About DEDIGRAD | Research Network for Digital Engineering

About us

Shaping the Future of Adaptive Lightweight Structures. Shaping the Future of Adaptive Lightweight Structures

The Collaborative Research Center DediGrad (SFB/TRR 402) is dedicated to exploring how graded, adaptive materials can transform the way lightweight systems behave — smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Our team is comprised of experts in materials science, engineering, and computer science. We are dedicated to advancing the field of adaptive lightweight structures through collaboration and innovation.

001 MISSION

Our Mission.
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DediGrad’s vision is to revolutionize adaptive lightweight structures through innovation. Our research focuses on creating materials that respond dynamically to their environment, enabling smarter, faster, and more sustainable systems. We aim to lead the way in transforming industries and improving the quality of life through groundbreaking advancements.

002 VISION

Our Vision.
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DediGrad's vision is to revolutionize adaptive lightweight structures through innovation. Our research focuses on creating materials that respond dynamically to their environment, enabling smarter, faster, and more sustainable systems. We aim to lead the way in transforming industries and improving the quality of life through groundbreaking advancements.

003 TEAM MEMBER

Our Team Members

Our team is comprised of experts in materials science, engineering, and computer science. We are dedicated to advancing the field of adaptive lightweight structures through collaboration and innovation. Together, we are shaping a smarter, faster, and more sustainable future.

Function

Prof.
Lothar Kroll
Position
Speaker
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
lothar.kroll@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0002-7619-4572
Prof.
Lothar Kroll
Position Speaker, Management Committee, Subproject Leader
University Chemnitz University of Technology
Subprojects
A01 A02 A03 B02 B03 B04 C01
Contact
lothar.kroll@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0002-7619-4572 +49 371 531-35706
Publications
- K. Roder, M. Büttner, J.H.M. Stiller, D. Breinl, D. Löpitz, M. Knobloch, D. Nestler, W.-G. Drossel, L. Kroll (2026) . Untersuchung des Infiltrationsverhaltens novolakbasierter Kurzfaser-Compounds in unterschiedlichen textilen Flächengebilden, Verbundwerkstofftagung 2026 Chemnitz. https://stg.dedigrad.com/publications/untersuchung-des-infiltrationsverhaltens-novolakbasierter-kurzfaser-compounds-in-unterschiedlichen-textilen-flachengebilden-verbundwerkstofftagung-2026-chemnitz/
  Subprojects
  A01 A03 B02 B03
- Michel, A., Roth-Panke, I., Kroll, L (2025) . Lokale Gradierung von Verstärkungsfasern zur Verbesserung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Spritzgießbauteilen. In: Seefried, A.; Stommel, M. (eds.): Tagungsband Technomer 2025 – 29. Fachtagung über die Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren, p. 121. Chemnitz. ISBN: 978-3-939382-17-1 https://www.bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de/uni_biblio/frontdoor.php?source_opus=41086
  Subprojects
  A01 A02 B03 B04 C01
- Klärner, M., Haugk, L., Decker, R., Reinhardt, H., Kroll L. (2025) . Verbesserte Rippenanbindung an thermoplastische Organobleche durch lokale Gradierung. In: Seefried, A.; Stommel, M. (eds.): Tagungsband Technomer 2025 – 29. Fachtagung über die Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren, p. 56. Chemnitz. ISBN: 978-3-939382-17-1 https://www.bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de/uni_biblio/frontdoor.php?source_opus=41078
  Subprojects
  A03 B03 B04 C01

