Hawassa University conferred upon Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. mult. Johannes Steinbrunn the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to engineering education, scientific research, academic leadership, international cooperation, and institutional development across Europe, Asia, and Africa, on June 27, 2026.
Professor Johannes Steinbrunn is an internationally respected scholar, educator, researcher, and institution builder whose professional career spans more than five decades. Throughout this distinguished journey, he has consistently combined scientific excellence with visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and technological development.
After completing his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, Professor Steinbrunn pursued advanced research at the University of Erlangen–Nürnberg, where he earned the degree of Doctor of Engineering. His early academic career was marked by active participation in establishing the newly founded Institute of Electrical Drives and Control, where he contributed to teaching, research, laboratory development, and the supervision of young engineers. These formative experiences laid the foundation for a career dedicated not only to scientific achievement but also to the creation and strengthening of academic institutions.
As a researcher and engineer, Professor Steinbrunn made significant contributions in the fields of electrical drives, automation, mechatronics, control systems, and applied engineering technologies. His work extended beyond academia into industry, where he served as a scientist and project manager in advanced aerospace and navigation research. Through these activities, he demonstrated the ability to bridge scientific knowledge and practical technological innovation, a characteristic that would define his professional life.
A major milestone in his career came with his appointment as Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Kempten in Germany. There, he established modern laboratories in electrical drives and automation and played a leading role in shaping engineering education. As Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and later as Vice-President for Academic Affairs, he became one of the key architects of the university’s development. His leadership contributed significantly to the expansion of academic programs, laboratory infrastructure, and institutional capacity, helping transform a young institution into a respected center of higher learning.
Beyond his achievements in Germany, Professor Steinbrunn distinguished himself as a champion of international academic cooperation. For many years, he coordinated international exchange programs and built strong partnerships among universities across Europe and beyond. His commitment to global collaboration led him to serve as visiting professor, academic advisor, and research partner in several countries, including Estonia, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through these engagements, he contributed to curriculum development, research collaboration, postgraduate training, and the advancement of modern engineering education.
The international significance of Professor Steinbrunn’s contributions has been recognized through prestigious academic distinctions. In 2003, Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering education and international cooperation. In 2008, the University of Ulster in the United Kingdom conferred upon him a second honorary doctorate for his distinguished achievements in academic development and global engagement. These honors reflect the high esteem in which he is held by the international academic community.
[6/28/2026 6:26 PM] OERC HU2: Among his many accomplishments, Professor Steinbrunn’s contributions to Ethiopia occupy a special place. Guided by a strong belief in the transformative power of education, he devoted his knowledge, experience, and energy to supporting the development of engineering and technology education in the country.
From 2011 to 2013, he served as Scientific Director of the Institute of Technology at Hawassa University, following his appointment by the Ministry of Education of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. During this period, he provided visionary leadership in the expansion and strengthening of engineering education. He played a central role in establishing new engineering faculties, developing undergraduate and postgraduate programs, enhancing research activities, and improving institutional management systems. His leadership contributed significantly to the growth of an institution serving thousands of students and hundreds of academic and administrative staff.
What makes Professor Steinbrunn’s service particularly remarkable is that his commitment to Hawassa University did not end with the completion of his formal assignment. Instead, he continued to work tirelessly as an advocate, mentor, and development partner for the university. Through his extensive international networks and unwavering dedication, he created opportunities that have produced lasting benefits for engineering education in Ethiopia.
His most outstanding recent achievement has been the conception, initiation, and leadership of a major international development project aimed at strengthening the practical and research capacity of the Institute of Technology.
His efforts led to securing funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for the establishment of eight state-of-the-art engineering laboratories at Hawassa University. Implemented with a budget of approximately two million euros, this initiative represents one of the most significant laboratory development projects in the history of the Institute of Technology. The laboratories have substantially enhanced teaching, research, innovation, and hands-on training opportunities for students and faculty members and will continue to serve future generations of engineers for many years to come.
In recognition of these exceptional accomplishments and his profound contribution to the advancement of science, technology, engineering education, and international partnership, Hawassa University is proud to confer upon Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. mult. Johannes Steinbrunn the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), the third honorary doctorate of his distinguished career.