On the Passing of Axel Tröster-Grönig

He holds a special place in the institution’s collective memory, even though it has been twelve years since he retired from the WZB: For well over half of the WZB’s existence, Axel Tröster-Grönig served as chair of the works council—dedicated, competent, and persuasive. A brief obituary by his immediate successor, Udo Borchert.

Axel Tröster-Grönig was employed at the WZB from 1979 to 2015, initially as a student assistant and most recently—after holding various positions in the research infrastructure—in Central Data Management. His name is inextricably linked to the WZB Works Council, of which he was chair from 1982 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2014. Here, through his unparalleled expertise and his keen interest in science policy issues, he earned the utmost respect from four WZB presidents and one president, as well as from the colleagues he represented with great dedication.

He recognized early on the importance of exchange and networking with other interest groups. He worked continuously to establish and expand works council networks. For many years, he served as spokesperson for the Coordination Group of Personnel and Works Councils of the Leibniz Association (PBL) as well as spokesperson for the Committee on Policy Issues of the Working Group of Works and Personnel Councils of Non-University Research Institutions (AGBR). He left a lasting mark on the structures of these bodies. In countless conversations and discussions with the Executive Board of the Leibniz Association, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the scientific community, he spoke out forcefully on behalf of the employees.

After a brief but serious illness, Axel Tröster-Grönig passed away on April 10, 2026, shortly before his 77th birthday.