A reason to celebrate: the Laboratory for Materials and Joining Technology (LWF) at Paderborn University can look back on 50 successful years of research, teaching and technology transfer in 2026. On Friday, 8 May, the anniversary was celebrated at a festive event with over 300 representatives from politics, research and industry in the PaderHalle.
The LWF was founded in 1976 by Professor Ortwin Hahn. Since then, it has been a nationally and internationally recognised research organisation committed to the development of innovative materials and joining technologies, the training of young talent and intensive exchange with partners from industry and science. The LWF works closely with companies and funding organisations and produces fundamental and application-oriented results. "We are very proud that our work has found its way into numerous product developments in transport technology, general mechanical engineering, plant engineering and construction over the past 50 years," emphasises LWF Director Gerson Meschut from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
"On behalf of the university and the Presidential Board, I would like to congratulate them on this anniversary. The LWF has been an important part of Paderborn University for 50 years now and not only serves as a figurehead with its numerous projects, but also makes a significant scientific contribution with its classes and innovative ideas," said University President Professor Dr Matthias Bauer, who, together with the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Dr Mirko Schaper, opened with a few words of welcome.
Dr Karsten Kroos, Chairman of the Friends of the LWF Paderborn University e. V., then gave a presentation on the history of the LWF. Marion Merklein, head of the Chair of Manufacturing Technology at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, gave the keynote speech. Other renowned assistants included the CEO of HEGGEMANN AG Dipl.-Ing. Robert Heggemann, the Managing Director of divis intelligent solutions GmbH and Chair at Leiden University
Professor Dr Thomas Bäck, the Head of Technologies and Ramp up Support at Mercedes-Benz AG Dr Ulrich Walther, the Head of Production Technology and Ramp up Support at Mercedes-Benz AG Dr Ulrich Walther, the Head of Production Technology and Ramp up Support at the University of Leiden and the Head of Production Technology and Ramp up Support at the University of Leiden .Ulrich Walther, the Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Technology Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilko Flügge, the Managing Director of the AiF - Alliance for Industry and Research e.V. Dr. Matthias Heider and the Senior Vice President Self Driving System of the Volkswagen Group Dr.-Ing.
There was also an exhibition of exhibits from the LWF and participating companies on site. Here, guests were able to view various components from production or car bodies.
This text was translated automatically.
