Heinz Zemanek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heinz Zemanek
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Heinz Zemanek in 2007
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| Born | 1 January 1920 Vienna, Austria
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| Died | 16 July 2014 (aged 94) Vienna, Austria
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| Alma mater | Vienna University of Technology |
| Known for | Mailüfterl, PL/I |
| Awards | Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class (2005) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Computer Scientist |
| Institutions | Vienna University of Technology, IBM |
Heinz Zemanek (born Heinrich Josef Zemanek) was an important Austrian computer expert. He was born on January 1, 1920, and passed away on July 16, 2014. From 1954 to 1958, he led the team that built one of the first computers in Europe that used transistors. This computer was called Mailüfterl, which means "May breeze" in Viennese. Its name was a nod to an earlier American computer called Whirlwind.
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Early Life and Education
Heinz Zemanek grew up in Vienna, Austria. He finished high school in 1937. After that, he started studying at the University of Vienna. In 1940, during World War II, Zemanek joined the army. He worked in a "communication unit," which dealt with sending and receiving messages. He also taught at a special school for the Intelligence Service.
After his military service, he went back to studying. He focused on radar technology. In 1944, he earned his first university degree, called a Diplom. After the war, Zemanek worked as an assistant at the university. In 1951, he earned his PhD. His research was about how to share time on communication systems. In 1952, he finished building the URR1, which was a computer that used relays.
Building Computers at the Vienna Lab
In 1961, the IBM Laboratory Vienna was started. It was part of a bigger IBM lab in Germany. Professor Zemanek became its first manager. He stayed at the Vienna Lab until 1976. During his time there, he played a key role in creating the official rules for a computer language called PL/I. This language helped computers understand instructions better.
Later, Zemanek became an IBM Fellow. This is a very high honor given to top scientists and engineers at IBM. For many years, he also taught at the Vienna University of Technology. There's even a lecture hall named after him! He was also a long-time member of the International Federation for Information Processing. He served as its president from 1971 to 1974.
Involvement in Scouting
Professor Zemanek was also very active in the Boy Scouts. He joined in 1932. He served as a Scout Leader. From 1946 to 1949, he was the International Secretary for Scouting in Austria. Then, from 1949 to 1954, he was the International Commissioner for the Pfadfinder Österreichs, which is the Austrian Scout organization.
Awards and Recognition
Heinz Zemanek received many awards for his important work. Some of these include:
- Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class (2005) – This is a high award from Austria for achievements in science and art.
- Gold Decoration for Services to the City of Vienna.
- Joseph Johann Ritter von Prechtl Medal from the Technical University of Vienna.
- Leonardo da Vinci Medal of the European Society for the Education of Engineers.
- Wilhelm Exner Medal (1972).
- Rudolf Kompfner Medal from the Technical University of Vienna (2010).
- He was a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
- Eduard Rhein Ring of Honor (1998) – This award is for outstanding achievements in technology.
- The Heinz-Zemanek-Preis, an award for great accomplishments in computer science, was named after him.
- Kardinal-Innitzer-Preis (2003) – This award recognized his achievements throughout his life.
