Martin Grötschel-The early years in Bonn and Augsburg

Abstract

Martin Grötschel is one of the most influential mathematicians of our time. He has received numerous honors and serves in a number of key positions in the international mathematical community. A summary is sketched in the preceding short curriculum vitae taken from his professional homepage. Numerous scientific and popular articles recount his achievements and prominent role. These include articles in respected papers such as DIE ZEIT, Financial Times, Die Welt, and Der Tagesspiegel. His "scientific facets" will be covered in detail in the rest of this book. When we first conceived of this chapter, we had a different perspective in mind. As his first doctoral descendants, we can tell a different story, because we were actively involved in his early career. This was the time when he developed from a scientific assistant in Bonn to a full professor in Augsburg. In the following, we recount some of our memories of this time, with no guarantee for either accuracy or completeness. Instead, these are the stories that came to mind when we sat together in Heidelberg and Cologne, preparing this chapter.