Em. Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Baurat h.c. Günther Heigerth
December 11, 1937 – November 9, 2025

With deep sympathy and great regret, we announce that Mr. Em. Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Baurat h.c. Günther Heigerth peacefully passed away on November 9, 2025.

With him, we lose a kind-hearted, versatile, and highly respected individual—musically and scientifically inclined, and always curious about new things.

Günther Heigerth was born in Vienna in 1937. After attending secondary school in Salzburg, he pursued a piano education at the Mozarteum, alongside his studies in civil engineering with a focus on hydraulic engineering at the Vienna University of Technology. He graduated in 1963 and, in 1971, earned his doctorate with the dissertation "Throttle and Differential Water Locks of Regulating Power Plants with Free Operation" in technical sciences. He began his professional career at Tauernkraftwerke AG (Verbund), where he was significantly involved in the hydraulic planning and execution of high-pressure storage and pumped storage power plants. His profound knowledge, attention to detail, and passion for practical technical solutions made him a sought-after expert in the field of hydropower.

In 1989, he accepted an invitation to the Graz University of Technology, where he took over the Chair of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Ressouces Management from Prof. Helmut Simmler. There, he shaped research and teaching for many years. He was known for his tireless scientific spirit and his belief that engineering should always seek the best and most practical solution—not satisfied with the obvious when there was room for improvement. In addition to his academic work, Günther Heigerth was exceptionally committed to professional committees and associations.

He was a member of the Reservoir Commission, Chairman of the Viktor Kaplan Society, and until his 70th birthday, worked as an expert, consultant, and lecturer on hydraulic engineering. From 1992 to 2007, he served as President of the Austrian National Committee for Dams (ATCOLD), organizing numerous training sessions for dam operators and managers and representing the Austrian community at the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). From 2008 to 2012, he was also President of the European Club of ICOLD, where he promoted international exchange and collaboration in the field of dams at the European level.

For his lifetime achievements, he was awarded the Golden Cross of Honour of the Republic of Austria in 1974 and received the honorary title of Baurat in 2010. In 2012, he was presented with the Golden Honorary Pin of the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV). These awards reflect the high esteem in which he was held by both the scientific community and practical fields.

Günther Heigerth leaves a significant gap in the professional world. He will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions and engagement in international organizations but also for his tireless passion for hydraulic engineering and his formative role in educating future generations of water engineers.

His passing is a great loss to the scientific community, engineering, and the many people who had the privilege of working with him. His work as an engineer, university lecturer, colleague, and friend will remain unforgettable.

We will honor his memory and remain forever grateful for his extraordinary contribution to science and society.

With deep sorrow,

The team of the Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Water Ressources Management

Every Thursday!

Lecture Series Thursday 5 p.m. - Summer term 2025
 

Lecture series of the Faculty of Civil Engineering every Thursday 5 p.m. c.t. Lecture Hall L, Lessingstraße 25/I

The program of the lecture series is available here.

Most lectures are available online too.

RAMON -
Rückhaltebecken Alarmierung
Monitoring, Präventive Instrumente zum
Hochwasserschutz und im Katastrophenfall

Donnerstag, 13. November 2025, 17.00 c.t.
Hörsaal L
TU Graz, Lessingstrasse 25

Der Vortrag wird via Livestream übertragen - wenn Sie online dabei sein möchten, scannen Sie einfach den QR Code.

Bauwerke für Generationen:
Wasserkraft als Garant für Sicherheit und Versorgung

Freitag, 14. November 2025, 14.00 s.t.
Aula der Technischen Universität Graz
Rechbauerstraße 12, 1. Stock, 8010 Graz

Anmeldung erbeten bis 7. November 2025 unter: alumni.tugraz.at/termine