Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Florin Ionescu

His academic career began with a degree in mechanical engineering followed by a doctorate at the Politehnica University of Bucharest, where he subsequently worked as an assistant professor. In 1987, he left his home country and came to RWTH Aachen on a scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Following a visiting professorship at TU Darmstadt, he was appointed to the HTWG University of Applied Sciences Konstanz in 1991, where he taught and conducted research in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering until his retirement in 2010.

In parallel, Professor Ionescu was involved for many years as a technology transfer entrepreneur within the Steinbeis network. As head of the Steinbeis Technology Transfer Center for Machine Dynamics, Oil Hydraulics & Pneumatics (later Engineering & Project Consulting) in Konstanz, he combined scientific excellence with practical implementation and contributed to the successful development of application-oriented solutions. In addition to machine dynamics, automation technology and systems and control engineering, his consultancy work focused on the modelling and simulation of solid bodies and hybrid drive systems, as well as on mechatronics and robotics, which he consistently developed further with a view to industrial applications. From 2011, as Professor of Interface Simulations at Steinbeis University, he took over as head of the Steinbeis Transfer Institute for Dynamic Systems and was also active as a member of the University Council.

He also provided significant impetus beyond Germany’s borders: he promoted the development and internationalisation of the Steinbeis network, particularly in Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova, thereby sustainably strengthening international networking in technology transfer.

With the passing of Professor Ionescu, Steinbeis has lost a highly esteemed colleague and internationally recognised expert. With his expertise, outstanding reputation and excellent network, he shaped knowledge and technology transfer at Steinbeis. His numerous publications in the Steinbeis-Edition and other prestigious specialist publishers contributed significantly to the dissemination and further development of application-oriented knowledge and to knowledge transfer. We will always hold Florin Ionescu in honourable memory.

With deep gratitude and lasting remembrance.