After almost 20 years of teaching at the Technical University of Ilmenau, Prof. Dr. Klaus Heinemann, head of department at TITK Rudolstadt for many years, has now given his farewell lecture. Dr. Michael Gladitz, another scientist from the Rudolstadt research institute, is following in his footsteps.
Ilmenau / Rudolstadt - “Polymer chemistry - chemical fundamentals of polymer materials.” For almost two decades, this lecture was part of the compulsory program for many Ilmenau students. Now it could be heard for the last time. At the joint invitation of the Institute of Chemistry and Bioengineering at the TU and the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research Rudolstadt (TITK), Klaus Heinemann once again appeared in front of the auditorium in the Röntgenbau building. The evening with numerous colleagues and companions was dedicated to his ceremonial farewell and the introduction of his successor.
“Extremely successful collaboration”
Heinemann, head of department since 2003 and later also deputy director at TITK, had been giving lectures in Ilmenau since 2005. In the same year, the TITK became the university's first external affiliated institute. And is still the most successful today, as the long-standing TU Rector, Prof. Dr. Peter Scharff, noted in his laudatory speech. Both Scharff and the Managing Director of TITK, Benjamin Redlingshöfer, spoke of an “extremely successful collaboration” between TU and TITK. The basis for this was of course laid by the common interests and the excellent symbiosis between basic and applied research, which in recent years has also led to a coordinated investment strategy with valuable acquisitions on both sides. Above all, however, Redlingshöfer emphasized that there has always been a good human fit between the players at both institutions.
Klaus Heinemann was appointed Honorary Professor of Organic Chemistry on February 1, 2007. Even then, TU Rector Peter Scharff praised his “uncomplicated but precise and clear way of imparting knowledge”, which was appreciated by both staff and students. Now Scharff said: “I wish there were more people like you. We are looking forward to Dr. Gladitz, but we will miss you very much.”
Prof. Dr. Uwe Ritter, Director of the Institute of Chemistry and Bioengineering, also thanked Klaus Heinemann. In 20 years of joint work, he had not only taught chemistry students, but also physicists and materials scientists about polymer chemistry. This claim remains important, said Ritter, as the TU does not have its own expertise in polymer chemistry, but still wants to provide students with a comprehensive education.
Future prospects for greater sustainability
In keeping with the handover of the baton, Heinemann's successor Michael Gladitz entitled his inaugural lecture, which immediately followed, “Polymer materials and their chemistry through the ages - future prospects for greater sustainability”. In an entertaining lecture, he touched on numerous innovative topics that he is currently working on at TITK - be it new materials for hydrogen storage, new bioplastics or new approaches for improved plastics recycling.
The focus of his work has been at least as wide-ranging since he joined TITK as a scientist in 2005. Prior to this, Michael Gladitz graduated from the former Jena University of Applied Sciences with a degree in materials engineering. He later completed his doctorate at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. He is anything but a newcomer at TU Ilmenau: he established the first lecture series on plastics technology there back in 2007, has since held various guest lectures and regularly supervises Bachelor's and Master's theses.
Last but not least, Michael Gladitz also works as a lecturer at his former university in Jena and volunteers as an examiner at the East Thuringia Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gera. “A truly remarkable commitment”, as Peter Scharff commented, wishing Michael Gladitz all the best together with his colleague Uwe Ritter and TITK CEO Benjamin Redlingshöfer.
