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

Rolf Emmermann was a prominent German geoscientist and an influential figure on the international stage. 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 significant achievements are his leadership of the Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) and his pivotal role in establishing the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). As the founding director of the GFZ, he played a key role in shaping the institution’s development and the integration of the German geosciences following German reunification.

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

In addition, he was active 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 , he has been a corresponding member of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.