Christoph Leyens, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, and director of the Institute for Materials Science at Technical University of Dresden, was newly appointed to the Acatech presidium. The materials scientist had already contributed to working groups on the topics of competence monitoring, additive manufacturing and framework conditions for materials research. For many years he was spokesman for the Acatech thematic network materials science and engineering.

“I am thrilled to contribute my many years of experience from the technical work of the thematic network now for the benefit of the entire academy,” says Leyens, expressing his delight at his appointment. “The innovative strength of the economy and thus our prosperity depend to a considerable extent on new materials and tailored material solutions. Materials are the central ‘enablers’ for technical progress – as the basis for the virtual world and for our real world. With this in mind, I will be particularly active on the executive committee in promoting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation between the various engineering sciences.”

His term of office is set to last four years. The presidium is responsible for the scientific management of the academy and its external representation.

At the same time, a change takes place at the top of Acatech. Infineon CEO Reinhard Ploss assumes the office of president from Karl-Heinz Streibich. “As the voice of the technical sciences, Acatech advises politics and society – with a focus on the common good and creating benefits,” he says on the occasion of his inauguration as Acatech president.

“Together with the many bright minds from science, industry and organizations at Acatech, I will strive to ensure that innovation policy decisions are made at the cutting edge of the latest research and applications. With a smartly designed innovation policy, Germany and Europe will achieve their climate protection and sustainability goals, maintain competitiveness and social balance, gain technological sovereignty, and become an international role model and partner for sustainable business.”

Ploss thanked his predecessor, who left a lasting legacy, personally and on behalf of the Acatech presidium and the academy.  The outgoing president will remain actively associated with the academy.