In memory of Hans Petter Langtangen

1962-2016

Hans Petter Langtangen, Simula, August 2012. Photo: Sverre Jarild

Hans Petter Langtangen, Simula, August 2012.

We are very sad to inform you that our friend and colleague, Professor Hans Petter Langtangen, passed away on October 10th.  Hans Petter was an extraordinarily productive author, lecturer, supervisor and researcher. His books on software and methods for solving differential equations are widely used and have influenced these fields considerably. He established one of the most popular enduring courses at the University of Oslo and supervised nearly 100 MSc or PhD graduates.  Scientifically, he was always concerned with the efficient solution of differential equations, in terms of both CPU and human efforts. He produced scientific software of extremely high quality that has found users all over the world. Hans Petter was also leader of a Norwegian Center of Excellence. The scientific computing community also knows him as a long time member of the editorial board of SISC, and, in particular, as the Editor-in-Chief from 2011 to 2015.

Hans Petter loved his work and intensified his efforts after becoming ill. He concentrated on his books, and finished the last book only one week before he died. During his period of illness, he impressed both friends and colleagues by notable openess about his disease, regularly updating a Facebook group with information about the development of the cancer and his treatment.

Hans Petter was an unusually friendly man, always willing to share whatever knowledge he had with others. His impact on students and colleagues has been enormous; no one left his office or his auditorium without deeper insight, and a feeling of joy.

Hans Petter will be deeply missed by his family, friends and by colleagues from all over the world.

Aslak Tveito, CEO,  Simula Research Laboratory

Morten Dæhlen, Dean, The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo

We invite you to share your memories of Hans Petter.

Your memory of Hans Petter:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fields marked with * are required.
Your E-mail address won't be published.
For security reasons we save the IP address 100.25.40.11.
It's possible that your entry will only be visible in the guestbook after we reviewed it.
We reserve the right to edit, delete, or not publish entries.
109 entries.
Yufeng Wang wrote on November 8, 2023 at 3:23 pm
I am searching for some teaching material for my course on computational geophysics which involves PDE numerical solvers and scientific computing. Prof. Hans Petter's books and website are awesome and really helpful!
I am searching for some teaching material for my course on computational geophysics which involves PDE numerical solvers and scientific computing. Prof. Hans Petter's books and website are awesome and really helpful!... Collapse
Carlos Pena from Managua wrote on December 10, 2022 at 4:25 pm
El Profesor Hans Petter escribio uno de los libros mas gratificantes sobre Programacion en Python, es una lastima que se haya ido tan pronto.
El Profesor Hans Petter escribio uno de los libros mas gratificantes sobre Programacion en Python, es una lastima que se haya ido tan pronto.... Collapse
Paige from Boulder, CO wrote on September 23, 2022 at 7:09 pm
Dr. Langtangen's textbooks and free learning resources have become indispensable to my thesis research and I was truly saddended to learn of his passing. I sincerely appreciate his easy-to-understand writing style and deep commitment to open source material. While skimming through some of the entries in the guest book, I learned about how caring, kind, and funny he was, in addition to being a brilliant mind. I have recommended his work to many people over the past couple of years, and I hope that it brings those who loved him comfort to know that HPL is *still* mentoring young researchers and assisting them in understanding these dense topics.
Dr. Langtangen's textbooks and free learning resources have become indispensable to my thesis research and I was truly saddended to learn of his passing. I sincerely appreciate his easy-to-understand writing style and deep commitment to open source material. While skimming through some of the entries in the guest book, I learned about how caring, kind, and funny he was, in addition to being a brilliant mind. I have recommended his work to many people over the past couple of years, and I hope that it brings those who loved him comfort to know that HPL is *still* mentoring young researchers and assisting them in understanding these dense topics.... Collapse
Pavan Inguva from Cambridge, Massachusetts wrote on November 1, 2021 at 5:03 pm
I was developing my own course material for numerical methods using Python and came across the wonderful work done by Prof Hans Petter. His insight and easy-to-understand writing style is truly remarkable. I am grateful for the good work he has done.
I was developing my own course material for numerical methods using Python and came across the wonderful work done by Prof Hans Petter. His insight and easy-to-understand writing style is truly remarkable. I am grateful for the good work he has done.... Collapse
Amin from Vancouver, Canada wrote on October 12, 2021 at 4:29 am
I was searching for the fundamental course in computational engineering to solve some biodegradation problems for my thesis and found many of Peter's books related to this field. His effort really inspires me. RIP great teacher
I was searching for the fundamental course in computational engineering to solve some biodegradation problems for my thesis and found many of Peter's books related to this field. His effort really inspires me. RIP great teacher... Collapse
Mugambi Ndwiga from Nairobi, Kenya wrote on July 29, 2021 at 5:51 pm
I was stuck trying to find a way to discretize and implement a numerical solution for a wave equation. I found a very good explanation and a python implementation that I adapted for my solution. On checking more about the person behind the work, I was very sad to find out that he had passed away. May you rest in peace sir.
