Grief for Claus Raidl: The visionary of the ISTA died!

Grief for Claus Raidl: The visionary of the ISTA died!

In the night of Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Claus J. Raidl died at the age of 82 after a long illness. The renowned manager left an important legacy at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg, where he served as chairman of the board of trustees by 2023. His crucial role in the establishment of the ISTA as a globally recognized research institution is undisputed. Martin Hetzer, President of the ISTA, praised Raidl as a dynamic pioneer and made it clear: "The history and successes of the ISTA of the past 15 years are inextricably linked to Claus Raidl." that "curious basic research" was his mantra, which reflects his profound appreciation for scientific nature.

impressive career

born on November 6, 1942 in Kapfenberg, Styria, Raidl acquired his doctorate in commercial sciences in 1971. He held numerous management positions in both the private sector and in state institutions. From 1991 to 2010 he was CEO of Böhler-Studdeholm and from 2008 to 2018 President of the Austrian National Bank. His outstanding ability to make the value of such a renowned research institute visible to the Austrian industry led to early donations and donations for the ISTA, such as Meinzirk.at emphasized.

Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, which took over the chair of the ISTA curatorium in Raidl in 2023, paid tribute to the enormous achievements of her predecessor and which great footsteps he left. "Claus Raidl’s chair was formative for the institute and his passionate commitment to the independence of science was still our guiding star," she said. His death is not only a serious loss for the ISTA, but also for the entire scientific community in Austria.