Actualités

Executive Director of the Fraunhofer IML retires at the end of March

19.03.2024

After more than two decades as head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), Prof Dr Dr h. c. Michael ten Hompel is retiring.

Prof. Dr Dr h. c. Michael ten Hompel made a significant contribution to the success of the Institute with his commitment and expertise. Numerous innovative research projects were initiated and successfully realised under his leadership. He has been a key driver of digitalisation in logistics. He recognised the potential of networking data and processes at an early stage and positioned the Fraunhofer IML as a leading research institute in the field of logistics internationally.

His most recent and significant achievements include initiating the BMBF's »EffizienzCluster LogistikRuhr« cluster of excellence, participating in the development of the »Hybrid Services in Logistics Innovation Lab« and founding the »Logistics and IT Performance Centre« and the »Digital Hub Logistics«. He was also co-initiator of the large-scale research project »Silicon Economy« and the establishment of the Open Logistics Foundation.

These achievements are an expression of his pioneering work and his great influence on logistics research and practice. He was also significantly involved in the establishment of doctoral programmes and collaborations with universities. The Fraunhofer IML therefore promotes and train numerous young professionals in the field of logistics.

Alice Kirchheim will become head of the »Material Flow Systems« Department of the institute at the beginning of April. In the next few weeks, Prof Dr Dr h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Uwe Clausen and Michael Henke will introduce the new head of the institute. We thank Prof Dr Dr h. c. Michael ten Hompel for his contributions and involvement, as well as his annual participation in our participants' meetings, and wish him all the best in his retirement.