ZEW Co-founder and Member of Supervisory Board Professor Jacobs Celebrates his 65th Birthday

On 12th October 2004, Prof Dr Dr h. c. mult. Otto H. Jacobs celebrates his 65th birthday.

Jacobs, one of Germany’s most renowned researchers in the field of taxation and, since 1971, acting professor in the faculty for Business Economics, Trusteeships and Corporate Taxation at the University of Mannheim, has had a close connection to the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in Mannheim, for many years. Jacobs was one of those who paved the way for the establishment of ZEW. As such, he played a considerable role in the founding committee, defining the institute’s areas of research.

Since ZEW began its work in 1991, Jacobs, alongside his work researching and teaching at the University of Mannheim, has greatly contributed to the ZEW success story, not only in his position on the ZEW supervisory board, but particularly as a research professor. Thanks to his active participation, the Research Department “Corporate Taxation and Public Finance” has built an excellent national and international reputation. One example of Jacob’s contributions to ZEW is the European Tax Analyzer, a simulationprogramme,which has been developed over the past few years and which can be used to compare the tax burden in different countries. This programme is now recognised for its value in both research and in practical application. It has particularly helped ZEW to make a name for itself in the field of corporate taxation. 

In recognition of his achievements and as a tribute to this exceptional business economics university professor, ZEW and the University of Mannheim will beorganisinga scientific symposium to mark the 65^th birthday of Professor Jacobs. The symposium will take place on October 22, 2004 and will give renowned experts from the fields of taxation the opportunity to discuss the issues surrounding international corporate taxation with the participants of the symposium.

Jacobs, however, is not only an accomplished scientist and researcher; he is also widelyrecognisedfor his contribution to academic autonomy and for his role in corporate practice. For more than two terms of office (1988 to 1994), Jacobs held the position of Rector at the University of Mannheim. From 1990 to 1992 he also chaired the State Rectors’ Conference (Landesrektorenkonferenz) and was involved in the work of the University Structures Commission of Saxony(Hochschulstrukturkommission des Freistaats Sachsen). Jacobs remains connected to corporate practice through his participation on a number of supervisory boards. In addition, he is active on a number of advisory boards, boards of trustees and foundation councils as well as in a variety of national and international institutions.