I was stuck trying to find a way to discretize and implement a numerical solution for a wave equation. I found a very good explanation and a python implementation that I adapted for my solution. On checking more about the person behind the work, I was very sad to find out that he had passed away. May you rest in peace sir.... Collapse
Angela Rizzi from Göttingen wrote on November 15, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Today I was working out the solution of a PDE by following the concepts by Prof. Langtangen. I found a tiny inconsistency within the text and I formulated following Email to let him know about a possible errata. My Email started with: "Dear Prof. Langtangen, First of all let me express my huge appreciation for your contributions in GitHub and in your books on the topics of scientific computations. Great work! It is my personal guide for computer simulations and extremely useful for education, but not only. Thanks! ... " After looking for his Email address, I came to this page. How sad to red about his passing away. His excellent work will remain!
Today I was working out the solution of a PDE by following the concepts by Prof. Langtangen. I found a tiny inconsistency within the text and I formulated following Email to let him know about a possible errata. My Email started with: "Dear Prof. Langtangen, First of all let me express my huge appreciation for your contributions in GitHub and in your books on the topics of scientific computations. Great work! It is my personal guide for computer simulations and extremely useful for education, but not only. Thanks! ... " After looking for his Email address, I came to this page. How sad to red about his passing away. His excellent work will remain!... Collapse
Kaid Noureddine from Algeria wrote on October 30, 2020 at 1:31 pm
We really miss you Hans Petter, all what I have learned concerning differential equations and Python programming was from you (Git Hub). "If a son of Adam dies, he ceases his work except from three: an ongoing charity, a knowledge that can be used, or a good child who is invited"
We really miss you Hans Petter, all what I have learned concerning differential equations and Python programming was from you (Git Hub). "If a son of Adam dies, he ceases his work except from three: an ongoing charity, a knowledge that can be used, or a good child who is invited"... Collapse
Magnus Bjørnsen Løbeg from Bergen wrote on December 3, 2019 at 3:38 pm
I started master studies at Physics of Geological Processes in 2007 because HPL was working there. When I started he had moved to another job, but he was my external sensor for my master dissertation. It was a short and intense meeting with this lovely man. Thank you som much. Kind regards Magnus
I started master studies at Physics of Geological Processes in 2007 because HPL was working there. When I started he had moved to another job, but he was my external sensor for my master dissertation. It was a short and intense meeting with this lovely man. Thank you som much. Kind regards Magnus... Collapse
ZHANG, Chunyuan from Changsha, Hunan, China wrote on October 6, 2019 at 11:24 am
I met him in UiO in 2014 and have used his Python textbook since 2015. He gave me all the resources of the course. The textbook have been translated to Chinese this year and will be published soon.
I met him in UiO in 2014 and have used his Python textbook since 2015. He gave me all the resources of the course. The textbook have been translated to Chinese this year and will be published soon.... Collapse
Jose Funes from Washington, DC wrote on October 5, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Sad news, I met him by reading his excellent books in Python, just a brillian mind! to spread knowledge to the world. I was shocked to learn that he passed away. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sad news, I met him by reading his excellent books in Python, just a brillian mind! to spread knowledge to the world. I was shocked to learn that he passed away. My sincere condolences to his family.... Collapse
Steffen Loen Sunde from Trondheim wrote on August 17, 2019 at 10:32 am
Saddened to see such a great person passing away. I did not have the chance to meet Hans Petter in person, but his work is a true source of inspiration. My most sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Saddened to see such a great person passing away. I did not have the chance to meet Hans Petter in person, but his work is a true source of inspiration. My most sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.... Collapse
Arben Tapia from Toronto wrote on April 8, 2019 at 7:17 pm
I wish to express my deepest condolences for Prof. Hans Peter family, friends and ex-coworkers. While using some of Prof. Hans Peters' ideas in the classroom, I just sadly learned about the passing away. It's no exaggeration to say I feel like I have lost a personal friend and mentor even though I never met Prof. Hans Peter. Sincerely, Arben Tapia
I wish to express my deepest condolences for Prof. Hans Peter family, friends and ex-coworkers. While using some of Prof. Hans Peters' ideas in the classroom, I just sadly learned about the passing away. It's no exaggeration to say I feel like I have lost a personal friend and mentor even though I never met Prof. Hans Peter. Sincerely, Arben Tapia... Collapse
Raffaele Ponzini from Rodero wrote on March 16, 2019 at 9:18 am
If I'm using Python for my technical applications is because I had access to the books written by Professor Langtangen. His work remains in my mind as one of the clearer examples of what teaching and explaining something to other people should be. I never had the chance to thank him in person. I will really miss his contribution to science. Sincerely, lele
If I'm using Python for my technical applications is because I had access to the books written by Professor Langtangen. His work remains in my mind as one of the clearer examples of what teaching and explaining something to other people should be. I never had the chance to thank him in person. I will really miss his contribution to science. Sincerely, lele... Collapse
Olav D. Snørteland from Stavanger wrote on February 5, 2019 at 10:25 pm
Wow, I was really sad to hear that this great guy had passed away. Met him fresh out of high school teaching us about python at UiO in 2009. By far, the best lecturer I have had the last 10 years.
