The EUROSOLAR community mourns the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and visionary, Prof. Dr. Klaus Thiessen, who left us peacefully in his sleep on July 3rd, just two weeks before his 98th birthday.
Prof. Thiessen was more than a scientist—he was a builder of bridges between people and nations, between science and society. A lifelong optimist and accomplished expert in optoelectronics and photovoltaics, he stood alongside Hermann Scheer and Zhores Alferov in laying the foundations of renewable energy as an industry. He was also one of the founders of the Adlershof Science Park, which helped transform Berlin into a capital of innovation.
His contributions to EUROSOLAR were profound and lasting. In both Russia and Georgia, he supported the early development of our sections with genuine warmth, professionalism, and belief in our shared mission. As a long-standing member of EUROSOLAR’s Science Council, his clarity and kindness shaped the spirit of our movement.
A personal reflection from George Kekelidze, Executive Director of EUROSOLAR Georgia:
“Klaus Thiessen was our friend and mentor. I remember him with gratitude and a smile—for everything he did to help EUROSOLAR take root in Russia and Georgia. He remained an optimist to the end. His legacy encourages us to keep working, to achieve success by his example. Thank you, dear Klaus.”
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His life was a testament to the power of science, integrity, and human connection. We will carry his legacy forward.
With respect and remembrance,
EUROSOLAR Georgia & Innovation Energy
