Plasma physics from laboratory to Cosmos-the life and achievements of Hannes Alfven

Summary form only given. Hannes Alfven, Lifetime Fellow of IEEE and 1970 Nobel Laureate for Physics, passed away on April 2, 1995 after a life of exceptional scientific achievement. His discoveries laid the foundations of major parts of modern plasma physics and its applications in areas as diverse as industrial processes, thermonuclear research, space physics, astrophysics and cosmology. The author presents a brief review of his life and achievements.