Function

Dr.
Alexander Dementyev
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Fraunhofer IWU Dresden
Socials
Alexander.Dementyev@iwu.fraunhofer.de 0000-0002-9222-5498
Prof.
Andrés Fabián Lasagni
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
andres_fabian.lasagni@tu-dresden.de 0000-0003-4333-4636
Dr.
Anja Winkler
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
anja.winkler@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8854-7726
Prof.
Christian Brecher
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
C.Brecher@wzl.rwth-aachen.de
Prof.
Christian Brecher
Position Professor
University RWTH Aachen University
Subprojects
B03
Contact
C.Brecher@wzl.rwth-aachen.de +49 241 8027-407
Publications
- Ch. Brecher, A. Peitz, M. Emonts (2025) . Graded fiber volume content in laser-assisted fiber placement: Processing strategies, machine requirements and characterization, SAMPE European Conference 2025, Amsterdam https://www.sampe-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3985_7830_SE_Conference-25-Amsterdam_Preliminary-Program_v2October2025_V1.pdf
  Subprojects
  B03
Prof.
Christian Hopmann
Position
Deputy Speaker Management Committee Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
christian.hopmann@ikv.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0003-4343-1508
Prof.
Christian Hopmann
Position Professor
University RWTH Aachen University
Subprojects
A01 A02 A03 A04 B03
Contact
christian.hopmann@ikv.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0003-4343-1508 +49 241 80-93806
Publications
- T. Fritsch, Ch. Hopmann (2026) . Adaptive production of components with locally graded fibre architecture. In: Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung (IKV) in Industrie und Handwerk an der RWTH Aachen (Hrsg.): Proceedings of the 33rd International Colloquium Plastics Technology, 2026, p. 533-543, ISBN: 978-3-8191-0527-2 https://stg.dedigrad.com/publications/adaptive-production-of-components-with-locally-graded-fibre-architecture-in-institut-fur-kunststoffverarbeitung-ikv-in-industrie-und-handwerk-an-der-rwth-aachen-hrsg-proceedings-of-the-33rd-in/
  Subprojects
  A01 A02 A03 A04 B03
Dr.
Georgios Tzortzinis
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
georgios.tzortzinis@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-3489-4749
Dr.
Hans Wulf
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
hans.wulf@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0003-2158-2882
Dr.
Isabelle Roth-Panke
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
Isabelle.Roth-Panke@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0003-0768-2377
Dr.
Isabelle Roth-Panke
Position Subproject Leader
University Chemnitz University of Technology
Subprojects
A01 A02 B03 B04 C01
Contact
Isabelle.Roth-Panke@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0003-0768-2377 +49 371 531-35632
Publications
- Michel, A., Roth-Panke, I., Kroll, L (2025) . Lokale Gradierung von Verstärkungsfasern zur Verbesserung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Spritzgießbauteilen. In: Seefried, A.; Stommel, M. (eds.): Tagungsband Technomer 2025 – 29. Fachtagung über die Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren, p. 121. Chemnitz. ISBN: 978-3-939382-17-1 https://www.bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de/uni_biblio/frontdoor.php?source_opus=41086
  Subprojects
  A01 A02 B03 B04 C01
Prof.
Jörn Ihlemann
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
joern.ihlemann@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0002-3831-0712
Dr.
Kai Fischer
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
kai.fischer@ikv.rwth-aachen.de 0009-0009-3652-2197
Prof.
Kathrin Greiff
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
kathrin.greiff@ants.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0001-9854-7722
Dr.
Kenny Pagel
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Fraunhofer IWU Dresden
Socials
Kenny.Pagel@iwu.fraunhofer.de 0009-0003-3259-7913
Prof.
Kristin Paetzold-Byhain
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
kristin.paetzold@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8638-3713
Prof.
Kristin Paetzold-Byhain
Position Subproject Leader
University TUD Dresden University of Technology
Contact
kristin.paetzold@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8638-3713 +49 351 463-33775
Publications
- Schwoch, S., Saske, B., Paetzold-Byhain, K. (2025) . Product Lifecycle Management neuer Produktionstechnologien im TRR 402 – DediGrad, WiGeP News, 2025. ISSN: 1613-5504 https://stg.dedigrad.com/publications/product-lifecycle-management-neuer-produktionstechnologien-im-trr-402-dedigrad-wigep-news-2025-issn-1613-5504/
Prof.
Maik Gude
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
maik.gude@tu-dresden.de 0000-0003-1370-064X
Dr.
Marcel Fey
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
m.fey@wzl.rwth-aachen.de 0009-0007-5538-8857
Prof.
Marek Behr
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
behr@cats.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0003-4257-8276
Dr.
Matthias Klärner
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
Matthias.Klaerner@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0001-8249-3731
Dr.
Matthias Klärner
Position Subproject Leader
University Chemnitz University of Technology
Subprojects
A03 B03 B04 C01
Contact
Matthias.Klaerner@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0001-8249-3731 +49 371 531-37127
Publications
- Klärner, M., Haugk, L., Decker, R., Reinhardt, H., Kroll L. (2025) . Verbesserte Rippenanbindung an thermoplastische Organobleche durch lokale Gradierung. In: Seefried, A.; Stommel, M. (eds.): Tagungsband Technomer 2025 – 29. Fachtagung über die Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren, p. 56. Chemnitz. ISBN: 978-3-939382-17-1 https://www.bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de/uni_biblio/frontdoor.php?source_opus=41078
  Subprojects
  A03 B03 B04 C01
Dr.
Michael Emonts
Position
Subproject Leader
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
michael.emonts@azl.rwth-aachen.de 0009-0004-9509-9388
Dr.
Michael Emonts
Position Subproject Leader
University RWTH Aachen University
Subprojects
B03
Contact
michael.emonts@azl.rwth-aachen.de 0009-0004-9509-9388 +49 241 80 24500
Publications
- Ch. Brecher, A. Peitz, M. Emonts (2025) . Graded fiber volume content in laser-assisted fiber placement: Processing strategies, machine requirements and characterization, SAMPE European Conference 2025, Amsterdam https://www.sampe-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3985_7830_SE_Conference-25-Amsterdam_Preliminary-Program_v2October2025_V1.pdf
  Subprojects
  B03
Dr.
Michael Krahl
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
michael.krahl@tu-dresden.de
Prof.
Niels Modler
Position
Subproject Leader
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
niels.modler@ilk.mw.tu-dresden.de 0000-0003-2834-8933
Prof.
Steffen Ihlenfeldt
Position
Deputy Speaker Management Committee Subproject Leader
University
Fraunhofer IWU Dresden
Socials
steffen.ihlenfeldt@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-9258-5178
Prof.
Thomas Lampke
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
thomas.lampke@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0002-2390-9159
Prof.
Welf-Guntram Drossel
Position
Subproject Leader
University
Technische Universität Chemnitz
Socials
welf-guntram.drossel@iwu.fraunhofer.de 0000-0002-8504-4584
Prof.
Welf-Guntram Drossel
Position Subproject Leader
University Technische Universität Chemnitz
Subprojects
A01 A03 B02 B03
Contact
welf-guntram.drossel@iwu.fraunhofer.de 0000-0002-8504-4584 +49 371 531-37472
Publications
- K. Roder, M. Büttner, J.H.M. Stiller, D. Breinl, D. Löpitz, M. Knobloch, D. Nestler, W.-G. Drossel, L. Kroll (2026) . Untersuchung des Infiltrationsverhaltens novolakbasierter Kurzfaser-Compounds in unterschiedlichen textilen Flächengebilden, Verbundwerkstofftagung 2026 Chemnitz. https://stg.dedigrad.com/publications/untersuchung-des-infiltrationsverhaltens-novolakbasierter-kurzfaser-compounds-in-unterschiedlichen-textilen-flachengebilden-verbundwerkstofftagung-2026-chemnitz/
  Subprojects
  A01 A03 B02 B03

