Manfred Günther

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Günther was a Full Professor of Technical Cybernetics/Automatic Control at TU Ilmenau, serving as head of the Institute of Automation and Systems Engineering (1989–1995) and first chairman of the Scientific Council (1990–1993). His work focused on automation technology, control engineering, and digital process automation, emphasizing practical training and textbook development. He contributed to rebuilding the university post-1950s and was a key figure in its academic development.

Education:
- Studied Control Engineering at TH Dresden (1953), transferred to Ilmenau's Hochschule für Elektrotechnik (HfE), graduating in 1959.
- PhD in 1965 on digital control systems analysis/synthesis (15th 'own' doctorate at TU Ilmenau).

Research & Teaching: Pioneered practical laboratory training in automation, authored foundational textbooks, and championed interdisciplinary applications in technical and biomedical cybernetics. Key roles included department head at ROBOTRON Dresden (1967–1970) and leadership in TU Ilmenau's academic governance.

Awards & Legacy: While no specific awards are listed, his contributions earned him recognition as a 'self-made professor' pivotal to TU Ilmenau's institutional growth. Colleagues and students praised his collegiality and dedication to problem-solving.

Grants & Labs: Led institute-wide initiatives in automation systems engineering and maintained collaborations with ROBOTRON Dresden on process computer applications in the chemical industry.