In Memoriam

Our esteemed colleague of many years

Dr. Wolff Schlotz

passed away suddenly on Monday, July 20, 2020. Dr. Schlotz joined our Institute in 2013 as one of its very first members. A methods expert, he contributed substantially to countless studies with his knowledge of psychology and statistics, his analytical precision and rigor, and his tireless commitment. In his role as Research Ethics and Data Protection Coordinator, he sensitized all of us to the centrality of these issues, inspiring ongoing reflection and the cultivation of lasting best practices. As Ombudsperson he was a forceful advocate for the interests of his colleagues. And his zeal for research and methodology has substantially shaped the perspectives of many colleagues who adopted his advice in their own work.

As a member of the Institute, Wolff Schlotz pursued a number of his own research projects with the same passion and unflagging dedication he gave to others. Alongside the study of stress and stress reactivity, his research interests included psychometry, longitudinal data analysis, and methods of ambulatory assessment. Here, too, he was involved in developing new methods that have helped advance the work of the Institute.

With Wolff Schlotz’s passing the Institute has lost one of its pillars, an admired colleague, and a friend. His human and professional presence will be sorely missed.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

One behalf of the entire Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics,
Prof. Dr. Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, Managing Director