Function

Alexander Liebsch
Position
Supporter
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
alexander.liebsch@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8564-5371
Dr.
Bernhard Saske
Position
Supporter
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
bernhard.saske@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8537-4591
Dr.
Bernhard Saske
Position Support
University TUD Dresden University of Technology
Contact
bernhard.saske@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-8537-4591 +49 351 463 34418
Publications
- Schwoch, S., Saske, B., Paetzold-Byhain, K. (2025) . Product Lifecycle Management neuer Produktionstechnologien im TRR 402 – DediGrad, WiGeP News, 2025. ISSN: 1613-5504 https://stg.dedigrad.com/publications/product-lifecycle-management-neuer-produktionstechnologien-im-trr-402-dedigrad-wigep-news-2025-issn-1613-5504/
Dr.
Camilo Zopp
Position
Supporter
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
camilo.zopp@mb.tu-chemnitz.de 0000-0002-8651-4680
Dr.
Christoph Zimmermann
Position
Supporter
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
Christoph.Zimmermann@ikv.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0003-1506-2194
Eugen Boos
Position
Supporter
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
eugen.boos@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-6593-4678
Dr.
Frank Adam
Position
Supporter
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
Frank.Adam@tu-dresden.de
Hakan Celik
Position
Supporter
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
Hakan.Celik@ikv.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0001-6851-7063
Dr.
Karoline Raulf
Position
Supporter
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
karoline.raulf@ants.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0001-9455-6605
Dr.
Lars Penter
Position
Supporter
University
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Socials
lars.penter@tu-dresden.de 0000-0002-1093-2149
Dr.
Sascha Müller
Position
Supporter
University
Chemnitz University of Technology
Socials
sascha.mueller@dedigrad.local 0000-0004-3210-0041

