Hans Linnemann: An Inspired and Inspiring Scientist

Opening this collection of essays honouring Hans Linnemann with a characterisation of both the person and his work is not only a privilege, but a challenge as well. One needs to reflect on his long and distinguished career in terms of his scientific contributions, but fails to do justice to him when these are not cast in a much wider framework, one that tries to give insight into his motivations both as a person and as a scientist: those are intimately related and account for his ability to inspire others around him. My challenge is to try and speak on behalf of the wide circle of others — friends, students and colleagues — whom he inspired in the course of his career as a scientist. Characterising Hans Linnemann is far from easy as he is first of all a peacemaker and moderator who likes to keep a low profile for himself. The task is not eased by his abhorrence of public praise: I have to choose my words carefully.