Professor Dr Matthias Kleiner
- Section Engineering Sciences
- Location Berlin, Germany
- Election year 2006
Research
Research Priorities: Production engineering, manufacturing engineering, forming technology
Matthias Kleiner is a German production engineer. In this field he links new manufacturing technologies with the integrative cross-topic of lightweight design. He was significantly involved in numerous, predominantly interdisciplinary, but also international research projects and associations related to his specialist topics. In his roles as President of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and subsequently the Leibniz Association, he was research manager and familiar with all aspects of the German scientific landscape.
One focus of his work was the development of new manufacturing processes for light metals that are difficult to form and high-strength steel materials. Lightweight construction with these materials is particularly important in the automotive and aviation industries, where it contributes significantly to reducing moving mass and thus to energy efficiency. In this context, Matthias Kleiner also worked on combining different materials in a single component.
In his research, he relied on computer-aided models to simulate forming processes. These simulations help to develop and research new processes, tools, and machines, as well as to improve the efficiency of material and energy use and the quality of products. His research focuses on the interaction between knowledge and application, and its results have often been implemented primarily in automotive manufacturing, but also in many other industrial sectors.
During his tenure as President of the German Research Foundation (DFG), Matthias Kleiner was particularly committed to establishing the Excellence Initiative as a permanent instrument for promoting research. He was very committed for providing better support for younger scientists, modularizing the DFG's funding portfolio, enabling riskier research outside the mainstream, and broadly implementing research-oriented equality standards.
As President of the Leibniz Association, he strengthened its importance as a major non-university research organization in Germany and promoted networking among Leibniz Institutes and Leibniz Research Museums, as well as with universities, other research organizations, commercial enterprises, and social institutions. Another concern of his was international research exchange, particularly with North and South America and Japan.
Career
- since 2022 University Professor (Ret.), TU Dortmund University, Germany
- 2014-2022 President, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
- 2013-2014 Managing Director, Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Construction (IUL), TU Dortmund, Germany
- 2007-2012 President, German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany
- 2004-2006 Managing Director, IUL, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 2002-2005 Vice-Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 2001 Offer to join a company as Chief Technology Officer (declined)
- 2000-2002 Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 2000 Offer for a Canadian Research Chair (Full Professor in Metal Forming), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada (declined)
- 1998-2022 Full Professor of Forming Technology, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1995-1996 Vice Rector for Planning and Finance, Founding Rectorate, Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU Cottbus), Germany
- 1994-1998 Full Professor, Chair of Design and Manufacturing, BTU Cottbus, Germany
- 1991 Habilitation in the field “Forming Technology”, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1987-1994 Senior Engineer, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1987 Doctorate, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1982-1987 Research Assistant, Chair of Forming Technology, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1976-1982 Diploma Degree in Mechanical Engineering, TU Dortmund, Germany
Functions
- 2015-2021 Chair, University Council, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- 2018-2022 Chair, Global Learning Council (GLC)
- 2013-2022 Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Private Excellence Initiative Johanna Quandt, Stiftung Charité, Berlin, Germany
- 2013-2014 Scientific Commission, State of Lower Saxony, Germany
- 2012 Co-Founder, Global Research Council (GRC)
- 2012-2016 Scientific Council, European Research Council (ERC)
- 2011 Co-Founder, Science Europe
- 2011 Co-Chair, German Ethics Commission for a Safe Energy Supply, Federal Republic of Germany
- 2007-2012 President, German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany
- 2007-2023 Board of Trustees, Deutsche Telekom Foundation, Bonn, Germany
- 2007-2022 Scientific Advisory Board, Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Cologne, Germany
- 2007-2010 Vice-President, European Science Foundation (ESF)
- 2005-2006 Vice-President, German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany
- 2004-2006 Scientific Commission, State of Lower Saxony, Germany
- 2005-2006 Executive Board, acatech – German National Academy of Science and Engineering, Germany
- 2000-2003 Co-Chair, “Culture and Technology” research initiative, TU Dortmund, Germany
- 1995-2005 Member, DFG Committees: Senate; Main and Approval Committee; Scientific Instrumentation Committee; Peer Review Board “Production Engineering”; Nomination Committee Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize; Senate Committee on Research Perspectives
- until 2021 Chair, International Advisory Board for the Further Development and Networking of Competence Centers for AI Research in Germany
- until 2023 Scientific Advisory Board, Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus, Germany
- until 2024 Board of Trustees, TU Berlin, Germany
