The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg mourns the loss of Claus J. Raidl, who died at the age of 82. As chairman of the board of trustees from the institute’s founding until 2023, he made a significant contribution to establishing ISTA as a globally recognized research institution and securing its independence.
“The history and successes of ISTA over the past 15 years are inextricably linked to Claus Raidl. I have rarely worked with someone who was filled with as much energy and inspiration as he was. Claus was a dynamic trailblazer who used his extensive management experience and intelligence to shape the Institute as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. We owe him a great debt of gratitude and will continue to work tirelessly to honor and build on the foundation he laid. His death is a great loss for us and our deepest condolences go out to his family.”
said Martin Hetzer, President of ISTA.
Raidl shaped the ISTA for almost two decades. From the Institute’s founding, he has been a central figure in the Institute’s development as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, member of the Executive Committee and advisory member of the Scientific Council (2006-2023).
“Despite his impressive successes, Claus Raidl was always remarkably modest and self-deprecating. He always recognized the importance of the independence of science and understood that cutting-edge research can only thrive under optimal conditions. He saw it as his job to create these conditions. Claus always emphasized the importance of collective efforts and highlighted the contributions of others. “His extensive knowledge of Austria’s political and economic landscape as well as his extensive connections and valuable advice were invaluable to the ISTA,”
adds Hetzer.
He remembers: “Claus often referred to ‘curiosity-driven basic research’ as his mantra. He knew that scientific discoveries do not always provide immediate results or practical applications. Researchers must have the freedom and autonomy to follow their curiosity wherever it may lead. Claus was aware of how challenging and lengthy research paths can sometimes be. During ISTA’s formative years, he was instrumental in creating an environment in which world-class research could thrive.”
From business leader to science promoter
Claus J. Raidl was born on November 6, 1942 in Kapfenberg, Styria and received his doctorate in commercial science from the University of World Trade (now the Vienna University of Economics) in 1971. During his professional career he has held numerous leading positions in the private sector and in state-owned companies. From 1991 to 2010 he was CEO of Böhler-Uddeholm, and from 2008 to 2018 President of the Austrian National Bank. He was also Vice President of the European Forum Alpbach from 2012 to 2020.
Raidl had a lasting impact on the Austrian Industrial Association and was passionately committed to the ISTA. He repeatedly emphasized the advantages and opportunities that a world-renowned research institute can offer Austrian industry. Many of the early donations and donations to ISTA are due to his persuasiveness and his ability to demonstrate the value of the Institute.
A role model for the future
Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, who took over the chairmanship of the ISTA Board of Trustees from Claus Raidl in 2023, praised the achievements of her predecessor: “Claus Raidl’s long-standing chairmanship of the ISTA Board of Trustees has had a significant impact on the institute. His passionate commitment to the independence of science and the institute was an inspiring role model for me and all members of the Board of Trustees. We will continue to do everything we can to preserve these success factors and the autonomy of the institute to ensure that it remains a place with optimal conditions for researchers and all other employees. We are doing this in the spirit of Claus Raidl, who will be missed very much.”