Dr. Lothar Gail
Born on June 9, 1943, in Düren/Rhineland. After military service, studied in Cologne and Munich (Chemical Engineering). PhD in 1973 on "Separation of substances in two-phase polyisoprene gels" at the Institute for Technical Chemistry and joined the Process Engineering Department of Hoechst AG in Frankfurt/Main. Worked on projects in bioprocess engineering, sterilization technology, and cleanroom technology. Contributed to VDI Guideline 2083.
1978-81: "BEHRING ELISA PROCESSOR" – Development of the first microprocessor-controlled ELISA testing system (including HBsAg, HIV). 1988-1995: Led the MEGA CLEAN project (ultrapure chemical supply for microelectronics). Worked on pyrogen inactivation, cleanroom qualification, and production of highly effective substances.
Led the VDI Technical Committee on Cleanroom Technology.
Since the 1990s: Worked on European (CEN/TC 243) and international (ISO/TC 209) standards for cleanroom technology, as well as for the International Society for Cleanroom Technology (ICCCS).
Since 2004: Independent consultant for GMP and cleanroom technology.
1996: Awarded the "Letter of Appreciation" by ICCCS. 1997: Awarded the Wallhäusser Prize, and in 1999 the VDI Honor Medal. In 2002, published the "Cleanroom Technology" handbook with Springer/VDI. In 2009, published "Project Planning for Cleanroom Technology" (Hüthig/VDE).
What did you want to become as a child?
My first career aspiration was "Auto Mechanic"! On my way to school, I would often stand for a long time in front of a workshop and watch the work. It was said that I tried to help and was willing to accept longer delays on the way home from school for that purpose.
What was your first car?
A Mercedes-Benz 170 SD, built in 1954, which I bought in 1963 during my military service in Munich – although I didn't know how many kilometers a taxi would cover in 9 years. The car then provided ample opportunity to get to know a vehicle both from the inside and underneath.
What achievement are you particularly proud of?
Using abbreviations, overcoming prejudices, reaching consensus with others to start joint ventures, and successfully overcoming resistance.
Which technical achievement do you admire most?
Any technical achievement that harmonizes physical-technical and aesthetic requirements, such as in musical instrument construction or architecture.
What can make you happy?
Discoveries of all kinds: whether a well-executed repair or a good solution to any other problem.
Who would you like to swap places with for a month?
A hiker on the Via de la Plata (Seville-Santiago).
In which country would you like to have a second residence?
I am generally more fond of traveling than living somewhere permanently. Therefore, one residence from which I can always travel to where I want to be suffices.
Whom would you like to have met?
Georg Forster, the natural history reporter of Captain Cook's second world voyage.
Which book would you currently recommend?
The one I am currently reading: Patrick Leigh Fermor: "The Time of Gifts" (Journey from Hoek van Holland to Constantinople in 1933/1934).
What is your favorite food?
Always whatever I am currently trying to cook – today: Swiss chard risotto.
What is your favorite music?
J.S. Bach, Suites for Cello 1-6.
What was the best advice you ever received?
To not look for someone else to do a task, but to tackle it yourself if possible.
Do you have a motto?
Rome wasn't built in a day!
Dr. Lothar Gail
Tel. +49 611 9003991
Fax +49 611 9003992
lothar.gail@me.com
GMP - Cleanroom Technology
Humboldtstr. 32
D 65189 Wiesbaden
