At this year’s DKV conference in Magdeburg, I had the honor of delivering the laudatory address for the presentation of the Carl von Linde Medal to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Heinrich.

Prof. Heinrich’s life’s work is inextricably linked to the ILK Dresden. Over many decades, he shaped the institute and played a decisive role in developing it into a leading research institution in the field of refrigeration, air conditioning, and energy technology. His extraordinary combination of scientific precision, innovative strength, and deep understanding of systems continues to shape our field to this day.

As a full professor of refrigeration engineering at TU Dresden, he imparted this knowledge to numerous generations of young engineers, thereby strengthening the academic foundation of our industry in the long term.

Prof. Heinrich was far ahead of his time in many areas—from early digital approaches in manufacturing technology to the consistent advancement of heat pump technology as the key to the energy transition.

It was a special honor for me to pay tribute to this outstanding life’s work.

Congratulations, Prof. Heinrich!