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The following text has been machine translated from the German with no human editing.
In 1975, August-Wilhelm Scheer became the youngest professor at Saarland University when he took over the Chair of Business Informatics, where he carried out groundbreaking scientific work. His research findings in the field of business process modelling and optimisation gained international recognition and had a significant influence on the field of business informatics. His work focused primarily on the development of the ARIS concept, an architecture for integrated information systems. This concept is not only of scientific importance, but also forms the basis for many business applications worldwide to this day.
As the Senate of Saarland University emphasises, Professor August-Wilhelm Scheer has rendered outstanding services to Saarland University and society, demonstrating his close and lasting connection with it in an exemplary manner to this day. Professor Scheer is a "bridge builder between science, business and politics," according to University President Ludger Santen, as he has the extraordinary ability to translate academic research results into practical economic applications. It is also noteworthy that he has done this not only as a project partner of companies, but also and especially in his own companies: with the founding of IDS Scheer AG in the 1980s, Prof. Scheer exemplified how university research can be the basis of a successful stock market-oriented company. Today, the Scheer Group is a pioneer of digital transformation with more than 1,300 employees at over 20 locations worldwide. This success not only meant economic gain for the Saar region, but also created numerous jobs for graduates of Saar University.
In addition, August-Wilhelm Scheer was particularly committed to promoting young scientists. The August-Wilhelm Scheer Foundation for Science and Art, which he founded, supports young scientists and promotes innovative research projects. By awarding scholarships and financing research projects, the foundation enables young researchers to realise their ideas and break new ground. He donated the Graduate Centre to the university, where both scientists in the early stages of their careers and lecturers can hold their own events in an idyllic atmosphere. In addition to the new conference building, the Graduate Centre in the renovated old building also offers thirty individual workstations for doctoral students.
Professor Scheer was also personally committed to transferring his knowledge into politics. For example, he was Innovation Commissioner for the Saarland for ten years, was a member of Chancellor Kohl's Innovation Council and served as President of the Bitkom industry association from 2007 to 2011. Just recently, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung described him as "the father of the Digital Ministry" (FAZ, 23 May 2025).
Thanks to his extensive experience in science, business and politics, Professor Scheer was also able to provide valuable impetus for the further development of research and teaching. Most recently, for example, with the establishment of the Scheer School of Digital Sciences at Saarland University and previously with the establishment of the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). The establishment of innovative companies and the creation of a dynamic start-up ecosystem in the university environment are also largely due to his efforts. With his August-Wilhelm Scheer Foundation ( ), August-Wilhelm Scheer not only promotes scientific projects, but also supports cultural initiatives that enrich social life in Saarland. As an enthusiastic jazz musician, he has also initiated and promoted numerous cultural events.
Honorary senator award ceremony on 17 October – programme schedule
At the ceremonial awarding of the honorary senate title, which will take place with invited guests on 17 October at 5 p.m. in the university auditorium, Minister of the Interior Reinhold Jost, University President Ludger Santen and University Council Chair Margret Wintermantel will deliver welcoming remarks. The keynote address will be given by Henning Kagermann, former SAP CEO and long-time president of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech). This will be followed by a panel discussion with the newly appointed honorary senator, Henning Kagermann, Wolfram Jost (CEO of Scheer IDS) and Helmut Krcmar, professor emeritus of business informatics at the Technical University of Munich. The discussion will be moderated by Roland Rolles, Vice-President for Administration and Financial Management at Saarland University.
