Werner Nachtigall (1934-2024).

Abstract

On September 5th, 2024, Werner Nachtigall (born July 6, 1934) passed away. Nachtigall is a pioneer in biomechanics, a founder of biomimetics (bionics), and a relentless advocate for his field in Germany. He conducted broad-ranging and innovative work on biomechanics in insects, birds, and fishes. He developed elaborate technical methods, such as sensitive scales, wind-tunnels, and high-speed photography. The research he performed at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich (dissertation and habilitation) and especially as a full professor at the Saarland-University in Saarbrücken focused on the biophysics of swimming in insects, and flight in both insects and birds. He set new standards for kinematic, aerodynamic, energetic, and cybernetic investigations. With his team, he continued to expand his biological and technical interests, ranging from the biomechanics of fish locomotion to the mechanics of biological light weight structures. With Werner Nachtigall we lost a talented scientist, a dedicated teacher, an enthusiastic naturalist, and a highly productive author.