Wow, I was really sad to hear that this great guy had passed away. Met him fresh out of high school teaching us about python at UiO in 2009. By far, the best lecturer I have had the last 10 years.... Collapse
Siddhartha Ommi from Nantes wrote on January 3, 2019 at 2:01 pm
I have recently started using FEniCS and reading his books. I love the elegance in which he describes the use of each line in the Python script. I googled his name to find his email to ask a few questions and I came to know that he is no more. RIP Hans Petter.
I have recently started using FEniCS and reading his books. I love the elegance in which he describes the use of each line in the Python script. I googled his name to find his email to ask a few questions and I came to know that he is no more. RIP Hans Petter.... Collapse
Peter Carmicahel from Sunnyvale wrote on November 22, 2018 at 12:23 am
I am so deeply saddened to hear that Hans Petter has passed away. I'm reading his works, currently, and they are deeply satisfying, in a way that very few books are. They are deeply helpful too, in a way that even fewer books are. And now I've learned that this great man, who wrote and is teaching me still, has passed away. My profoundest sympathies to those of you who knew him well.
I am so deeply saddened to hear that Hans Petter has passed away. I'm reading his works, currently, and they are deeply satisfying, in a way that very few books are. They are deeply helpful too, in a way that even fewer books are. And now I've learned that this great man, who wrote and is teaching me still, has passed away. My profoundest sympathies to those of you who knew him well.... Collapse
Phi Ha from Berlin wrote on November 14, 2018 at 7:22 am
Even though I have never had a chance to meet/work with prof. Langtangen, I really admire him for his research/teaching career. In fact, since reading his Python books, I have found love in numerical mathematics. I could not express how elegant the book is, and how it have such a strong impress on a theoretical mathematician like me. So thank you very very much and rest in peace, prof. Langtangen.
Even though I have never had a chance to meet/work with prof. Langtangen, I really admire him for his research/teaching career. In fact, since reading his Python books, I have found love in numerical mathematics. I could not express how elegant the book is, and how it have such a strong impress on a theoretical mathematician like me. So thank you very very much and rest in peace, prof. Langtangen.... Collapse
Aarish Shaheen from New Delhi wrote on September 17, 2018 at 8:37 pm
What can I say? I learnt the ropes of computing from his excellent python book. Thoughts and prayers fir his family.
What can I say? I learnt the ropes of computing from his excellent python book. Thoughts and prayers fir his family.... Collapse
Panos the Greek from Bologna, Italy wrote on January 22, 2018 at 9:21 pm
Dear Hans, I googled your name to find your email address because I wanted to say "thank you", even if never met you, for helping me using Python and Flask to build my scientific applications on the web. Nobody has explained better to me what purpose all those commands serve. I was delighted one night finding your notes "Using Flask for Scientific Web Applications" on the web. Your clear writing style was very much appreciated. Then, I was taken aback by the sad news that I found. I am very sorry that sometimes people like you have a short life. I send my condolences to your best friends and family.
Dear Hans, I googled your name to find your email address because I wanted to say "thank you", even if never met you, for helping me using Python and Flask to build my scientific applications on the web. Nobody has explained better to me what purpose all those commands serve. I was delighted one night finding your notes "Using Flask for Scientific Web Applications" on the web. Your clear writing style was very much appreciated. Then, I was taken aback by the sad news that I found. I am very sorry that sometimes people like you have a short life. I send my condolences to your best friends and family.... Collapse
Ajay Rawat from Chennai wrote on October 21, 2017 at 5:51 pm
I was pulled towards scientific computing using Python by reading his books and softwares. Truly a great soul and his departure is a tremendous loss to scientific computing community. May his soul rest in peace.
I was pulled towards scientific computing using Python by reading his books and softwares. Truly a great soul and his departure is a tremendous loss to scientific computing community. May his soul rest in peace.... Collapse
Daniel Mejía R. from Medellín(Colombia) wrote on September 28, 2017 at 2:12 am
A great loss for science. I never met Hans Petter L. in person, and only means of knowing him was through his books and source code works such as DiffPack and Doconce. A great scientist concerned with education and the availability of good study materials and software tools, I'm sure his legacy will continue making echo as generations pass
A great loss for science. I never met Hans Petter L. in person, and only means of knowing him was through his books and source code works such as DiffPack and Doconce. A great scientist concerned with education and the availability of good study materials and software tools, I'm sure his legacy will continue making echo as generations pass... Collapse
Klaus G. Müller from Wassenaar (Netherlands) wrote on September 2, 2017 at 3:38 am
It is only today that I learned of Petter's death, and I am so shocked and sorry. Petter's books on scientific software for the first time comprehensively showed what a scientist should and could do with Python. Before his books, Python was just another nice language. He effectively showed the direction in which NumPy should be going. My personal experience with Petter have been a few most productive exchanges by e-mail during my development of SimPy. I never realized how young he was, his breadth and depth in his work suggested to me that I was dealing with a quite senior scientist. I am missing him, and I will now sit down and read his books from front to cover again, with a lump in my throat. RIP, Petter, and thank you for your wisdom!
