Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Seidlitz, Head of the Chair of Polymer-based Lightweight Design

Many exciting projects have already been carried out and patents developed at your department. Which one is closest to your heart and why?
That's a very difficult question and, to be honest, I can't answer it like that. Every project is a new and unique challenge for which new concepts and ideas have to be born. The exciting part is actually the process of finding solutions, which is then followed by interdisciplinary teamwork at the professorship and often in close cooperation with the companies. In this way, we have already been able to develop many interesting solutions - ranging from novel joining processes for lightweight car bodies made of metals and plastics, to fiber composite-based renovation processes for concrete pump shafts, to extremely lightweight construction tasks in thermotechnology, sports equipment technology and vehicle construction. The engineer's main concern is to transfer the result into practice.

What do you need to be creative?
Challenges, a motivated team with vision, intensive communication, sufficient freedom and a stable environment. The latter includes, above all, enough room for experimentation and a stable basis for staffing, especially against the backdrop of the upcoming transformation in the course of structural change.

Which do you like better: purchased or homemade gifts, and would you make recommendations for your own creations?
A gift comes from the heart. That's why it doesn't really matter. It's good if it also suits the person receiving the gift.

How will you spend Christmas?
Hopefully peacefully with a healthy family and friends - in accordance with the applicable Covid requirements, of course.

Is there a particular Christmas tradition in your family?
Carp with beer sauce, goose and kale.