GTU Rector Expresses Condolences over the Passing of Professor Emeritus Merab Lortkipanidze

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Emeritus Merab Lortkipanidze – an outstanding scientist, engineer, distinguished researcher, and educator in the field of energy. On behalf of the university community, he extended his sincere condolences to the Lortkipanidze family, colleagues, and students.

“The name of Professor Merab Lortkipanidze is inseparably associated with the Georgian Technical University, the advancement of Georgian engineering science, and the development of higher technical education in our country.

For many years, Professor Lortkipanidze devoted himself to scientific research, teaching, and public service. He made a significant contribution to the fields of energy engineering, construction materials, concrete technologies, and energy infrastructure, while educating generations of engineers and researchers. One of the most important aspects of his professional career was his participation in the supervision, evaluation, and quality control of concrete works during the construction of the Enguri Hydroelectric Power Plant dam – a responsibility of critical importance to the safe operation of one of Georgia’s most strategic energy facilities.

Professor Lortkipanidze was deeply committed to educating young people. As a teacher, he not only shared knowledge but also inspired students with a passion for research, a strong sense of responsibility, and the highest standards of professional ethics. Today, many of his former students continue his legacy as academics and engineers, proudly representing the Georgian engineering school both in Georgia and abroad. On behalf of the Georgian Technical University, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Professor Lortkipanidze’s family, relatives, colleagues, and students.”

– Academician David Gurgenidze

For information: Professor Merab Lortkipanidze authored nearly 100 scientific publications, including 11 internationally published papers. His distinguished academic legacy comprises two scientific monographs, two university textbooks, four inventions, and one patent. Among his notable scientific achievements was the development of a new lightweight, high-strength, water-permeable polymer concrete, whose physical and mechanical properties he investigated through extensive research. Professor Lortkipanidze was a Full Member of the Georgian Academy of Energy; Full Member of the Georgian Academy of Engineering; Member of the Committee of the International Academy of the Silk Road (China); and Member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific journal “Physical and Technical Problems of Mining Production”.

In 2003, he founded the “Science and Energy Association”, which he led until the end of his life. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the scientific and technical journal “Energy” and the chief editor of an online scientific publication Energyonline.ge. Alongside his distinguished scientific career, Professor Lortkipanidze taught for many years at both the Georgian Technical University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, where he earned the respect and admiration of generations of students through his professionalism, dedication, and exemplary civic values.

Beyond engineering and science, Professor Lortkipanidze had a lifelong passion for Georgian and world poetry, writing original poems and producing literary translations. His outstanding contributions to science, education, and public service were formally recognized in 2003, when he was awarded the Medal of Honor.