Prof. Hobbacher studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University in Stuttgart, Germany. He started his career in industry, specializing in chemical plant equipment, heavy machinery, and pressure vessels, culminating in his role as head of the design office. Later, he completed his doctoral thesis at the Aachen Institute of Technology in
aerospace engineering. In 1980, he assumed the position of Full Professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, where he lectured on welding technology, structural steelwork, pressure vessels, and pipes. During his tenure, he founded the Institute for Materials and Production Technology, serving as its inaugural
Director. He held the position of Chairman of the German Welding Society (DVS) working group on design and analysis, and previously chaired the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Commission XV on Design and Analysis of Welded Structures for a decade. Additionally, he led an IIW Working Group responsible for developing the IIW Fatigue Design Recommendations. Prof. Hobbacher’s extensive scientific contributions are evident in his numerous publications, documents, and books. In recognition of his outstanding efforts and achievements, he was honored with the "Evgeny Paton Prize" in 2013.