New professors and management changes at MPE
We are pleased to announce the appointment of four new professors:
Xuping Zhang, Professor of Mechatronics and Robotics
Michal Budzik, Professor of Composite Materials
Ramin Aghababaei, Professor of Surface Mechanics and Tribology
Mahdi Abkar, Professor of Fluid Mechanics and Turbulence Modelling
The four new professors were selected following an open call that attracted a total of 29 applicants. From this pool, 16 candidates were shortlisted for evaluation by an external assessment committee comprising of five professors from universities in Denmark, Sweden, and Australia.
Among the candidates who received a positive evaluation, eight were invited to participate in the first round of interviews, which were conducted online. Following this stage, six candidates were invited to Aarhus for a second round of in-person interviews.
The candidates were assessed by a broad representative appointment committee consisting of nine members, including representatives from MPE's management, research committee, junior researchers, and the Vice Dean for Talent Development.
Following a thorough selection process and in the face of strong competition, the four MPE candidates were ultimately appointed because they were assessed as the best-qualified candidates for the professorships.
At TECH, a professorship requires that a combination of key qualifications are fulfilled:
An outstanding academic CV demonstrating individual excellence.
A proven research leadership portfolio, preferably with interdisciplinary and international impact.
Strong collaborative abilities with impact beyond one's own research activities.
The ability to act as a culture bearer and contribute to the development of a strong and inclusive departmental environment.
There is currently a discussion on how to announce these positions externally.
Management changes from 15 September
To support the continued implementation of the MPE Vision and strengthen our contribution to the national agenda within "Production Denmark - Development of the next generation of mechanical products and processes ", we will make a number of leadership adjustments effective from 15 September.
As automation and human-centric robotics will play a central role in the “Production Denmark” activities, Xuping Zhang will be very busy with responsibilities related to this strategic work. Consequently, he will step down as Head of MAME from 15 September.
The following leadership appointments will take effect from the same date:
Ramin Aghabaei becomes Head of MAME
Michal Budzik becomes Head of MEMA
Mahdi Abkar continues as Head of FLEN
We would like to congratulate our newly appointed professors!