It is only today that I learned of Petter's death, and I am so shocked and sorry. Petter's books on scientific software for the first time comprehensively showed what a scientist should and could do with Python. Before his books, Python was just another nice language. He effectively showed the direction in which NumPy should be going. My personal experience with Petter have been a few most productive exchanges by e-mail during my development of SimPy. I never realized how young he was, his breadth and depth in his work suggested to me that I was dealing with a quite senior scientist. I am missing him, and I will now sit down and read his books from front to cover again, with a lump in my throat. RIP, Petter, and thank you for your wisdom!... Collapse
Shubeur Rahman from Abu Dhabi wrote on April 13, 2017 at 2:49 pm
No memorial tribute over a few paragraphs will be adequate to thank Hans Petter for his contribution to the education, career, and life of mine and no doubt countless others, but I nevertheless feel that I should try to write a few words out of respect. I met Hans Petter back in 2002 during the early stages of my PhD research at Cambridge and when I was much in need of inspiration and guidance. I emailed him about a technical problem, and to my surprise he responded quickly and invited me to spend a month in Oslo working with himself and his team. This I believe to be the turning point of my career and my life as Hans Petter soon became my mentor, and friend throughout various challenges I had in my life since then. The words “never give up” Hans Petter once used still continue to echo in my mind. I recall his modest self-introduction when we first met, and then showing me around the lab introducing me to the Simula team, then driving me to the train station at the end of the day. We kept in touch over the years writing regularly by email. In October last year (2016) when I wrote to him, he replied as promptly as ever and he mentioned that he was unwell although not giving details. I replied with the words “never give up”. Little did I know that he was to pass away only a few days later. Hans Petter was an incredible intellect and person and I was very fortunate to have him play a huge part in my life. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues and all the lives he touched.
No memorial tribute over a few paragraphs will be adequate to thank Hans Petter for his contribution to the education, career, and life of mine and no doubt countless others, but I nevertheless feel that I should try to write a few words out of respect. I met Hans Petter back in 2002 during the early stages of my PhD research at Cambridge and when I was much in need of inspiration and guidance. I emailed him about a technical problem, and to my surprise he responded quickly and invited me to spend a month in Oslo working with himself and his team. This I believe to be the turning point of my career and my life as Hans Petter soon became my mentor, and friend throughout various challenges I had in my life since then. The words “never give up” Hans Petter once used still continue to echo in my mind. I recall his modest self-introduction when we first met, and then showing me around the lab introducing me to the Simula team, then driving me to the train station at the end of the day. We kept in touch over the years writing regularly by email. In October last year (2016) when I wrote to him, he replied as promptly as ever and he mentioned that he was unwell although not giving details. I replied with the words “never give up”. Little did I know that he was to pass away only a few days later. Hans Petter was an incredible intellect and person and I was very fortunate to have him play a huge part in my life. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues and all the lives he touched.... Collapse
Murilo Henrique Moreira from São Carlos wrote on February 15, 2017 at 2:30 pm
I'm a Brazilian student of Materials Engineering, I did not have the opportunity to have great teachers on my graduation, but I really want to work with numerical simulations. I have a lot to learn yet, but work from people who REALLY cares about the idea of sharing knowledge with others do inspire and make it possible that one day people like me, with not the best basis, are capable of dreaming of one day become skilled scientists like Professor Hans Petter. I didn`t even started to read all his works, I`m in the second week of my internship (which involves directly numerical simulations), but I truly believe that this book may help me. It is beautiful to live in a world were people like Professor Hans Petter exist. I am thankful for him without even knowing him, without even understanding the size of his knowledge nor the importance of such subjects, but I think that this is the mark of people like him. Legends will never die, it is a true statement. In live and in death, he still help us, and this is brilliant.
I'm a Brazilian student of Materials Engineering, I did not have the opportunity to have great teachers on my graduation, but I really want to work with numerical simulations. I have a lot to learn yet, but work from people who REALLY cares about the idea of sharing knowledge with others do inspire and make it possible that one day people like me, with not the best basis, are capable of dreaming of one day become skilled scientists like Professor Hans Petter. I didn`t even started to read all his works, I`m in the second week of my internship (which involves directly numerical simulations), but I truly believe that this book may help me. It is beautiful to live in a world were people like Professor Hans Petter exist. I am thankful for him without even knowing him, without even understanding the size of his knowledge nor the importance of such subjects, but I think that this is the mark of people like him. Legends will never die, it is a true statement. In live and in death, he still help us, and this is brilliant.... Collapse
Bjørn Remseth from Heggedal wrote on February 8, 2017 at 6:42 am
Many years ago when I worked as a sysadmin for the Math department at the University of Oslo, Hans Petter was a dear colleague. His keen interest in bringing the very best computing resources to the students was an inspiration, and it was always fun to talk with him about any subject. He was a man of many talents, I remember being very surprised when on one "Eplefest", the student/faculty Christmas he played guitar in the band. He played very well btw. I only heard about his death today, and I was immediately saddened by it. He was a great guy.
