In memory of Professor Dr. Karin Peschel (1935-2020)
Professor Karin Peschel passed away on 19 June 2020 at the age of 84. In the 1960s, Karin Peschel played an active role in the foundation of the “Gesellschaft für Regionalforschung”, the German Speaking Section of the Regional Science Association International, in which she remained active for over 50 years.
Born in Leipzig, Karin Peschel studied Economics at the University of Braunschweig. In 1963, she earned her Economics doctorate at the University of Münster. Her doctoral dissertation, conducted under the supervision of Andreas Predöhl, concerned itself with the market-based organisation of the transport sector. Having completed her doctoral studies, she decided to pursue an academic career in Economics, an unusual step for a woman in the 1960s. She habilitated in 1970 under the supervision of Rolf Funck in Karlsruhe. In 1971, she was successful in securing a professorship at the Institute of Theoretical Economics at Kiel University. In 1973, she replaced Reimut Jochimsen, assuming the leadership of the Institute for Regional Research.
Karin Peschel was also a much sought-after advisor on matters relating to regional, structural and innovation policy. She was active in numerous committees at the federal level. However, her home state of Schleswig-Holstein remained close to her heart, a commitment testified by her tireless and devoted efforts towards promoting economic prosperity in the region.
Family and colleagues mourn the loss of a dedicated scientist, a revered teacher and a beloved woman.