In memory of Peter Kirstein

Professor Peter Kirstein left this world on Wednesday, 8 January 2020. Professor Kirstein was, along with famous american computer legends Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn, the frontrunner in research and development of communication between computer networks. Their efforts led to the development of today’s standard internet protocol TCP/IP.  Professor Kirstein also helped establish the first cross-atlantic internet line between USA and Europe (GB).  During his carieer he contributed a lot to the expansion of internet services and establishing internet infrastructure in Europe.

We collaborated intensively with professor Kirstein on the COSINE-EUREKA 8 project (1985–1991), which helped us in the growth and build of secure internet services, such as digital signatures and public key infrastructure in the year 1992. Later, in 2008–2010 we also collaborated in the development of a video-conference system Global Plaza.

Professor Kirstein will be missed especially for his optimism, friendship, teamwork, and wisdom.