Function

Alexander Peitz
Position
Alumni
University
RWTH Aachen University
Socials
alexander.peitz@azl.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0002-8472-9960
Alexander Peitz
Position PhD Student
University RWTH Aachen University
Subprojects
B03
Contact
alexander.peitz@azl.rwth-aachen.de 0000-0002-8472-9960 +49 241 80 24520
Publications
- Ch. Brecher, A. Peitz, M. Emonts (2025) . Graded fiber volume content in laser-assisted fiber placement: Processing strategies, machine requirements and characterization, SAMPE European Conference 2025, Amsterdam https://www.sampe-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3985_7830_SE_Conference-25-Amsterdam_Preliminary-Program_v2October2025_V1.pdf
  Subprojects
  B03

005 HIGHLIGHTS

News & Events

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News

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ALL ARTICLES

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Release Date: 21.10.2025
Categories: Conference Milestone News

TUCtag 2025

Release Date: 11.05.2025
Categories: News Press

Events

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ALL ARTICLES

General Assembly in Dresden in March 2026

The next assembly of the general body of TRR 402 takes place in Dresden on March 19th at Fraunhofer IWU.

Release Date: 12.03.2026
Categories: Press

This is a great event

This is a great event. Learn more about it.

Release Date: 21.10.2025
Categories: Conference Milestone News

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Release Date: 21.10.2025
Categories: Conference Milestone News

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Release Date: 21.10.2025
Categories: Conference Milestone News

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Release Date: 21.10.2025
Categories: Conference Milestone News

Resources

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Open Resources

Contact

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Shaping the Future of Adaptive Lightweight Structures

About us

Our Mission.Lorem Ipsum.

Our Vision.Turpis posurere. Lorem Ipsum

Our Team Members

Speaker

Lothar Kroll

Lothar Kroll

Publications

Management Committee

Christian Hopmann

Christian Hopmann

Publications

Kristina Roder

Kristina Roder

Publications

Stefanie Elgeti

Stefanie Elgeti

Publications

Steffen Ihlenfeldt

Steffen Ihlenfeldt

Publications

Subproject Leader

Alexander Dementyev

Alexander Dementyev

Publications

Andrés Fabián Lasagni

Andrés Fabián Lasagni

Publications

Anja Winkler

Anja Winkler

Publications

Christian Brecher

Christian Brecher

Publications

Christian Hopmann

Christian Hopmann

Publications

Georgios Tzortzinis

Georgios Tzortzinis

Publications

Hans Wulf

Hans Wulf

Publications

Isabelle Roth-Panke

Isabelle Roth-Panke

Publications

Jörn Ihlemann

Jörn Ihlemann

Publications

Kai Fischer

Kai Fischer

Publications

Kathrin Greiff

Kathrin Greiff

Publications

Kenny Pagel

Kenny Pagel

Publications

Kristin Paetzold-Byhain

Kristin Paetzold-Byhain

Publications

Maik Gude

Maik Gude

Publications

Marcel Fey

Marcel Fey

Publications

Marek Behr

Marek Behr

Publications

Matthias Klärner

Matthias Klärner

Publications

Michael Emonts

Michael Emonts

Publications

Michael Krahl

Michael Krahl

Publications

Niels Modler

Our Mission.
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Our Vision.
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