Many years ago when I worked as a sysadmin for the Math department at the University of Oslo, Hans Petter was a dear colleague. His keen interest in bringing the very best computing resources to the students was an inspiration, and it was always fun to talk with him about any subject. He was a man of many talents, I remember being very surprised when on one "Eplefest", the student/faculty Christmas he played guitar in the band. He played very well btw. I only heard about his death today, and I was immediately saddened by it. He was a great guy.... Collapse
Alvaro Coutinho from Rio de Janeiro wrote on December 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm
I first met Hans Peter at SIAM Geosciences meeting in early 90's. At that time we were doing porous media flow with stabilized finite element methods. Since them we continued to follow his many contributions in this area, always creative and deeply rooted. May he rest in peace.
I first met Hans Peter at SIAM Geosciences meeting in early 90's. At that time we were doing porous media flow with stabilized finite element methods. Since them we continued to follow his many contributions in this area, always creative and deeply rooted. May he rest in peace.... Collapse
Michael Thuné from Uppsala, Sweden wrote on November 28, 2016 at 4:17 pm
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Hans Petter was a frequent guest at the Division of Scientific Computing within the Department of Information Technology at Uppsala University. The primary contact point was with our group on software tools for high-performance computing, where we benefitted greatly from Hans Petter's expertise in that area. However, with his broad competence in all aspects of Scientific Computing, Hans Petter become an appreciated discussion partner for people from all parts of the division. For many of us, Hans Petter also became a personal friend, kind-hearted and brilliant. We miss him deeply.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Hans Petter was a frequent guest at the Division of Scientific Computing within the Department of Information Technology at Uppsala University. The primary contact point was with our group on software tools for high-performance computing, where we benefitted greatly from Hans Petter's expertise in that area. However, with his broad competence in all aspects of Scientific Computing, Hans Petter become an appreciated discussion partner for people from all parts of the division. For many of us, Hans Petter also became a personal friend, kind-hearted and brilliant. We miss him deeply.... Collapse
Simen Kvaal from Oslo wrote on November 16, 2016 at 8:35 pm
I met Hans Petter as a young student in 2001 (I think it was), attending his numerical methods for partial differential equations course at UiO. He led me onto my scientific path with that course. His glowing enthusiasm was catching, and his warm personality was unique, always supportive and inspiring self-confidence in all the students. I always looked forwards to the occasions I had to see him over the years, and that I will deeply miss.
I met Hans Petter as a young student in 2001 (I think it was), attending his numerical methods for partial differential equations course at UiO. He led me onto my scientific path with that course. His glowing enthusiasm was catching, and his warm personality was unique, always supportive and inspiring self-confidence in all the students. I always looked forwards to the occasions I had to see him over the years, and that I will deeply miss.... Collapse
Jacek Starzyński from Warszawa, Poland wrote on November 8, 2016 at 9:53 am
I was heartbroken by this sad news. I knew Hans Petter by email only, but we started our contacts in 1994 on the occasion of the first Diffpack release. He was a brilliant mind, full of ideas and always humble and keen to help. He passed away, but his memory will live among us.
I was heartbroken by this sad news. I knew Hans Petter by email only, but we started our contacts in 1994 on the occasion of the first Diffpack release. He was a brilliant mind, full of ideas and always humble and keen to help. He passed away, but his memory will live among us.... Collapse
Temsgen Abraham from Kløfta wrote on November 2, 2016 at 3:47 pm
While I did not have the honour to work under Professor Hans Petter Langtangen, I did take some of his courses at UiO. I remember him as a brilliant teacher and a very humble human being. Reading all these letters from people all around the world shows the profound impact Professor Langtangen had on everyone he met. RIP hpl.
While I did not have the honour to work under Professor Hans Petter Langtangen, I did take some of his courses at UiO. I remember him as a brilliant teacher and a very humble human being. Reading all these letters from people all around the world shows the profound impact Professor Langtangen had on everyone he met. RIP hpl.... Collapse
Xiyang from Trondheim wrote on November 2, 2016 at 2:45 pm
To Professor Petter, I never see you before in my real life, but I am learning FEniCS from the beginning of my PhD life. Your influence on me is fundamental and indescribable. Miss you......
To Professor Petter, I never see you before in my real life, but I am learning FEniCS from the beginning of my PhD life. Your influence on me is fundamental and indescribable. Miss you......... Collapse
Jonas Lindemann from Skurup wrote on October 31, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Hans Petter was my opponent at my PhD Defense. I remember being extremely nervous as I new his reputation in the field. Hans was a great opponent and it was a very good discussion. After the defense, which very C++ focused, he asked my why don't you use Python instead. This opened my eyes to a new programming paradigm, which I have continued to develop. You will be missed.
