Dr. Rudolf Erich Walter Borges

It is with deep sadness that ISO/TC 154 learnt of the passing of Dr. Rudolf Erich Walter Borges (DIN, Germany), on 22 June 2026, at the age of 92.

A long-time member of WG 5, Dr. Borges made numerous and significant contributions over the years to the many editions of ISO 8601. Over many years he also shaped the standardization work of the DIN national committee for Units and Formula Quantities (AEF), which he chaired from 2007 to 2013.

His particular interests included standards relating to date and time representations, the mathematical structure of quantity calculus, graphical representations, and logarithmic quantities. He will be especially remembered for his contributions to ISO 8601-1 "Date and time" and for its adoption at the national level as DIN ISO 8601-1, with significant changes regarding specific national characteristics (e.g. the 00:00 / 24:00 time format).

Through his dedication, he was one of the main proponents of the ISO 8601-2:2019/Amd 1:2025 amendment, as well as of the international standardization of the 00:00/24:00 time format with the semantic meanings of beginning of day and end of day, adopted in ISO 8601-1:2019/Amd 1:2022. He also contributed heavily to the ISO 34000 date and time vocabulary project.

Prior to learning of his passing, WG 5 had nominated Dr. Borges for the ISO Excellence Award for his contributions to ISO 8601-2:2019/Amd 1:2025, published in 2025.

The committee recorded its appreciation in resolution P-2026-13 of the 45th plenary meeting (Berlin, 2026). Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends.

— With thanks to DIN (NA 152-01-03 AA N 336) and ISO/TC 154/WG 5 (meeting report, 2026-09-03) for the obituary and remembrance.

Members of ISO/TC 154