Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films ISTThe Fraunhofer IST mourns the loss of its founding father and long-standing Institute Director, Prof. Dr. Heinz Dimigen, who passed away on the 3rd of October 2024 at the age of 88. His tireless commitment to research and development in the field of surface technology has significantly shaped not only our institute, but also the entire sector.
In 1988, at the behest of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof. Dimigen conceptualized the institute in order to address the issues of coating and surface technology. He headed the Fraunhofer IST from its foundation in 1989 until his retirement in 1999. Prof. Dimigen’s passion for surface technology had already become apparent during his time as Head of “Thin-Film Technology” at the Philips Research Laboratory in Hamburg, where the PhD physicist recognized the importance of thin-film technology, in particular amorphous or diamond-like carbon coatings. These coatings were later further developed at the Fraunhofer IST in collaboration with industrial partners and are used in numerous applications today.
In 2002, Prof. Dimigen was awarded the first “Manfred von Ardenne Prize for Applied Physics” in recognition of his work, particularly with regard to the field of amorphous carbon and its application.
Heinz Dimigen was a loyal, knowledgeable and decisive manager and an outstanding scientist who always had a sympathetic ear for everybody and who possessed the necessary intuition and ingenuity. He lived by values such as integrity and respect, was known for his readiness to help, and was deeply appreciated by his employees and partners.
We mourn the loss of a dear, highly esteemed person whose memory will always be cherished at our institute. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.
On behalf of all the employees and staff of the
Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Professor Dr.-Ing. Christoph Herrmann Professorin Dr.-Ing. Sabrina Zellmer
Director of the Institute Deputy Director of the Institute