Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk, the new Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), wants to strengthen the institute's position as a leading center for applied laser technology: "It is my goal to work together with the employees of the Fraunhofer ILT to expand the innovative strength in various application areas and to consistently exploit the potential of digitalization in photonics," he says.
Doctoral thesis on laser material processing
Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk studied physics at RWTH Aachen University. He obtained his doctorate in 2001 in the field of laser material processing at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. After completing his doctorate and working as a research assistant at the Fraunhofer ILT, he moved to industry in 2001 to join Trumpf Laser Marking Systems AG in Switzerland, where he headed up the applications department. He returned to Aachen in 2004 and played a key role in establishing the Chair of Technology of Optical Systems TOS at RWTH Aachen University. He worked there as a senior engineer until mid-2024. At the same time, Dr. Stollenwerk held various positions at Fraunhofer ILT before being appointed Deputy Director of the institute in March 2024. His research focuses primarily on digital photonic production, surface technology, optical systems for production, EUV technology and additive manufacturing.
Continuation of strategic topics planned
The appointment of Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk as acting director will ensure continuity in the management team as well as the continuation of Fraunhofer ILT's strategic topics.