After more than three decades of dedicated service at the Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH OWL), Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier was formally bid farewell into retirement following his final lecture at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. During a small surprise celebration at the Centrum Industrial IT (CIIT) on the Innovation Campus Lemgo, his contributions to research, teaching, and university development were honored.
An Academic Life Dedicated to Teaching, Research, and Strategic University Development
Born in 1959 in Lübbecke, Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier studied electrical engineering at the former University of Applied Sciences Lippe in Lemgo (the predecessor of today’s TH OWL) and at the Technical University of Braunschweig, with a focus on microwave and optical communications technology. After earning his doctorate in 1990 with a dissertation on transistor amplifiers in integrated waveguide technology, he worked in industrial research at Alcatel SEL AG in Stuttgart. There, he managed projects in antenna technology and interconnection techniques for integrated millimeter-wave circuits.
In 1993, Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier was appointed to the professorship for "Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering" at the former Lippe University of Applied Sciences. He later assumed responsibility for teaching high-frequency engineering, microwave technology, and radio systems. His scientific interests centered on cognitive and coexistence-optimized radio systems, as well as the characterization of industrial radio channels. Around 100 scientific publications and several textbooks – including standard German textbooks in electrical engineering – attest to his lasting impact on the field.
Long-time dean and driving force
From 2002 to 2019, Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier significantly shaped the development of the department as its dean. Under his leadership and through a forward-looking appointment strategy, the department grew into one of the most research-intensive among German universities of applied sciences. He succeeded in attracting experts with strong industry experience and a clear research focus.
Of particular note is his role in establishing key academic structures: He played a leading role in founding the Institute Industrial IT (inIT), the university's first research institute. More than 20 years ago, he also initiated the international master’s program Information Technology, which has since developed into TH OWL’s largest international degree program and a cornerstone of the university’s internationalization strategy.
An Excellent Professor
In 2014, Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier received TH OWL’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his outstanding teaching. His clarity in instruction, analytical rigor, and commitment to scientific precision shaped generations of students.
Vice President Prof. Dr. Stefan Witte, current Dean Prof. Dr. Rainer Rasche, and alumni of the international master's program Information Technology praised Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier as "focused, precise, and straightforward" – qualities that left a lasting mark on his work in research, teaching, and academic governance.
A Valued Member of the University Community Remains Active
Even after formally stepping down from active service, Prof. Dr. Uwe Meier will remain involved with the university as a lecturer. On behalf of the entire department, we wish him good health, contentment, and many inspiring moments beyond the lecture hall.
Dear Professor Meier, dear Uwe – you wished to leave quietly, but we say all the louder: Thank you for everything!