Appointments
We regularly appoint researchers to the TUM School of Engineering and Design who drive innovation in their fields through research and teaching. Each appointment strengthens our interdisciplinary exchange and contributes to advancing sustainable developments in engineering and design. Together, we expand knowledge and develop practical solutions to today’s challenges.
- Prof. Dr. Dirk Lowke, Binder-Jetting Technology (MAE)
- Prof. Reinaldo Tonkoski, Electric Power Transmission and Distribution (EPE)
- Prof. Dr. Norman Weik, Design and Operation of Public Rail Transport Systems (MOS)
- Prof. Dr. Katharina Anders, Remote Sensing Applications (ASG)
- Prof. Dr. Gisela Detrell, Human Spaceflight Technology (ASG)
- Prof. Annette Diefenthaler, Design and Transdisciplinarity (CEE)
- Prof. Dr. Johannes Betz, Autonomous Vehicles Systems (MOS)
- Prof. Alessandro Golkar, Spacecraft Systems (ASG)
- Prof. Jan Torgersen, Materials Science (MAE)
- Prof. Dongsheng Wen, Thermodynamics (EPC)
- Prof. Ilkay Yavrucuk, Rotorcraft and Vertical Flight (ASG)
- Prof. Nils Rüther, Hydraulic Engineering (CEE)
- Prof. Niklas Fanelsa, Architecture and Design (ARC)
- Prof. Philipp Reiß, Lunar and Planetary Exploration (ASG)
- Prof. Marcelo Heldwein, High-Power Converter Systems (EPE)
- Prof. Chiara Manfletti,Space Mobility and Propulsion (ASG)
- Prof. Jeannette Kuo, Architecture and Construction (ARC)
2025
Prof. Sophie Erlund
Art in Architecture
Sophie Erlund's artistic work explores the relationship between space, body, and mind. With sculptures, installations, and soundscapes, she investigates the alternation between different spatial, material, or atmospheric states. At TUM, she will further develop her interdisciplinary approaches and strengthen the role of art in architectural discourse.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano
Astrodynamics
Marcello Romano's research focuses on developing mathematical models and solutions for spaceflight mechanics, designing real-time algorithms for autonomous spacecraft guidance, and creating models for orbital space robotics. Additionally, he works on advanced space systems engineering, transdisciplinary technology transfer, and leveraging space-based technologies to address societal challenges. His research philosophy combines theoretical investigations, numerical simulations, and hardware experimentation to solve both foundational and mission-specific questions.
2024
Prof. Dr. Roland Wüchner
Structural Analysis
Roland Wüchner deals with the analysis and simulation of structures, in particular the effect of wind on light load-bearing structures. He uses numerical methods to model complex systems and develop innovative solutions.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Meier
Simulation of Additive-Manufacturing Processes
In order to make additive manufacturing processes more efficient and precise, Christoph Meier is researching the underlying physical processes. He uses simulations and modern computing methods to investigate how materials react during production. After completing his doctorate, he conducted research at MIT before returning to TUM, where he continues to develop innovative simulation techniques for industrial applications.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Ardey
Test and Simulation for Gas Turbines
As a TUM professor and head of the DLR Institute for Test and Simulation of Gas Turbines in Augsburg, Sabine Ardey develops numerical methods and models that are directly linked to the objects under investigation, their virtual twin and the real-time data from the tests. In order to optimize performance and efficiency, the latest findings on physical relationships are incorporated into the design. Her research focuses on the areas of material service life assessment, secondary air systems and digitalization.
To the interview
2023
Prof. Dr. Dirk Lowke
Binder Jetting Technology
Dirk Lowke conducts research into innovative technologies for the resource-efficient production of building components. One focus of his work is on binder jetting technology, which can be used to produce complex structures from mineral materials. In his research, he deals with 3D printing with concrete and clay, the ecological optimization and durability of materials as well as the circularity of materials and the use of mobile robotics for the sustainable production and maintenance of buildings.
Prof. Dr. Reinaldo Tonkoski
Electric Power Transmission and Distribution
Reinaldo Tonkoski focuses on the integration of renewable energies into power grids and the application of artificial intelligence for modeling and controlling energy systems. At TUM, he works on the development of sustainable and stable power supply systems.
