It is with great sadness that the ISEE announces the passing of Dr. Hans-Peter Rossmanith. Dr. Rossmanith passed away June 26, 2013. He was one of the cornerstones of the fragblast community.

Born in 1947, Hans-Peter Rossmanith earned his doctorate in mathematics and physics from the University of Vienna. After successfully completing his studies, he became an assistant professor at the Vienna University of Technology.

He spent time performing research at the University of Maryland, in the United States, and later followed the call back to the TU Vienna. Dr. Rossmanith conducted extensive research in the field of fracture mechanics, studying the breakage of materials and developing damage models for solids and structures.

A major contributor to fragblast history, Dr. Rossmanith presented his research at the International Symposiums on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting; was the editor in chief for the Blasting and Fragmentation Journal, which is published by the International Society of Explosives Engineers; and was a member of the Fragblast International Organizing Committee (FIOC).

Dr. Rossmanith published numerous articles in scientific journals and regularly lectured at conferences. He also organized many successful meetings and conferences, bringing together researchers from around the globe.

Dr. Rossmanith was very interested in the history of mechanics, especially the historical development of fracture mechanics. His unique insights helped bring to life his lectures.

Dr. Rossmanith was fond of cooking and was an avid gardener, painter and composer.

Our condolences go out to his family. Dr. Rossmanith will be sorely missed.