EurAgEng remembers Professor Reiner Brunsch

The European Society of Agricultural Engineers (EurAgEng) is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Dr Reiner Brunsch, who passed away on 22 July 2026 at the age of 69.

Reiner was a highly respected agricultural engineer, researcher, university lecturer and scientific leader, whose career made an important contribution to the development of sustainable and practice-oriented agricultural engineering in Europe. He served as Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in Potsdam from 2008 to 2017, having previously led its Technology in Animal Husbandry department.

Within EurAgEng, Reiner served as a member of the Executive Board and as Vice-President, making a valued contribution to the development of the Society and to strengthening collaboration across the European agricultural engineering community. His international engagement reflected his strong belief in cooperation between research, industry, policy and agricultural practice.

His research was characterised by a systems-based approach, particularly in animal production, animal welfare and the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. He consistently sought to connect scientific and technological progress with the practical and economic realities of farming. His commitment to sustainable agriculture also extended into practice through his management of an organic farm in Brandenburg.

Only a few weeks before his death, Reiner was awarded the VDI’s Max Eyth Commemorative Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to modern and sustainable agricultural engineering.

EurAgEng extends its sincere condolences to Reiner’s family, friends, colleagues and all those who worked with him. We will remember him with gratitude and respect for his contribution to agricultural engineering and for his commitment to bringing people and disciplines together in pursuit of a more sustainable agricultural future.

＼ Get the latest news ／