Hans Petter was my opponent at my PhD Defense. I remember being extremely nervous as I new his reputation in the field. Hans was a great opponent and it was a very good discussion. After the defense, which very C++ focused, he asked my why don't you use Python instead. This opened my eyes to a new programming paradigm, which I have continued to develop. You will be missed.... Collapse
Peder A. Tyvand from Ås wrote on October 25, 2016 at 12:45 pm
The first time I heard of Hans Petter when I was a post.doc. at MIT in 1984. The rumour of his brilliance had spread across the ocean already when he was young student! Those of us educated at the mechanics group are deeply honored that he spent his young years with us. I went to many seminars to meet him, even though I had left the department just at the time when he started his master work there. He was a fantastic person in every sense.. Always open, continuously spreading ideas and inspiration around him. Academia is a good place to be, once we find people like Hans Petter to be around. His personality was a rare gem, uniquely blending generosity with brilliance. He is deeply missed, but we find continuous inspiration in our memories of him.
The first time I heard of Hans Petter when I was a post.doc. at MIT in 1984. The rumour of his brilliance had spread across the ocean already when he was young student! Those of us educated at the mechanics group are deeply honored that he spent his young years with us. I went to many seminars to meet him, even though I had left the department just at the time when he started his master work there. He was a fantastic person in every sense.. Always open, continuously spreading ideas and inspiration around him. Academia is a good place to be, once we find people like Hans Petter to be around. His personality was a rare gem, uniquely blending generosity with brilliance. He is deeply missed, but we find continuous inspiration in our memories of him.... Collapse
Ilmar Wilbers from Oslo wrote on October 23, 2016 at 11:27 am
As so many others, Hans Petter heavily influenced the direction my studies would take. He taught me Python and soon became my supervisor for my MS. But I was also fortunate enough to work very closely together with Hans Petter for a full year, assisting him with creating the "Introduction to programming with scientific applications" course at UiO. He was a remarkable person, RIP HPL!
As so many others, Hans Petter heavily influenced the direction my studies would take. He taught me Python and soon became my supervisor for my MS. But I was also fortunate enough to work very closely together with Hans Petter for a full year, assisting him with creating the "Introduction to programming with scientific applications" course at UiO. He was a remarkable person, RIP HPL!... Collapse
Ralph Lorentzen from Fornebu wrote on October 19, 2016 at 5:51 pm
When several years ago I as a retired scientist asked if I might work as a volunteer at Simula, I was interviewed by Hans Petter and Are Magnus. It was a pleasant experience which resulted in the startup of an interesting and challenging project. The project resulted in a new approach for carrying out computer experiments, and Hans Petter guided me gently throughout the project. I am deeply grateful for that.
When several years ago I as a retired scientist asked if I might work as a volunteer at Simula, I was interviewed by Hans Petter and Are Magnus. It was a pleasant experience which resulted in the startup of an interesting and challenging project. The project resulted in a new approach for carrying out computer experiments, and Hans Petter guided me gently throughout the project. I am deeply grateful for that.... Collapse
Trond Vidar Stensby from Oslo wrote on October 19, 2016 at 2:16 pm
I first met Hans Petter while doing my master degree at SINTEF Applied Mathematics. His enthusiastic promotion for using object-oriented techniques for numerical software development sparked my interest for the C++ programming language. He was an excellent motivator and I am grateful for the influence that Hans Petter's teachings has had on my entire working life. Rest in peace, Hans Petter.
I first met Hans Petter while doing my master degree at SINTEF Applied Mathematics. His enthusiastic promotion for using object-oriented techniques for numerical software development sparked my interest for the C++ programming language. He was an excellent motivator and I am grateful for the influence that Hans Petter's teachings has had on my entire working life. Rest in peace, Hans Petter.... Collapse
Stuart Clark from Oslo wrote on October 19, 2016 at 8:41 am
Hans Petter was a great inspiration to me. I will miss his drive and positive attitude to science. May God give comfort to his family at this difficult time.
Hans Petter was a great inspiration to me. I will miss his drive and positive attitude to science. May God give comfort to his family at this difficult time.... Collapse
Helge K. Dahle from Bergen wrote on October 19, 2016 at 6:14 am
I was very sad to learn that Hans Petter died. Hans Petter was a great scientist and a warm and good person. He will be deeply missed by the Norwegian scientific community.
I was very sad to learn that Hans Petter died. Hans Petter was a great scientist and a warm and good person. He will be deeply missed by the Norwegian scientific community.... Collapse
Arnoldo Frigessi from Oslo wrote on October 18, 2016 at 8:56 pm
Hans Petter was open and clear, friendly and determined. Open to discuss themes that others were interested in and found important, beyond his own interest, to learn and understand and contribute. Clear in his opinions, with deep arguments and well documented, precise in his polite way. Friendly, with a biiig smile, gentle eyes under his glasses, yes in a hurry, like we all are, but you felt he saw you and heard you. Determined where you needed to be so, because there are principles, maybe ideals, that matter. He did not like methods that find an occasional application in biology or medicine, he wanted to start with the life-science question and develop the mathematical and digital instruments to answer them. We thought we could start to do multiscale models and statistical inference together, we hoped so. There was no time, Hans Petter. But we shall try to do it and we know you would have liked it.
