According to paragraph 13 of the statutes, only distinguished individuals who do not have a full-time employment relationship with the university, but who "have been closely associated with Graz University of Technology for at least five years through outstanding contributions to research or teaching" are eligible for the title "Honorary Professor of Graz University of Technology". Graz University of Technology grants honorary professors an unlimited teaching authorisation. Rector Harald Kainz comments: "As an alumnus of Graz University of Technology, Prof. Robert Fischer has always remained closely connected to his alma mater both in research and teaching and personally. The honorary professor's dignity is a recognition of his globally appreciated achievements in research and his active teaching activities at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Economics and his manifold services to Graz University of Technology".
Prof. Robert Fischer completed his studies in industrial engineering/mechanical engineering with a doctorate in technical sciences sub auspiciis praesidentis rei publicae at the Graz University of Technology. He remained closely connected with his alma mater and has been actively involved in teaching for more than 20 years as a lecturer. He performs this task in addition to his professional activities as a member of the management board of the internationally operating drive technology specialist AVL List and managing director of the Engineering and Technology division. In addition to managing more than 4,000 employees, he is also responsible for customer-independent corporate research. In his curriculum vitae, he can point to over 70 scientific publications and 65 patent families, which resulted in over 300 individual applications.
Prof. Robert Fischer established early contacts with teaching at the Graz University of Technology. From 1992 on, he participated in lectures on the topic "Powertrain and Powertrain Vibrations" and for almost 20 years now he has been actively involved in the lecture "Transmissions in Motor Vehicles". This lecture at Graz University of Technology is partly held at the AVL-TU Graz Transmission Center, which has an outstanding infrastructure worldwide and thus offers students the opportunity to learn about the latest technology for the development of future drive systems.
The Society of Automotive Engineers dedicated the Transmission Award 2015 to Prof. Robert Fischer as the 7th prizewinner so far for outstanding global achievements in the drive and transmission sector.
