Jürgen Dreyer studied physics at the University of Jena from 1960 to 1965. He then joined the Department of Building Physics at the University of Weimar as a research assistant, where he was awarded the academic degree of Dr. rer. nat. in 1971.

He then worked as a scientific teacher and associate professor at the University of Cottbus. His main areas of research during this time included the calculation of multidimensional temperature fields under the influence of heat conduction and convection as well as the development of diagnostic measurement methods for thermal and hygric material properties.

In 1988, he accepted a professorship at the Technical University of Wismar, where he continued to specialize in building physics and the refurbishment of buildings.

In 1995, he was appointed full professor of building physics at the Vienna University of Technology. Until his retirement in 2007, he headed the Department of Building Physics at the Institute of Building Materials, Building Physics and Fire Protection at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and, following the organizational reform in 2004, the Centre for Building Physics and Building Acoustics at the Institute of Building Construction and Technology.

His entire work was characterized by a clear goal: to create healthy and comfortable interior conditions, high durability and damage-free building constructions, as well as to preserve the environment and minimize the consumption of resources. International cooperation with research groups from all countries was always a particular concern of his.

In order to transfer scientific findings into practice, he was involved in the “Scientific-Technical Working Group for Monument Preservation and Building Renovation” (WTA-International) and in various committees of the Austrian Standards Institute (now Austrian Standards).

His scientific projects included the modeling and simulation of heat and material transport as an evaluation method for sustainable renovation methods, experimental building condition analysis and the development of suitable processes and building materials for building renovation.

Jürgen Dreyer was a person who always had an open ear for the concerns and worries of his fellow human beings. His special talent lay in bringing people together and creating a space for creative interaction. The well-being of the community was close to his heart and he worked tirelessly to promote the exchange of ideas and respectful coexistence.

Until his sudden death, he remained an attentive listener and always knew when good advice was needed. With his empathetic nature and wise perspective, he was a valuable support to many.

We will sorely miss him. We dedicate BauSIM2024 to his memory.

Univ.Prof. Thomas Bednar
Head of Research Unit of Building Physics
Institute of Materials Technology, Building Physics and Building Ecology