, and the Hans Schneider Prize in 2019. In 2022, the American Mathematical Society named him a Fellow for his service and leadership in scientific computing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Detmold, Germany
- Primary Field: Numerical linear algebra
- Doctoral Supervisor: Ludwig F. Elsner
- Current Institution: Technische Universität Berlin
- President of European Mathematical Society: 2019-2022
- Hans Schneider Prize: 2019
- Member: Academia Europaea
- Fellow: American Mathematical Society (2022)
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Volker Mehrmann's research?
His research is primarily concerned with numerical linear algebra, control theory, and differential-algebraic equations.
Which major academic organizations has he led?
He served as president of the Gesellschaft für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik and the European Mathematical Society.
Achievements
- Hans Schneider Prize — 2019
- Held posts at Technische Universität Berlin and Chemnitz University of Technology
- Fields: Technische Universität Berlin
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