Alumni

Fraunhofer ILT and the associated chairs and subject areas of RWTH Aachen University significantly contribute to the qualified training and advanced training of young scientists in the field of laser technology. In 2020 alone, 94 students completed their bachelor’s or master’s theses at Fraunhofer ILT and 14 employees their doctorate degrees. Thanks to their practical experience and in-depth insight into innovative developments, these employees are equipped with the best prerequisites to take up work in science and industry. They are, therefore, junior staff in demand.

To promote contact between alumni and ILT employees as well as with each other, Fraunhofer ILT has been operating the alumni network »Aix-Laser-People«, which now counts more than 450 former alumni, since 2000. Over 80 percent of alumni work in the manufacturing industry, many of them in laser-related industries. 20 percent of alumni continue to work in science and alumni have founded more than 40 companies. By transferring »innovative minds« into industry and science, the institute makes a direct benefit to society. In addition to the alumni network »Aix-Laser-People«, the association »Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik AKL e.V.« bundles the thematic interests of those who continue to work in the field of laser technology. About 150 alumni, i.e. a good third, are members of the AKL e.V.

Furthermore, Fraunhofer ILT cooperates with Fraunhofer-Alumni e.V., the alumni network of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, as well as with ProRWTH e.V. and the alumni network of RWTH Aachen University.