Prof. Dr. Norman Weik
Design and Operation of Public Rail Transport Systems
Norman Weik researches the planning and management of efficient and sustainable rail transportation systems. One focus of his work is the mathematical modeling of capacity and availability of rail infrastructures. After completing his doctorate at RWTH Aachen University, he worked at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where he combined rail transport operations and technology. At TUM, he is working on innovative concepts for the digitalization and automation of rail transport processes. To the interview
Prof. Dr. Katharina Anders
Remote Sensing Applications
Katharina Anders analyzes remote sensing data to gain information and scientific knowledge about processes on the Earth's surface. Her focus is on the cross-scale observation of topographic landscape dynamics in the context of natural hazards, climate change impacts, and human-environment interaction. An important goal is the operationalization of automatic 4D observation (3D space and time) for various geo- and environmental monitoring applications.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Gisela Detrell
Human Spaceflight Technology
Gisela Detrell conducts research on astronautical space travel. One focus of her scientific work is on life support systems, such as the use of microalgae photobioreactors for oxygen and food production for long-term missions. Her projects include simulations for space travel, e.g. concept studies for future Mars or moon missions, and for performance, e.g. the development of virtual reality tools for improved training strategies.
To the research project
Prof. Annette Diefenthaler
Design and Transdisciplinarity
Design as a tool for social change is at the heart of Annette Diefenthaler's work. She experiments with transdisciplinary approaches and new benchmarks in order to make the social and regenerative influence of design measurable beyond economic indicators. She is leading the establishment of the Munich Design Institute at TUM, which will promote transdisciplinary approaches and redefine the role of design in science and practice.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Betz
Autonomous Vehicle Systems
Johannes Betz focuses on the development of safe and efficient technologies for autonomous driving. He develops software for autonomous vehicles, with a focus on algorithms for environment perception, path and behavior planning, and control. After completing his doctorate, he founded the TUM Autonomous Motorsport Team, which successfully participated in autonomous racing series.
To the interview
2022
Prof. Dr. Katja Thoring
Integrated Product Design
Katja Thoring teaches and researches at the interface of product design, interior design, architecture, and technology. One focus is on the design of creative working environments that promote creativity, well-being, and productivity. As Professor of Integrated Product Design, she also researches technology-supported design methods such as generative AI. Her research combines design innovation, speculative future scenarios, and user-centered methods to sustainably optimize creative working and learning environments and exploit their potential on a functional, emotional, and cognitive level.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Christoph Goebel
Energy Management Technologies
Christoph Goebel's research work focuses on the development of new technologies for the intelligent control of energy systems. For this purpose, he applies the latest information technologies, in particular distributed systems, data-driven control algorithms, and machine learning, for the optimal control of distributed energy resources. To the interview
Prof. Dr. Fernaß Daoud
Aerospace Structure Design
Fernaß Daoud is involved in the design of aerospace structures and aircraft. His focus is on the optimization of loading methods, the design of flight physics, and the development of simulation software. In addition to his professorship at the Chair of Aerospace Structure Design at TUM, he leads a development team at Airbus Defence and Space, which is responsible for the development of loading methods and multidisciplinary structural optimization.
To the Youtube-interview
Prof. Dr. Alessandro Golkar
Spacecraft Systems
Alessandro Golkar's research activities focus on satellite autonomy, the efficient use of resources in space and sustainable space travel through federated satellite systems. He works in the areas of satellite engineering, systems engineering, and technology management to enable the next generation of pico- and nanosatellites. He also focuses on the New Space sector from a technology, process, and business perspective.
To the Youtube-interview…
Prof. Dr. Jan Torgersen
Materials Science
Jan Torgensen conducts research into materials that convert and store energy. For example, he is working on producing smaller and lighter converters that deliver more power, i.e. higher current densities with lower losses. This will enable future optimization of certain conventional electrode components. He also leads the materials testing department in mechanical engineering.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Dongsheng Wen
Thermodynamics
Dongsheng Wen's research interests are in the areas of multiphase flow and heat transfer, renewable energy technologies, multiscale models, and micro- and nanoscale engineering. He has worked in the UK, China, and the USA before taking up the Chair of Thermodynamics at the Technical University of Munich in 2022.
