A Lifetime of Leadership in Engineering Education
For many members of the global engineering education community, Michael Auer is synonymous with international collaboration and innovation in engineering education. Throughout a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has played a central role in advancing engineering pedagogy, online engineering, remote laboratories, and technology-enhanced learning.
After earning his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Technische Universität Dresden in 1975, he held numerous leadership positions in higher education and international professional organizations. Among other roles, he served as Vice Rector of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, President of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), and Secretary-General of the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP).
Building the Global Online Engineering Community
Within the IAOE community, Michael Auer is best known as the Founding President of the association and one of the pioneers of the online engineering movement. Under his leadership, IAOE developed into a global network connecting educators, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing remote laboratories, online experimentation, and innovative approaches to engineering education.
His vision has also contributed to the establishment and growth of numerous international conferences, initiatives, and collaborative networks that continue to serve the engineering education community today. Through these efforts, he has helped create opportunities for thousands of educators and researchers worldwide to share knowledge, build partnerships, and advance educational innovation.
Continuing Impact and Service
Today, Michael Auer continues to serve the international community through several leadership roles, including President of IETI, President of the International Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Society (IDSAI), Lifelong Honorary President of IGIP, and Founding President of IAOE.
Beyond his organizational leadership, he remains a strong advocate for the next generation of scholars and innovators. His commitment to supporting young researchers is reflected in initiatives such as the IETI Michael E. Auer Youth Scientist Award, which encourages excellence and innovation among emerging researchers worldwide.
Recognizing Global Leadership
The inaugural IETI Global Leadership Award also recognized three other distinguished international leaders: Kostas Gouliamos (Greece/Cyprus), former Rector of European University Cyprus; Daniel Lai (Hong Kong, China), former Vice President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and current Vice President of IETI; and Afzal Haque (Pakistan), Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology.
Together, the award recipients represent a diverse group of leaders whose work has contributed significantly to international education, research, innovation, and cooperation.
Congratulations from the IAOE Community
On behalf of the international IAOE community, we extend our sincere congratulations to Michael Auer on this well-deserved recognition. The award reflects not only his remarkable professional achievements, but also his enduring commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing engineering education around the world.
We are proud to see the contributions of our Founding President recognized through this inaugural award and look forward to his continued leadership and inspiration for the global engineering education community.
Official award announcement from www.ieti.net