- until 2024 Board of Trustees, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria
- until 2024 Supervisory Board, Futurium gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
- until 2024 Advisory Committee, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan
- until 2024 International Advisory Board, Moonshot R&D, JST, Japan
- until 2025 Scientific Advisory Board, Werner Siemens Foundation, Zug, Switzerland
- Member, Scientific Advisory Board, University of Bonn, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Leuphana University Lüneburg Foundation, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg (JMU), Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Bonn and Hamburg, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Senckenberg Society, Frankfurt, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Research Association for Steel Application (FOSTA), Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Foundation Research Vessel Eugen Seibold, Zurich, Switzerland
- Member, Council and Board, Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum), Japan
- Member, International Advisory Board, Tang Prize Foundation, Taiwan
- Member, International Jury, Taiwan Excellence Award
- Member, Program Committee, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Japan
- Member, Jury, German Innovation Award
- Member, Jury, Holtzbrinck Prize for Science Journalism, Germany
- Chair, Expert Committee “Doctorates at Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW)”, Free State of Bavaria, Germany
- Member, International Advisory Board, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Member, Board of Directors, FAMA Art Foundation, Hanover, Germany
- Member, Board of Trustees, Ahrenshoop Art Museum Foundation, Germany
- Member, Advisory Board and Supervisory Board, Winkelmann Group, Ahlen, Germany
- Member, Advisory Board, Siepmann Werke, Warstein, Germany
- Member, Advisory Board, ALHO Holding, Morsbach, Germany
Projects
- 2006-2008 Project “Use of statistical methods for process design and optimisation in contouring components by induction”, Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 475, DFG, Germany
- 2006-2007 Project “Online regulation for 3-roll bending with computational intelligence methods”, CRC 531, DFG, Germany
- 2004-2006 Project “Property change of magnesium wrought alloys for hybrid joining of extruded hollow profiles with microalloys”, Priority Programme (PP) 1168, DFG, Germany
- 2003-2014 Project “Composite extrusion”, Transregio (TRR) 10, DFG, Germany
- 2003-2014 Project “Multi-axis curved profile extrusion”, TRR 10, DFG, Germany
- 2003-2014 Project “Integral design, simulation and optimization of extrusion dies”, TRR 10, DFG, Germany
- 2003-2007 Project “Investigations with computational intelligence methods on increasing manufacturing precision of profile bending”, CRC 531, DFG, Germany
- 2001-2007 Research Unit (FOR) 443 “Investigation of the working mechanisms of electromagnetic sheet metal forming”, DFG, Germany
- 2000-2009 Project “Methods of statistical experimental design for the analysis and optimisation of complex forming processes using the example of CNC-controlled spinning”, CRC 475, DFG, Germany
- 2000-2006 Spokesperson, Priority Programme (PP) 1098 “Active media-based manufacturing techniques for sheet forming”, DFG, Germany
- 2000-2005 Project “Influence of tool surface structure on the forming process in high-pressure sheet forming”, DFG, Germany
- 1999-2006 Project “Methods of process and tool optimisation for sheet moulded components with statistical experimental design and finite element simulation”, Research Unit (FOR) 366, DFG, Germany
- 1999-2004 Project “Basic research on expanding process limits in magnet forming and on determining material parameters at high forming speeds”, Priority Programme (PP) 1074, DFG, Germany
- 1998-2005 Project “FEM simulation of process-integrated punching in high-pressure sheet forming”, DFG, Germany
- 1997-2005 Project “Expansion of semi-analytical process simulation DIBESI for bending medium sheets”, DFG, Germany
- 1997-2005 Project “Design and calculation of rounded profile structures taking into account manufacturing-related residual stresses”, DFG, Germany
- 1994-2001 Project “Basic research on joining composite workpieces by expansion on deep drilling machines”, DFG, Germany
- 2002-2006 Project “Processing strategy for warm sheet forming with gas pressure media”, Priority Programme (PP) 1098, DFG, Germany
- 2003-2008 Project “Investigations with computational intelligence methods on increasing manufacturing precision of profile bending”, CRC 531, DFG, Germany
- 1999-2002 Project “Investigations to determine the formability of coated thin sheets using FEM and forming limit diagrams”, DFG, Germany
Honours and Memberships
- 2024 The Order of the Rising Sun, Golden and Silver Star (Knight Commander), Japan
- 2021 Honorary Doctorate (Dr.-Ing. E.h.), Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany
- 2010 Cross of Merit 1st Class, Federal Republic of Germany
- 2009 Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h.c.), Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- since 2006 Member, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Germany
- since 1998 Member, Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), Germany
- 1997 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Award, DFG, Germany
- 1990 Research Award, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Member: acatech – German National Academy of Science and Engineering; Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences; Academia Europaea; European Academy of Sciences and Arts; Indian National Science Academy (INSA); Russian Academy of Engineering (IAE) (inoperative); International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP); German Academic Association for Production Technology (WGP); German Metal Forming Association (AGU)