Forming for an entire generation of forestry experts
ETH Zurich says farewell to Franz Schmithüsen. The emeritus professor for forestry policy and forestry economy formed an entire generation of forestry experts. He died on 14 April 2015 at the age of 75.
Franz Schmithüsen studied forestry and economics at leading universities in Europe and North America and earned his doctorate at ETH in 1969 with a study on the usage rights to forest resources. In 1975 he earned his title as a professor at the University of Freiburg i. Br. in the specialist areas of forestry economics and politics. In the subsequent years, he was strongly committed to forestry practice, amongst other things as Head of the Forestry Office and Forestry Director of Baden-Württemberg. From 1978 to 1980, he worked as a forestry expert for the FAO in Rome and remained associated with this organisation for the rest of his life as a scientific adviser. Franz Schmithüsen was called to ETH Zurich as a full professor in 1984, where he oversaw the Professorship for Forest Policy and Forest Economics until retiring in 2005.
The integration of social and natural sciences was a particular concern for him. In research and teaching, he attached particular importance to a comprehensive view of the varied demands of humans on the forest and landscape. Together with his group, he made a major contribution both nationally and internationally to research the forest and landscape in a social context as well as the professionalisation and optimisation of the management of the forest as a resource. With his broad knowledge, his international network and his openness towards students, he formed an entire generation of forestry experts. His scientific achievements were, amongst other things, recognised by honorary doctor's titles of the Universities of Prague and Thessaloniki. As a member of numerous committees, he was actively involved in designing the forest policies of various countries. He also made a major contribution to developing ETH Zurich as Head of the Institute for Forest and Wood Research or of the Department for Forest and Wood Research as well as a delegate of the President for the Election of Professors.
With his communication skills, his command of several languages, his optimism and his comprehensive worldview, he managed to find a tenable solution for all parties involved even in the event of seemingly irresolvable conflicts. For instance, he made a major contribution to the successful merger of the then departments of Environmental Natural Sciences and Forestry. Franz Schmithüsen will remain in our memories as a critical, committed and pleasant teacher and colleague who was keen to debate and looked far beyond his area of expertise.
A memorial service will be held at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, 25 April 2015 in the Liebfrauen-Kirche Zürich.