Zai Müller-Zhang succeeds Dr Matthias Jung as Deputy Managing Director.

Change in Management Position at the High Performance Center »Simulation and Software-Based Innovation«

February 14, 2024

After six years at the side of Managing Director Dr. Konrad Steiner, Dr. Matthias Jung is stepping down from his position as deputy due to his professorship in computer engineering at the University of Würzburg. He will be succeeded by Zai Müller-Zhang. The electrical engineering and information technology graduate has been working for the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE since 2016.

Müller-Zhang introduced herself yesterday as the new Deputy Managing Director at the annual meeting of the Management Board, which is responsible for the strategic management of the High Performance Center. She is currently working on her doctorate on the topic of »AI-supported scheduling for smart manufacturing« and is deepening her knowledge in the areas of digital twins, smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. »I am currently also leading a project in the area of digitalization for sustainable production with digital twins«, she explains.

Focus on Digital Twins and Production Processes

Müller-Zhang intends to focus on the development of new research methods and the transfer of research results to industry at the High Performance Center. In particular, the topics of digital twins and production processes will take center stage. »I want to drive forward research and innovation, ensure the transfer of research results into practice and consolidate the strong network with industry partners«, she emphasized at the meeting.

Strengthening Cooperation at the Kaiserslautern Site

The doctoral student is particularly impressed by the close cooperation between companies, universities and research institutions that the High Performance Center facilitates. Science and the regional economy are linked here. »It also offers the opportunity to train young scientists and promote good research work«, concludes Müller-Zhang. Konrad Steiner looks to the future with motivation: »Their topics and commitment are in line with the philosophy of the High Performance Center. I am sure that she will enrich the Kaiserslautern location.«