Wanner started at the former University of Karlsruhe (TH) in October 2003 as Professor of Materials Science at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. He was a founding member of the Institute for Applied Materials. In 2008, he became Dean of Studies and as such was largely responsible for the practical implementation of the Bologna reform at the KIT Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. In 2013, he was appointed Vice President of Teaching and Academic Affairs at KIT.
Further development of studies and teaching
As Vice President Teaching and Academic Affairs, Wanner was largely responsible for the development of the mission statement of research-oriented teaching at KIT. Further milestones of his term of office were quality assurance in the doctoral procedure, the initial and re-accreditation (system accreditation) of an internal quality management system for studies and teaching, the introduction of a campus management system and the continuous further development and strengthening of teacher training at KIT up to the establishment of the Karlsruhe School of Education.
Committed during the Covid-19 pandemic
He rendered particular services during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he was responsible for maintaining teaching and examination operations. In addition to his involvement in internal committees, Wanner also represented KIT externally in numerous committees and commissions at state and national level.