Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Heinz Miedaner was born in Munich, and after graduating from high school (Abitur), chose to study at the Department for Brewing Science (Fakultät für Brauwesen) at the Technical University of Munich at Weihenstephan. Upon finishing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Brewing Technology I. He then pursued a doctoral degree, completing his doctorate in 1969. From 1969 to 1971, he served as the Director of Quality Assurance and Technology at the Erste Kulmbacher Aktienbrauerei. Leaving the routine of day-to-day operations at the brewery in 1971, he once again returned to Weihenstephan, this time in the role of chief engineer. His work primarily concentrated on finding ways to further utilize gas chromatography for scientific and routine brewery analysis. This became an important building block for his subsequent post-doctoral work (Habilitationsarbeit) in 1980, entitled “Ein Beitrag zur Technologie der Gärung und Reifung des Bieres” (A Treatise Contributing to the Technology of Beer Fermentation and Maturation), which remains a standard work in the field today.
He also delved into other research topics, including practice-oriented experimental trials into wort boiling and the perennial focus of research in the brewing industry: the flavor stability of beer.
Prof. Miedaner has authored and co-authored a wide range of scientific and technical papers in the field of brewing.
His research results were not only presented at meetings attended by fellow Weihenstephan graduates but also at international gatherings, such as at the EBC Congress and various symposia as well as with groups of other researchers.
In public fora, presenting research results or other information regarding the complex relationships involved in wort and beer production, he became known for speaking not only quite freely but with great erudition and his characteristic “machine gun-style” delivery.
Prof. Miedaner served as an advisor for innumerable masters’ theses and doctoral dissertations and continues to be accessible to “his alumni” for consultation and further assistance. His drawings and delightful caricatures are legendary – a highlight enjoyed by his doctoral students upon receiving the results of their Rigorosum (an oral examination to defend one’s dissertation).
In 1994, Prof. Miedaner became the director of the Staatliche Brautechnische Prüf- und Versuchsanstalt, now called the Research Center Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality.
In 2000, he was awarded the “Prof. Seifritz Prize” for scientifically mentoring the “Merlin” project and for his commendable role in conveying technical knowledge into practice.
As a brewing scientist, he has always participated in the advancement and further development of technical analysis methods for brewing. He was a member of the Mitteleuropäische Brautechnische Analysenkommission (MEBAK) for over 15 years and served as its chairman from 2000 to 2004. In recognition for his service, he was designated as an Honorary Chairman of MEBAK.
Particularly worthy of mention are his contributions to the MEBAK guidelines for monitoring brewhouse quality, which were based upon his vast practical experience in conducting numerous brewhouse assessments and inspections.
Prof. Miedaner is also a founding member of the “Slow Brewing” organization, which was established in 2011 to promote quality and excellence in brewing.
In his private life, Prof. Miedaner has pursued his passion for sports cars, skiing, cycling and tennis.
On the auspicious occasion of Prof. Miedaner’s birthday, we wish him continued happiness and the best of health.