New leadership in the department of Surface Technology

An era is coming to an end: After more than 15 years as the Heads of Department of Surface Technology (OFT), Dr. Bernd Grünler and Dr. Arnd Schimanski handed over responsibility for the department to their colleagues Dr. Sebastian Spange and Dr. Sven Gerullis on September 1. With this, the two former Heads of Department can fully focus on the management of the research institute INNOVENT e.V. in the future. The dual leadership team takes over the management of the division in a challenging time. But they can build on the strengths of the institute, as well as on what has been achieved so far.

Since Dr. Bernd Grünler and Dr. Arnd Schimanski took over the Surface Technology department in 2004, a large number of application-oriented topics and projects have been worked on, covering the entire spectrum of surface technology from atmospheric-pressure plasma to classical low-pressure coating processes. Furthermore, nationwide conferences and events have been established under their leadership, which include the ThGOT (Theme Days on Border and Surface Technology) and the ak-adp (User Forum Atmospheric Pressure Plasma).

The new leadership originates from within the company. Dr. Sebastian Spange and Dr. Sven Gerullis have many years of experience in the field of surface technology at INNOVENT. They have already contributed significantly to the current strategy of the department and the realization of renowned projects. "Our goals as heads of department are therefore under the three keywords: continuity, profile sharpening and advancement - in all areas of competence", emphasize the new incumbents. Both will build on their experience and networks within and outside the institute and will approach the coming challenges highly motivated.

For the handover in times like these, the outgoing Head of Department is once again encouraging: "I am looking forward to handing over the management to trustworthy, competent hands, and I am optimistic that the new management team will continue to optimally steer and master the fate of the department Surface Technology in the future," says Dr. Bernd Grünler, welcoming the future cooperation with his successors.