Until the 1970s, lexicographers worked in relative isolation, and Hartmann was credited with making a major contribution to lexicography[1] and fostering interdisciplinary consultation between reference specialists.
He obtained a degree at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, where he later wrote a doctoral dissertation on public economy control and auditing.
From 1974 onwards, he held senior posts in the Language Centre and the School of English at the University of Exeter, where he organised a number of influential conferences, such as LEXeter '83.
He served as consultant to a number of bodies,[6] received grants and fellowships to study and lecture abroad,[7] and participated in initiatives to promote the lexicographic discipline.
Upon his retirement from Exeter in September 2001, the Dictionary Research Centre was transferred to the University of Birmingham, where Hartmann was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Lexicography in the School of English.