Chair of Polymer Materials: Holger Ruckdäschel follows on from Volker Altstädt

As one of the first graduates of the Faculty of Engineering Science, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Ruckdäschel is returning to the University of Bayreuth! On 1 January 2021, Ruckdäschel took over as Chair of Polymer Materials from Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Altstädt. In addition, Ruckdäschel will become a member of the Bayreuth Polymer Institute (BPI).

“Sustainable. Digital. Application-oriented. This is what the Polymer Materials will champion in research and teaching in the future”, Ruckdäschel claims, summarising his goals. “The close interaction between these three areas and our close cooperation with other research groups result in a unique selling point in Germany. In particular, I would like to advance the topics of digitalisation, circular economy, medical technology, additive manufacturing, and integrative materials research as new scientific areas for Polymer Materials.” At the same time, says Ruckdäschel, the research group’s flagship areas of foams, composites, and materials testing will be consolidated.

Furthermore, he is passionate about the ongoing process of change in teaching: “Future graduates will be trained in digital technologies and sustainability to prepare them in the best possible way for work in the industry. The teaching content is constantly being digitised and is available to a growing number of students via various platforms.”

The new chair places just as much emphasis on research: “Digital technologies raise speed and quality to wholly new levels. Sustainable concepts will secure the future and social acceptance of polymer materials – while results-oriented research will ensure transfer to industrial applications. And our partners will experience the potential of digitalisation first-hand in our pilot plants!”

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Ruckdäschel was employed at BASF for 13 years and most recently headed the digital strategy of the plastics division. His other positions included polymer research as well as leading global functions in wind energy research and plastics additives. In recent years, he and his team also championed digital innovation and new business models for the plastics industry.