Honorary doctorate for Axel E. Barten – A life for mechanical engineering!

Honorary doctorate for Axel E. Barten – A life for mechanical engineering!

On March 9, 2025, Axel E. Barten was awarded an honorary doctorate (Dr.-Ing. E.h.) by the University of Siegen. This award recognizes his outstanding scientific life's work in the field of mechanical engineering. The ceremony took place in the Friedrich-Schadeberg lecture hall on the Lower Castle campus and attracted numerous high-ranking guests from science, business and politics. The Rector of the University of Siegen, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese, praised Barten's commitment to science, research and young academics.

Axel E. Barten, who was active on the university council between 2008 and 2013 and is still a member of the board of trustees today, ran the family business Achenbach Buschhütten for over 40 years. During his academic career he registered 200 patents and was involved as a consultant in the development of new courses, particularly in the field of industrial engineering.

Recognition for special achievements

The Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Siegen awarded the honorary doctorate at a celebratory event attended by various representatives from science and politics as well as Barten's family and companions. Prof. (ret.) Dr. Peter Scharf gave the laudatory speech and highlighted Barten's impressive engineering achievements, particularly in the technology of rolling and cutting the thinnest foils.

In his keynote speech, Barten spoke about the future of engineering and the challenges that digital transformation brings with it. In his lecture, he outlined the need for alliances and presented engineering training 4.0, which is intended to combine core technical competencies with specific specializations.

New courses and technological innovation

He also emphasized the importance of transfer and partnerships between universities and industry. According to Barten, many medium-sized companies in South Westphalia rely on the faculties. In addition, new courses in the field of digital engineering were launched at the University of Siegen, including mechatronics, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

The honorary doctorate is rarely awarded at the University of Siegen and is a symbol of Barten's extraordinary achievements in mechanical engineering. His achievements in industry and his commitment to young engineers make him an impressive personality with integrity.

The celebratory event not only shows the appreciation for Barten's life's work, but also highlights the important role that the University of Siegen plays in promoting science and innovation. In times of rapidly changing technical requirements, collaboration between academic institutions and industry is crucial for the future.

uni-siegen.de reports that Barten's honorary doctorate symbolizes recognition of his special achievements in mechanical engineering. linkedin.com adds that the principal highlighted Barten's integrity and influence as an entrepreneur. The context of his honor is further revealed in the information buero-bundeskanzlerin-ad.de added, which underline the rarity of honorary doctorates.