Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMProf. Dr. Karl-Heinz Küfer works at the Fraunhofer ITWM since 1999 and is head of the division »Optimization« since 2003.
What Does Your Area Deal With and What Constitutes Its Research Work?
The division »Optimization« deals with the model-based simulation and optimization of complex technical and organizational processes. The goal here is to master complexity by making promising solutions interactively accessible. We make potential improvements transparent and comprehensible so that users can quickly recognize them.
What Potential Does Your Unit’s Research Have for a Better Future?
The combination of knowledge-based and data-based approaches to model-based optimization holds enormous potential, precisely because data is available on an ever larger scale. At the same time, there is a growing need for traceability and transparency in decision-making processes. Both are trends that we are happy to serve. In addition, we are positioned across all industries. This ensures stability as well as an exciting and interdisciplinary innovation climate.
Where Do You See Your Division in Five Years?
The division is on a growth path, which it owes largely to long-term industry partnerships. It's an important challenge to keep surprising them with innovative solutions and to win new customers. We also need creative minds who have high standards for innovative solutions and their implementation. If both succeed, »Optimization« will be able to further increase its visible impact.
Which Three Keywords Describe Your Division Best?
- innovative
- customer-oriented
- with high standards for ourselves