Prof. Dr. Ilkay Yavrucuk
Rotorcraft and Vertical Flight
Ilkay Yavrucuk conducts research on rotor aeromechanics and dynamics, control and design of rotorcraft. He uses his multidisciplinary experience in the VTOL field to model new aircraft concepts ranging from classical helicopters to (hydrogen) electric VTOLs and Mars UAVs. Using established modeling strategies, he investigates rotor performance and flow phenomena, flight in difficult flow environments, aeroacoustics and noise emissions as well as the aeroelastic stability of the rotor-fuselage system.
Prof. Dr. Nils Rüther
Hydraulic Engineering
Nils Rüther conducts research in the fields of numerical modeling of sediment transport, river hydraulics, ecological river mechanics and basic sediment transport. He is also interested in ecohydraulics and hydraulic structures such as hydropower plants and sedimentation basins. Over the years, Rüther deepened his work and research in the field of hydraulic engineering and environmental engineering and was appointed head of the Chair of Hydraulic Engineering at TUM in 2022.
Prof. Niklas Fanelsa
Architecture and Design
In Niklas Fanelsa's research, architecture and design become application-oriented processes that serve to explore the challenges of today's society. He works with methods such as real laboratories, 1:1 prototypes, and workshops, which are applied in circular building systems, holistic designs, and cooperative project formats.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Philipp Reiß
Lunar and Planetary Exploration
The aim of Philipp Reiß's research work is to advance current knowledge of space exploration. He is concerned with the extraction and utilization of resources on planetary bodies, primarily rocks and water in various forms. This also includes the development of instruments and sensors that can be used to analyze soil samples on the moon, for example. In addition, one research project involves the simulation of the lunar exosphere and the interaction of volatile substances with lunar rock.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Heldwein
High-Power Converter Systems
Marcelo Heldwein's research focuses on power electronic energy converters and includes their topology, modeling, design, and control. His work deals with the creation of new models and concepts to optimize current energy converters and their components. In his work, he deals with performance limits of electronic interfaces, such as more efficient chargers for electric vehicles or optimized converter systems for renewable energies.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Chiara Manfletti
Space Mobility and Propulsion
In her research work at TUM, Chiara Manfletti combines numerical and experimental expertise in three main areas: Innovative propulsion systems for the democratization of access to space, propulsion and operational concepts for satellites in space for autonomy and sustainability, and Intelligent Propulsion Systems with health monitoring, innovative AI and data-based control systems.
To the interview
Prof. Jeannette Kuo
Architecture and Construction
Jeannette Kuo researches integrative approaches in architecture and construction that combine load-bearing structures, materials, and climate technology for sustainable solutions. Her focus is on low-tech facades, climate-positive architecture, and the deconstruction and reuse of materials. She combines structures, climate, and culture to create a holistic design approach. She runs the Materialbörse, a platform for materials research.
To the interview
2021
Prof. Dr. Christoph Holst
Engineering Geodesy
In his research work, Christoph Holst concentrates on engineering geodesy. The focus lies on the development of innovative methods for the geodetic monitoring of infrastructure and environmental objects. More specifically, on the automation of high-precision laser scanning and the quality analysis of geodetic sensors. His work contributes to the digitization of real objects and enables precise measurements for interdisciplinary applications.
To the research project
Prof. Dr. Malte Jaensch
Sustainable Mobile Drivetrains
Malte Jaensch conducts research on sustainable drive systems for the mobility of the future, with a focus on synthetic fuels, electric drives and hydrogen technology for vehicles. He combines simulation, experimental testing and prototype development to implement innovative solutions. Previously, he founded EVO Electric and headed the electric machines division. At Porsche Engineering, he built up the division for electric drives.
To the interview
Prof. Dr. Niklas Boers
Earth System Modelling
The research work of Niklas Boers focuses on the analysis, modeling, and prediction of extreme events and abrupt state changes in the Earth system. In order to develop process-based and data-driven models, he combines mathematical and physical methods, in particular from complexity science and machine learning. His work has applications in climate dynamics, paleoclimatology, and anthropogenic climate change.
To the article