On 3 March 2025, the former scientific director and member of the board of the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Prof. Dr. André Anders, was officially retired and his successor, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dietzek-Ivanšić, was inaugurated. State Secretary Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann from the SMWK gave the opening speech and thanked Prof. Anders for his commitment and work. Thanks to his efforts, the Institute has been able to further develop its strategy, significantly increase its international visibility and drive forward the strategic development of digital surface modification. Dr Bettina Böhm, Secretary General of the Leibniz Association, and MinR Hassenbach from the BMBF emphasised the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in the development of new methods in materials research and the social relevance of the research at the IOM. After the symbolic handover of the keys, Prof. Dr. Dietzek-Ivanšić once again emphasised in his inaugural speech that surfaces are the key to interacting with materials, creating new functional relationships and thus developing new applications. Mr Dietzek-Ivanšić takes up his post with enthusiasm and gratitude and looks forward to the future together at the IOM. He is the new Scientific Director and Chairman of the IOM and Professor of Applied Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences at the University of Leipzig since March 1, 2025. With him, the Institute has gained a highly renowned scientist who is not only well connected within the Leibniz Association, but is also internationally recognised for his outstanding scientific achievements.
Further information here: https://lnkd.in/eYe9dgDG