Fraunhofer IFAM with new institute director

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Matthias Busse headed the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, based in Bremen, for 21 years. At the same time, he held the Chair of “Near net shape manufacturing technology” at the Faculty of Production Engineering at the University of Bremen. During his tenure, the institute developed into one of the largest within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Matthias Busse can look back on numerous successes and pioneering developments.

On 1 April 2003, Matthias Busse joined the management of the Fraunhofer IFAM. This was followed by a thematic reorientation of the institute division; the new name “Shaping and Functional Materials” characterised the transition. His extensive industrial experience within the automotive sector played a decisive role in the further development of the institute.

The expansion of networks, the establishment of regional innovation clusters and new co-operation models were successfully driven forward. With commitment and vision, he initiated “research across borders” and established new models of cooperation within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with the Fraunhofer Project Centres “Lightweight Construction and Circular Economy” in Wolfsburg and “Energy Storage and Systems” in Braunschweig. As a member of the main committee of the Scientific and Technical Council, he advised the Fraunhofer Executive Board on strategic developments and supported start-ups during the spin-off phase. He was also active as an expert in numerous internal and external committees. Furthermore, he was very committed to supporting students and young scientists in close co-operation with the University of Bremen.