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The faculty mourns the death of Prof. Ulfert Onken

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 Prof. Dr. Ulfert Onken © Fakultät BCI

Prof. Onken was appointed to the faculty of BCI (then Department of Chemical Engineering) in 1971. He established the Chair of Technical Chemistry B, which he headed until his retirement in 1990.

Prof. Onken's research focused on the reaction engineering of gas-liquid reactions and he developed the "Dortmund Database" for phase equilibria. His special interest, however, was biotechnology. His main focus was on the reaction technology of aerobic fermentation processes. He tested a new method for measuring bubble size in fermenters and investigated bubble coalescence. He developed new reactors, e.g. for the continuous fermentation of animal cells. Advanced lectures and university practicals initiated by him formed the basis for the bioengineering course offered by the faculty. He is considered the founder of biotechnology at TU Dortmund University. His excellent scientific qualifications brought him high, also international, renown. For his outstanding achievements in the field of thermal process engineering, he was awarded the Emil Kirschbaum Medal, among others. The Ulfert Onken Prize in Biotechnology is awarded annually from funds of a foundation he established and presented on BCI Day. Prof. Onken was held in high esteem by colleagues and students. From 1973 to 1976, Prof. Onken headed the Faculty of BCI as Dean and Vice-Dean.

With Prof. Onken, the Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering has lost a highly esteemed and universally popular colleague. We will honour his memory. Our deepest sympathy goes to his relatives.