Obituary: Hermann Brandstätter
January 4, 1930 – September 9, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hermann Brandstätter, a distinguished scholar in social and applied psychology, a pioneer in economic psychology, and an esteemed mentor. He passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on January 4, 1930, in Grünburg, Austria, Hermann’s life was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to the advancement of psychological research, particularly in the emerging field of economic psychology.

Hermann’s academic journey began at the University of Innsbruck, where he studied psychology, followed by specialized studies in statistics at the University of Munich, where he received his venia legendi in 1970. Before entering academia, Hermann applied his expertise in organizational psychology as the leading psychologist at the Frankfurt Office of the German Association for Personnel (Frankfurter Büro der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Personalwesen), where he developed practical solutions for personnel management and development.

His academic career truly began to blossom when he accepted a professorship at the University of Augsburg, and when he joined the Johannes Kepler University Linz. There, he taught social psychology, work and organizational psychology, and—most notably—economic psychology, an emerging interdisciplinary field bridging psychology and economics. Hermann was a pioneer in shaping this field and transforming it into a recognized and respected area of academic inquiry.

I had the honor of joining him as his assistant in 1980. He inspired me to conduct social psychological studies focused on group decision making, with a particular emphasis on the impact of emotional expressions during bargaining and negotiation processes. Hermann’s commitment to methodological rigor was evident early on when he established one of the few fully equipped social psychology laboratories in Austria. This laboratory allowed for controlled experiments on human interaction that led to groundbreaking insights into social and economic behaviors.

Beyond his research, Hermann was an exceptional teacher and mentor, known for his generosity in sharing knowledge and fostering the careers of his students and colleagues. He introduced me to economic psychology, encouraged a wide range of methodological approaches, and stressed the importance of publishing in international scientific journals as an essential part of pursuing an academic career. His mentorship went far beyond technical guidance—he instilled in his students a passion for inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to interdisciplinary research.

Hermann was a long-standing member of the European Association for Social Psychology (EASP) and also a founding member of the International Association for Research in Economic Psychology (IAREP), and was instrumental in the formal establishment of economic psychology as a discipline. His leadership in organizing international conferences and summer schools helped foster a global academic community, creating opportunities for collaboration across borders - even bridging the divide created by the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.

Throughout his career, Hermann was revered not only for his intellectual achievements but also for his personal qualities. His warmth, humility, and generosity were felt by all who had the privilege of working with him. He embodied scientific rigor without ever losing his humanity, always seeking to uplift and inspire those around him. His influence on the fields of social and applied psychology, especially economic psychology, will endure, as will the memories of his kindness, wisdom, and mentorship.

Hermann Brandstätter leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking research, a thriving academic community, and a generation of scholars profoundly shaped by his guidance. We will remember him for his visionary contributions, his dedication to scientific excellence, and the personal impact he had on so many of us. I will be forever grateful to him as a mentor, supervisor, and friend.

Erich Kirchler
Faculty of Psychology
University of Vienna, Austria