Obituary of Professor Hartmut Noltemeier

He joined the faculty at the University of Würzburg in 1982 and remained there until his retirement in 2008. He was a respected university lecturer and colleague, full of creative energy and ideas. His work was recognized far beyond the boundaries of his field. As a teacher, researcher, and mentor, he shaped the academic landscape and left a lasting impression on his colleagues, students, and friends. The thematic breadth of his work was particularly impressive.

Noltemeier studied mathematics, physics, and philosophy in Göttingen and Munich. After completing his studies, he worked at IBM for a year. He then attended the University of Karlsruhe (TH), where he earned his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1969 with a dissertation titled "Parametric Discrete Linear Programs." In 1970, he was one of the first scientists at a German university to earn a habilitation in computer science. His thesis was entitled "Sensitivity Analysis for Discrete Linear Optimization Problems" and published by Springer. In 1971, Noltemeier was appointed to the University of Göttingen. In 1978, he moved to RWTH Aachen, finally coming to Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg in 1982. At the University of Würzburg, with colleagues, he introduced the diploma course in computer science in 1986/87 and founded the Institute of Computer Science in 1988/89.

Professor Noltemeier's research covered a broad spectrum, including linear optimization, graph theory, algorithmic geometry, geometric modeling, approximation algorithms, location planning, and robotics. He also collaborated with the Interdisciplinary Center for Traffic Sciences (IZVW, now WIVW) in Veitshöchheim for many years on improving the driving simulator there. He wrote several computer science textbooks, beginning with "Datenstrukturen und höhere Programmiertechniken" (De Gruyter, 1972). De Gruyter also published his book "Graph Theory: With Algorithms and Applications", one of the first German-language textbooks on algorithmic graph theory. In 1981, he began publishing a three-volume textbook entitled "Informatik" (Hanser). All three volumes were republished in subsequent years. Building on his second book, he co-wrote the textbook "Graphentheoretische Konzepte und Algorithmen" with Sven Oliver Krumke in 2005 (Vieweg+Teubner; 3rd edition, 2012).

In 1975, he was one of the co-founders of the Workshop on Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science, a highly successful international conference that he organized and chaired three times: in Göttingen (1976), Bad Honnef (1980), and Schwanberg (1985). He initiated several influential Dagstuhl seminar series, including "Data Structures" and "Geometric Modeling." In 2001, he led an Oberwolfach seminar on "Mathematical Methods in Manufacturing and Logistics" with Burkard and Hamacher. He was co-editor of the journals Discrete Applied Mathematics and Methods and Models of Operations Research.

Professor Noltemeier played a central role in computer science as a university lecturer and mentor. He supervised approximately 300 diploma graduates and 35 doctoral students, at least 11 of whom became professors. In recognition of his achievements, his alma mater awarded him the Bene Merenti Gold Medal in 2016.

Professor Noltemeier always endeavored to foster a close and collegial atmosphere, which was particularly evident in his organization of the annual Christmas party. In addition to his scientific work, Professor Noltemeier was a passionate hiker who impressed many of the people in his group with his exceptional fitness during hikes. Anecdotes like these, as well as stories about his remarkable calmness and determination — for example, when dealing with a faulty overhead projector during a lecture—reflect his tireless commitment and unwavering dedication. His colleagues at the Institute of Computer Science and beyond fondly remember him and highlight his contributions to several subdisciplines of computer science.