Dr. Thomas Stegmaier, DITF Denkendorf, Germany
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Stegmaier, born on April 2, 1962, in Heidenheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a distinguished expert in mechanical engineering and bionics. He completed his B.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart (1988 and 1996) and earned his Habilitation at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2015, focusing on fiber-based materials for construction. His career began at the Institut für Textil- und Verfahrenstechnik (ITV) Denkendorf, where he progressed from a scientific member to the head of the Research Team Technical Textiles and established the Centre of Competence Technical Textiles Denkendorf. Dr. Stegmaier has significantly contributed to surface technology, yarn coating, bionics, and nanotechnology. He has also led the Centre of Bionic/Biomimetics Innovations and currently serves as Chief Sustainable Officer. His extensive experience includes international project coordination, organizing exhibitions and symposia, and serving on various national and European committees.
Professional Profile:
Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award
PD Dr.-Ing. Thomas Stegmaier is an accomplished researcher and professor with a rich background in mechanical engineering, specifically in technical textiles, bionics, biomimetics, and sustainable materials. His career spans various prestigious roles, from leading research teams to managing competence centers and contributing to international scientific communities. His innovative work has earned him numerous awards and recognition in the field of textile technology and bionics.
Education:
- 1982-1988: Studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart, Germany
- 1996: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Germany. Thesis: “Investigations to the Optimization in Sizing”
- 2015: Habilitation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. Thesis: “Development of Fiber-Based Materials for Construction”
Work Experience:
- 1988: Scientific Member at the Institut für Textil- und Verfahrenstechnik (ITV) Denkendorf, part of DITF Denkendorf, Germany
- 1999: Head of Research Team Technical Textiles at ITV Denkendorf; established and led the “Centre of Competence Technical Textiles Denkendorf”
- Since 1999: Established research teams for surface technology, yarn coating, bionics, nanotechnology, and environmental technologies
- 2006: Established lectures on bionics/biomimetics at the University of Stuttgart, Germany
- 2008-2016: Head of “Centre of Bionic/Biomimetics Innovations for the Industry”
- Since 2015: Lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Karlsruhe, Germany
- 2019: Assistant Management
- 2020-2024: Head of Competence Center Textile Chemistry, Environment & Energy
- 2024: Chief Sustainable Officer
Publication top Notes:
Investigation of the Protective Function of a Lignin Coating of Natural Fiber Geotextiles against Biodegradation
Ecotech textiles in environment protection and energy efficiency: Current examples from research
Underwater Oleophobic Electrospun Membrane with Spindle-Knotted Structured Fibers for Oil-in-Water Emulsion Separation
Modeling of self-driven directional movement of underwater oil droplets on bio-inspired nano-coated 3D-printed conical models
Online thickness measurements of acrylate-based coatings on knitted polyester fabric using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
New plant-based fibers from the residues of agricultural lavender plants