Biography
Systems scientist bridging mathematics, ecology, and technology
Wolf D. Grossmann is Adjunct Professor at the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz, where he serves as a senior research scientist in multiple projects. He earned a Master's Degree and PhD in mathematics with a minor in operations research at the University of Hamburg.
Throughout his career, Dr. Grossmann has conducted research in about 40 projects, often focused on achieving solutions for pressing problems. His groups have succeeded several times in implementing their findings, often supported by the construction of large dynamic systems models.
Academic Journey
PhD in Mathematics
University of Hamburg. Major: Pure mathematics (examination by Erich Kaehler), and Functional Analysis and Applied Mathematics (examination by Lothar Collatz). Minor: Operations Research
Master Degree in Mathematics
University of Hamburg. Minor: Operations Research
B.S. in Mathematics
University of Hamburg. Minor: Astronomy
Career Highlights
2004 - ongoing
Adjunct Professor of Systems Science
Wegener Center, University of Graz, Austria
2001 - 2018
Visiting Scholar and Adjunct Professor of Climate and Society
Center for Climate and Society, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA. Co-founder of that center
2010 - 2014
Member of Board of Directors
PACON (Pacific Congress), University of Hawaii at Manoa
2002 - 2004
Research Fellow, Visiting Scientist
Hamburg Center for International Economy (HWWA). Development of integrated socio-economic models
2000 - 2005
Research Scientist
Research Center GKSS Geesthacht
1995 - 2000
Head, Regional Future Models
Center for Environmental Research Leipzig/Halle (UFZ). Development of integrated perspectives on humanity, environment, and economy in the information society
1992 - 1994
Director, Section Applied Landscape Ecology
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig
1990 - 1992
Head, Research Unit for Ecosystems and Environmental Research
Austrian Academy of Science
1990 - 1992
Visiting Associate Professor of Systems Science
University of the Bundeswehr Munich
1989 - 1995
Visiting Associate Professor of Systems Science
Viennese Economic University
1989 - 1990
Director, Institute for Socio-economic Research and Development
Austrian Academy of Science
1987 - 1991
Austrian Delegate
Human Dimensions of Global Change Research Programme
1986 - 1989
International Science Consultant
Vienna/Austria
1984 - 1985
Head, Micro-Ecological Management Systems (MMS)
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
1982 - 1984
Research Scholar
Forest Sector Project, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
1971 - 1982
Research Scientist and Lecturer for computing languages, databases, systems science, urban development, and forest sector ecology and economy
Computing Center, University of Hamburg
1966, 1968
IBM Internship, System Programmer
IBM, Hamburg (Assembler)
Teaching Experience
Dr. Grossmann has taught at numerous universities and institutions:
- University of Hamburg - Programming languages, databases, systems modeling, urban systems, forest sector systems
- Viennese Economic University - Systems modeling and geographical information systems
- University of Leipzig - Landscape ecology
- University of the Bundeswehr Munich - Systems science applied to human development and the biosphere
- CIHEAM - Forest sector, biosystem management and its prospects in the information society
- International Max Planck Research School - Earth System Modelling in Hamburg, Germany
- Seminars in China, Thailand, Indonesia - Six-week programs for scientists on relationship between biosystems and humanity
Major Research Grants & Projects
1996-1999
EU Project MOSES
Principal Investigator: Modelling Sustainable Regional Development in the Information Society (€250,000+). International project with Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Spain, Switzerland
1980-1989
MAB-6 Project Berchtesgaden
Co-Principal Investigator on €10 million project. German Federal Ministry of Education and Research - Man and Biosphere Programme, UNESCO
1994-1997
Fractal Modeling
Principal Investigator (1994-95). Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Foundation Environment). €5.5 million
Multiple
Forest Die-Back Research
Principal/Co-Principal Investigator on numerous projects: Forest damage research (€1.5M), VOC emissions control (€50k), Integrated forest research (€250k). Austrian and German Federal Ministries
During his career, Dr. Grossmann has served as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on research grants totaling approximately $25 million from Austrian and German Federal Ministries, the European Union, and other agencies.
Awards & Recognition
1988
Austrian State Award for Applied Ecosystems Research
For forest die-back research and development of "maps over time" methodology with ESRI Germany
1980s
Graf-Stürgck Award
Austrian Holding Association of Organizations of Forest and Agricultural Land Owners
1986
MASUA Distinguished Foreign Scholar Award
Mid-America Association of State Universities (U.S.A.) for AI research on complex land use at University of Lincoln/Nebraska
Impact & Contributions
European Environmental Legislation
Research on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and forest damage led to the implementation of emission control laws in most European countries
National Park Neusiedl
Development of a new land-use concept that ended pollution of Lake Neusiedl and enabled the foundation of Austria's first National Park
MAB-6 Project Berchtesgaden
Development of a dynamic model showing that planned Olympic Winter Games would not benefit the region, resulting in cancellation of the plans
Vision & Philosophy
"As most people no longer work with materials or energy but with information, including knowledge and hopefully sometimes wisdom, the relationship to our earth changes fundamentally. This is a challenge, opportunity and a call for action which is rarely seen and discussed."
Dr. Grossmann is particularly interested in using the options of the emerging information society, including the very large field of artificial intelligence, for establishing a new relationship between humanity and earth. The use of dynamic models often allows the application of advanced mathematics in new ways, building on his training with Erich Kaehler and Lothar Collatz.
Personal
Married, three children, six grandchildren.
Contact: wolf.grossmann@gmail.com