Hans Petter was open and clear, friendly and determined. Open to discuss themes that others were interested in and found important, beyond his own interest, to learn and understand and contribute. Clear in his opinions, with deep arguments and well documented, precise in his polite way. Friendly, with a biiig smile, gentle eyes under his glasses, yes in a hurry, like we all are, but you felt he saw you and heard you. Determined where you needed to be so, because there are principles, maybe ideals, that matter. He did not like methods that find an occasional application in biology or medicine, he wanted to start with the life-science question and develop the mathematical and digital instruments to answer them. We thought we could start to do multiscale models and statistical inference together, we hoped so. There was no time, Hans Petter. But we shall try to do it and we know you would have liked it.... Collapse
Kristin Vinje from Oslo wrote on October 18, 2016 at 7:23 pm
As former employee at Simula I had the pleasure to work closely with Hans Petter for several years. I first learned to know Hans Petter as a fellow student back in the early eighties at the University of Oslo, although he quickly advanced to teaching as we still finished up our degree. Hans Petter was remarkable in more than one way; he was an optimistic and creative soul, a very friendly and helpful person, a genius researcher and an excellent teacher. Until recently he also supervised two of our sons at UiO, and they can confirm what a brilliant and enthusiastic teacher he was! On behalf of my family and myself I will express my deepest condolences. RIP, Hans Petter!
As former employee at Simula I had the pleasure to work closely with Hans Petter for several years. I first learned to know Hans Petter as a fellow student back in the early eighties at the University of Oslo, although he quickly advanced to teaching as we still finished up our degree. Hans Petter was remarkable in more than one way; he was an optimistic and creative soul, a very friendly and helpful person, a genius researcher and an excellent teacher. Until recently he also supervised two of our sons at UiO, and they can confirm what a brilliant and enthusiastic teacher he was! On behalf of my family and myself I will express my deepest condolences. RIP, Hans Petter!... Collapse
Gerhard A. Holzapfel from Trondheim and Graz wrote on October 18, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Hans Petter passed away far too early. He was a very special person equipped with the talent to reduce complexity of numerical programming in order to pass it over to students in simple words and in form of enjoyable books on scientific computing. He had the ability to interact with many different people, he was very inspiring, positive, enthusiastic and friendly. Hans Petter was a generous person full of energy, spirit, passion and love. The world needs more people like him. As a perfect model of success combing work with life he will remain in our minds and continue to be present.
Hans Petter passed away far too early. He was a very special person equipped with the talent to reduce complexity of numerical programming in order to pass it over to students in simple words and in form of enjoyable books on scientific computing. He had the ability to interact with many different people, he was very inspiring, positive, enthusiastic and friendly. Hans Petter was a generous person full of energy, spirit, passion and love. The world needs more people like him. As a perfect model of success combing work with life he will remain in our minds and continue to be present.... Collapse
Helge Holden from Trondheim wrote on October 18, 2016 at 3:54 pm
It is so sad. It is a great honor to have known Hans Petter.
It is so sad. It is a great honor to have known Hans Petter.... Collapse
Johan Jansson from Stockholm wrote on October 18, 2016 at 3:46 pm
I was very sorry to hear the news. I first met Hans Petter over 10 years ago, just as the FEniCS project was starting. His encouragement and energy will always be an inspiration to us all. He was a voice of reason and a visionary, and his work will live on.
I was very sorry to hear the news. I first met Hans Petter over 10 years ago, just as the FEniCS project was starting. His encouragement and energy will always be an inspiration to us all. He was a voice of reason and a visionary, and his work will live on.... Collapse
Johannes Ring from Oslo wrote on October 18, 2016 at 2:43 pm
I first met Hans Petter as a student back in 2003 at the University of Oslo. He immediately became my favorite teacher with his enthusiastic and inspiring lectures. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have had him as my supervisor in my master degree study. Not only was he extremely encouraging and helpful, he was also very kind and understanding. Later he gave me the opportunity to work at Simula, a job which I have enjoyed for the past nine years. I have so much to thank Hans Petter for. I will miss him deeply.
