It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that we celebrate the recent recognition of Professor Peter Uggowitzer, who was awarded the Great Badge of Honour of the State of Styria on 12 May 2025 in a formal ceremony at the Old University in Graz. The honour was presented by Governor Mario Kunasek and Deputy Governor Manuela Khom, acknowledging individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the state.
A Career of Impact
Born in Carinthia, Professor Uggowitzer studied materials science at Montanuniversität Leoben, where he completed his doctorate in 1981. His academic journey took him to the prestigious ETH Zurich, where he habilitated in 1993 and served as professor at the Department of Materials from 1996 to 2015. In 2017, he returned to Montanuniversität Leoben, where he has since enriched the field of non-ferrous metallurgy as Professor for Alloy Design of Light Metals.
His scientific achievements are numerous and impactful. One of his early breakthroughs was the development of a new family of nickel-free nitrogen steels, now widely used in medical applications as well as the jewellery and watchmaking industries. Later, his research pivoted towards light metals, particularly aluminium and magnesium. His pioneering work on magnesium alloys for biodegradable implants has opened new pathways in biomedical engineering. Furthermore, his contributions to establishing aluminium research at the Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy at the Montanuniversität Leoben have been foundational. As Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Board of Austria Metall AG, he played a pivotal role in the creation of an endowed professorship for aluminium materials technology at the university.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
At Materials at Extremes and our research team [X-MAT], this honour resonates deeply. Professor Uggowitzer has been more than a scientist and educator – he has been a guiding light, a mentor, and a source of enduring inspiration. His teaching, his relentless curiosity, and his passion for materials science – particularly for aluminium and its alloys – have shaped not only our academic paths but our very way of thinking about materials and their potential.
For me personally, it was through his mentorship that I discovered my fascination with aluminium. His vision, clarity of thought, and quiet encouragement sparked a lifelong dedication to this metal and its endlessly versatile alloys. It is no exaggeration to say that my journey – scientific and professional – was profoundly influenced by his example.
We congratulate Professor Uggowitzer not only for this well-deserved recognition, but for a career that continues to inspire generations of metallurgists and materials scientists. Thank you for everything, Professor. Your legacy is etched into the very fabric of our work.
Materials at Extremes 
My goodness, that’s how we know our friend Matheus. He has a tendency to exaggerate. Nevertheless, thank you very much. I am very touched!
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