It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Manfred Hochstein, a distinguished figure in the geothermal community and one of the founding members of the Geothermal Institute at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Professor Hochstein passed away peacefully over the weekend.
His pioneering work in geothermal research and his dedication to advancing the field have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers. Professor Hochstein was not only a respected academic but also a mentor and colleague who generously shared his knowledge and passion for geothermal energy.
The ThinkGeoEnergy team would like to offer our sympathies to his family, friends, and all the people who have had the privilege of working and interacting with Professor Hochstein. We also celebrate his enduring legacy in shaping the body of knowledge in geothermal globally, and in sharing his expertise to hundreds geothermal specialists from around the world. His contribution to the industry has been truly remarkable and immeasurable.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 29 November at 2:00 PM at McLaurin Chapel, University of Auckland, Princes Street. Friends, colleagues, and members of the geothermal community are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his life and contributions.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Professor Hochstein earned his doctorate in Physics and Geophysics in Germany and began his career with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in Wellington, where he served as Superintendent of the Geophysical Survey from 1967 to 1972. In 1973, he joined the University of Auckland to teach Applied Geophysics and later became a founding member and Director of the Geothermal Institute (1980–1994). Under his leadership, the Institute trained approximately 650 geothermal specialists from around the world, significantly advancing global geothermal capability.
He supervised over 40 MSc and 15 PhD projects and contributed to numerous international geothermal projects in countries such as Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Kenya, Ethiopia, China, and Indonesia. His research spanned geothermal resource assessment, volcanic and tectonic structures, and seismic studies, and he authored influential publications that shaped geothermal science. Even after retiring from full-time teaching in 1997, Professor Hochstein continued as an Honorary Research Fellow, remaining active in research and mentoring until recent years.