I first met Hans Petter as a student back in 2003 at the University of Oslo. He immediately became my favorite teacher with his enthusiastic and inspiring lectures. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have had him as my supervisor in my master degree study. Not only was he extremely encouraging and helpful, he was also very kind and understanding. Later he gave me the opportunity to work at Simula, a job which I have enjoyed for the past nine years. I have so much to thank Hans Petter for. I will miss him deeply.... Collapse
Susanne Støle-Hentschel from Oslo wrote on October 18, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Hans Petter gave me the opportunity to start working at Simula through a summer job and like many others I ended up at Simula for some time. During this period, I first got in touch with research and I felt at home immediately. I will always be grateful for this experience. I remember Hans Petter as many others have described already. I would like to share two memories that show his humbleness. I was always amazed how he could remember details of my project event though it was only one small thing that he did in addition of million others. Once, after a summer party and some beers he explained the downside of is memory. He kept on remembering details about people and situations that he would rather forget. It felt like he wanted to downscale his size. Many years later we were talking at the "eplefest". I expressed my gratitude for his modernization of teaching at UiO and that I often was pointed to one of his books about python when I tried to find a solution to something on the internet. His response was typical HPL style, something like " Oh that happens to me a lot too, and it annoys me, because I know what I am looking for cannot be found there"
Hans Petter gave me the opportunity to start working at Simula through a summer job and like many others I ended up at Simula for some time. During this period, I first got in touch with research and I felt at home immediately. I will always be grateful for this experience. I remember Hans Petter as many others have described already. I would like to share two memories that show his humbleness. I was always amazed how he could remember details of my project event though it was only one small thing that he did in addition of million others. Once, after a summer party and some beers he explained the downside of is memory. He kept on remembering details about people and situations that he would rather forget. It felt like he wanted to downscale his size. Many years later we were talking at the "eplefest". I expressed my gratitude for his modernization of teaching at UiO and that I often was pointed to one of his books about python when I tried to find a solution to something on the internet. His response was typical HPL style, something like " Oh that happens to me a lot too, and it annoys me, because I know what I am looking for cannot be found there"... Collapse
Chandrika Kamath from Livermore wrote on October 18, 2016 at 3:24 am
I regrettably did not have the good fortune to know or work with Professor Langtangen. However, I learned about object-oriented software development from his work on Diffpack, which, along with his book on Python for Computational Science, have greatly influenced the software I have developed for data analysis. I very much appreciate his willingness to make his expertise so easily accessible to all. May he rest in peace.
I regrettably did not have the good fortune to know or work with Professor Langtangen. However, I learned about object-oriented software development from his work on Diffpack, which, along with his book on Python for Computational Science, have greatly influenced the software I have developed for data analysis. I very much appreciate his willingness to make his expertise so easily accessible to all. May he rest in peace.... Collapse
Xing Cai from Rykkinn wrote on October 17, 2016 at 11:35 pm
Hans Petter was a perfect example of "Once a teacher, always a teacher". In 1992, I was very fortunate to become one of his numerous master-degree students. In 1995, when I embarked on my PhD, I was again privileged to have Hans Petter as one of my doctor-degree supervisors. Thankfully, Hans Petter's supervisor role never actually ceased at the completion of his students' academic degrees. He continued to nourish me in science as well as in life's other aspects, ever since. Without exaggeration, I can say that Hans Petter left his marks on every progress in my career. It thus pains me excruciatingly to realize that I have lost my life-time mentor, forever. "I'm eternally in debt to you, my dear teacher!"
Hans Petter was a perfect example of "Once a teacher, always a teacher". In 1992, I was very fortunate to become one of his numerous master-degree students. In 1995, when I embarked on my PhD, I was again privileged to have Hans Petter as one of my doctor-degree supervisors. Thankfully, Hans Petter's supervisor role never actually ceased at the completion of his students' academic degrees. He continued to nourish me in science as well as in life's other aspects, ever since. Without exaggeration, I can say that Hans Petter left his marks on every progress in my career. It thus pains me excruciatingly to realize that I have lost my life-time mentor, forever. "I'm eternally in debt to you, my dear teacher!"... Collapse
Shewli Biswas from Kolkata wrote on October 17, 2016 at 1:43 pm
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passing away of one of the great geniuses in bringing the complexities of numerical programming and bionumerics near to ordinary students like me. I am greatly indebted to Professor Langtangen's work. May he rest in peace and remembered for eternity .
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passing away of one of the great geniuses in bringing the complexities of numerical programming and bionumerics near to ordinary students like me. I am greatly indebted to Professor Langtangen's work. May he rest in peace and remembered for eternity .... Collapse
Thanh-Ha Le Thi from Heidelberg wrote on October 17, 2016 at 1:13 pm
I have been very fortunate to know Hans Petter as author of Springer when I joined Martin Peters’ Mathematics and CSE Editorial at Springer in 1998. Since then, I have handled numerous books written and edited by Hans Petter, among them, the bestseller TCSE 6 “A Primer on Scientific Computing with Python”, now in its 5th edition. Hans Petter was very enthusiastic about his new book projects and could often not wait to get his hands on a printed copy of his “new baby”, Hans Petter’s own words of his newly published book. During the production process, Hans Petter’s feedback was very speedy and constructive. I am so sad to lose our very special and endearing author and will deeply miss our regular email contacts.
I have been very fortunate to know Hans Petter as author of Springer when I joined Martin Peters’ Mathematics and CSE Editorial at Springer in 1998. Since then, I have handled numerous books written and edited by Hans Petter, among them, the bestseller TCSE 6 “A Primer on Scientific Computing with Python”, now in its 5th edition. Hans Petter was very enthusiastic about his new book projects and could often not wait to get his hands on a printed copy of his “new baby”, Hans Petter’s own words of his newly published book. During the production process, Hans Petter’s feedback was very speedy and constructive. I am so sad to lose our very special and endearing author and will deeply miss our regular email contacts.... Collapse