Walter Zimmermann is Emeritus of Honour of the University of Bayreuth

Walter Zimmermann can truly be called a cornerstone of the University of Bayreuth. He was among the university's first cohort of physics students and served as the student parliament’s spokesperson for two years. Following his doctorate and several scientific positions, he returned to his former alma mater in Bayreuth in 2004 as Holder of the chair for Soft Matter Theory & Nonlinear Dynamics, having previously held a chair at Saarland University. He remained in this position until 2021. In 2022, he was awarded the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Senior Professorship, a role given to “experienced scientists in the field of physics who make an innovative contribution to physics education.”

In his research fields of nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation, as well as in active matter and biophysics, Walter Zimmermann made numerous internationally acclaimed contributions and mentored many young talents. During his time in Bayreuth, he also contributed to the university’s international visibility, organising more than 15 specialist conferences on these topics, bolstering Bayreuth’s well-established reputation in these research areas. He further promoted these research fields as spokesperson for the large Dynamics and Statistical Physics section of the German Physical Society (DPG) from 2015 to 2019, co-organising the DPG’s international spring conferences, one of the largest physics conferences globally. Recently, he was re-elected to serve a second three-year term as the German representative at the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) from 2025 to 2027.

At the University of Bayreuth, he held numerous roles and committee positions, including Deputy Chair of the University Council, Dean, member of the Senate, and programme coordinator for physics. As a member and chair of numerous appointment committees, Walter Zimmermann also helped shape the strategic direction of the Physics Institute.

One of his greatest achievements is his tireless commitment to nurturing young scientific talent. He co-founded the TAO Student Research Centre (SFZ) and, since 2014, has successfully supported school students participating in the German Young Physicists’ Tournament (GYPT) and its international counterpart (IYPT). Bayreuth teams consistently reach the finals, achieving multiple gold and silver medals. Since 2014, one to three student researchers from the TAO SFZ have qualified annually for the five-member national team that represents Germany at the world physics championships. Several of these students are now studying physics at the University of Bayreuth and continue to support subsequent student teams.

Now, in recognition of this exceptional dedication, Zimmermann has been appointed Emeritus of Honour for life by the University of Bayreuth. “I view this tremendous honour from my university as an encouragement to, for instance, continue fostering young physics talent in collaboration with teachers through the WE-Heraeus Senior Professorship, or to make a mark through international conferences and research collaborations. I’m also pleased to keep supporting the University of Bayreuth, for example, in Bayreuth-Track appointment procedures and by offering advice in other areas,” says Zimmermann.

“We are pleased that he will remain with us in an advisory role and that we can continue to benefit from his experience,” says University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible.