Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Change in Leadership at Fraunhofer ILT
Prof. Constantin Haefner Appointed to Fraunhofer Board for Research and Transfer – Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk to Serve as Interim Director
On February 17, 2025, Prof. Constantin Haefner, the current Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, will assume his new role as a member of the Board for Research and Transfer at the Fraunhofer Society. The Fraunhofer Senate unanimously elected him as the new board member during its meeting on June 12, 2024.
Since November 2019, Prof. Haefner has led the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen and is an internationally recognized laser physicist. In this role, he has significantly contributed to the modernization and advancement of the institute as a leading organization in applied laser technology. The Fraunhofer ILT is a prominent research and development center for laser technology and its applications in industry and science. By utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and highly qualified personnel, Fraunhofer ILT enhances the competitiveness of its clients and sets new benchmarks for innovation and progress in laser technology.
Shortly after assuming office, Prof. Haefner initiated the comprehensive structural and strategic process "Future Proofing Fraunhofer ILT," which positioned the institute for new research topics and applications. This initiative established strategic research fields in quantum technology, secondary sources, sustainable digital photonic production, as well as nuclear fusion and power plant technologies. With his international network and scientific excellence, the institute has further expanded its unique research infrastructures and maintained its leading role in the field of laser technology.
As Prof. Haefner moves to the board, Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk, the current deputy director, will assume interim management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT beginning February 17, 2025.
Dr. Jochen Stollenwerk is a physicist who earned his doctorate in 2001 at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. After moving to TRUMPF Laser Marking Systems AG, he returned to Aachen in 2004 and played a key role in establishing the RWTH Chair of Optical Systems Technology TOS, where he served as senior chief engineer until the beginning of 2024. At the same time, he held various positions at the Fraunhofer ILT. Since 2020, he has been working on Prof. Haefner's staff and was responsible for implementing the corporate strategy at Fraunhofer ILT before he was appointed Deputy Director of the institute in March 2024.
He aims to strengthen the position of Fraunhofer ILT as a leading center for applied laser technology in collaboration with the members of our #OneTeam, expand innovation in various application areas, and leverage the potential of digitalization in photonics. In his new role, he will further advance the mission of a technologically leading and future-oriented research institute and engage as a reliable partner for our clients and the photonics industry.
We sincerely thank Prof. Haefner for his dedicated service and the valuable insights that have ensured the institute's ongoing success and future viability. At the same time, we welcome Dr. Stollenwerk to his new position and wish him great success in his upcoming responsibilities.
