We mourn the loss of an exceptional figure and a knowledgeable and farsighted advisor, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Heidhues who had been promoting and sharpening development oriented research in Hohenheim for more than 30 years [16.09.14]
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Heidhues passed away on the 12th September after a serious illness. The University of Hohenheim and in particular its Tropenzentrum with its boards, members and staff grieve the loss of an highly appreciated colleague and scientist and our thoughts are with his family.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Heidhues had been professor for agricultural economics in developing countries focusing on development theory and rural development policy at the University of Hohenheim since 1982. During more than 30 years he contributed substantially to the development of the Tropenzentrum, thus sharpening Hohenheim´s profile in development research and teaching in the tropics and subtropics. He led the preparation of the SFB 564 Special Research Program “Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountainous Regions of Southeast Asia” and served as its speaker for more than six years. He was director of the Tropenzentrum from 1986 to 1990 and was nominated to its Advisory Board in 2012.
Prior to joining the University of Hohenheim Prof. Heidhues was staff member of the World Bank. His professional experience is very diverse. He was acting as advisor to Government ministries and national and international research and development institutions, such as IFPRI, BMZ, GIZ, KfW, the World Bank, European Union, FAO and IFAD. Professor Heidhues worked in various countries in Africa, Middle East, and Asia and maintained research cooperations with renowned universities and research institutes in Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Jemen, Kamerun, Benin, and Ethiopia. From 1985 to 2008 Prof. Heidhues served on the board of the Deutsche Welthungerhilfe. From 1998 to 2009 he was member of the scientific advisory council of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which he chaired from 2003 to 2007.
Prof. Heidhues inspired generations of students and young researchers for development oriented research and his untiring committment to research and development generated substantial contributions in combating hunger and promoting sustainable development. His constant efforts made the world a better place and inspire us to continuing our efforts,
