How can cutting-edge scientific research be combined with the practical needs of the agricultural sector in such a way that people, animals and the environment all benefit equally? This central question has occupied Prof. Dr. habil. Reiner Brunsch, long-standing Scientific Director of ATB, in his research for decades. He has now been honoured with the VDI’s prestigious Max Eyth Commemorative Medal for his extraordinary contributions to modern and sustainable agricultural engineering.
The Max Eyth Commemorative Medal was presented to Prof. Dr. habil. Reiner Brunsch on 18 June 2026 by Dr. Markus Demmel, Chair of the VDI’s Max Eyth Society for Agricultural Engineering (VDI-MEG). Colleagues from ATB, such as Prof. Dr. Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of ATB, Dr Martin Geyer, a long-standing colleague and former head of the ‘Horticultural Engineering’ Department, and Prof. Dr Sandra Rose, Prof. Brunsch’s first PhD student at ATB and professor at the University of Rostock, attended the award ceremony and were delighted to share in the celebrations with their former colleague and mentor.
Prof. Reiner Brunsch has dedicated his work to developing practical, future-proof technical solutions for sustainable agriculture. In doing so, he has not only shaped national and international agricultural engineering research but has also played a decisive role in defining ATB’s direction.
In his research, Prof. Brunsch focused primarily on animal welfare and environmental sustainability, without losing sight of economic viability for farmers. The central question was always how technical progress can be directly applied on farms and bring about positive change there. This is a holistic approach that takes into account the complex interrelationships within the agricultural system.
The Humboldt University of Berlin has been his academic home since he studied animal production there. As an honorary professor of ‘Process Engineering in Animal Husbandry’, he has taught generations of students.
He also always attached great importance to close dialogue with farmers, businesses and political decision-makers. His long-standing and tireless commitment to specialist bodies such as the Max Eyth Society for Agricultural Engineering within the VDI (VDI-MEG), the Executive Board of the German Agricultural Research Alliance (DAFA) and as Vice-President of the European Society of Agricultural Engineers (EurAgEng) demonstrates his deep understanding that progress can only be achieved through dialogue and collaboration.
“Prof. Reiner Brunsch has had a decisive influence on the direction of our institute. We are delighted for him on receiving this special honour. The Max Eyth Commemorative Medal is a well-deserved tribute to his tireless commitment to shaping the agricultural and food systems of tomorrow in a sustainable and future-proof manner,” says Prof. Barbara Sturm, paying tribute to her predecessor’s achievements.
For ATB, this award is a special honour and affirmation. Prof. Reiner Brunsch’s work laid the foundations for many current research projects that are driving forward a sustainable and resource-efficient bioeconomy. ATB warmly congratulates its former Scientific Director on this well-deserved recognition.
Background
The commemorative medal, established in 1950 by the Max Eyth Society for Agricultural Engineering, honours outstanding individual achievements that represent a historic milestone in the development of agricultural engineering. Since 1995, it has been awarded as an official honour by the Association of German Engineers (VDI).
Contact
Prof. Dr Barbara Strum
Scientific Director
Email: director@atb-potsdam.de