Restructuring Strengthens Synergies and Future-Oriented Topics

Press release / January 06, 2026

Combining expertise and accelerating future-oriented developments – at the beginning of the year, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park is sharpening its institutional profile through structural and personnel changes, thereby strengthening its strategic orientation in line with growing research and industry requirements. The restructuring of the institute is reflected not only in personnel changes, but also in renaming and departmental changes.

Organizational chart of Fraunhofer IAP from 2026 onwards

New management in the “Polymer Processing” research division

Dr. André Lehmann will take over as head of the “Polymer Processing” research division on January 1, 2026. The division, formerly known as “Biopolymers,” will focus more strongly on the application-oriented processing of polymer materials in the future. These include fibers, films, membranes, and thermoplastic and bio-based molded parts. With this realignment, the close links between material development, processing technology, and analytics will move further into the spotlight.

Prof. Johannes Ganster, who has headed the research department since 2013, will leave the institute in March 2026 and retire. During his many years of service, he has had a significant impact on the material development of bio-based polymers and, above all, has advanced the development of bio-based carbon fibers and the understanding of structure-property relationships.

Research division “Functional Polymer Systems” under new leadership

Dr. Thorsten Pretsch will take over as head of the “Functional Polymer Systems” research division on January 1, 2026. The research division focuses on polymer materials with electrical, optical, and shape memory properties and their technological applications. Structural adjustments will enable even closer integration of materials research and application-oriented technology development in the future.

Dr. Armin Wedel, who has headed the division since 2006, will move to the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics Research Factory in Berlin at the beginning of 2026, where he will be responsible for the internationalization of activities. His work at Fraunhofer IAP provided groundbreaking impetus for the institute's technological development: he established key activities in the field of organic electronics, deepened international cooperation—particularly with Korea—and, among other things, developed quantum materials for use in displays and established digital printing processes for manufacturing the corresponding components.

New head of research division “Synthesis and Polymer Technology”

Dr. Jens Buller will take over as head of the “Sustainable Polymer Materials” research division on January 1, 2026. The division, formerly known as “Synthesis and Polymer Technology,” is increasingly focusing on the development of polymer materials from renewable raw materials, their chemical and physical modification, and the synthesis of sustainable polymers. Applications range from biodegradable particle systems to recyclable plastics.

Dr. Thorsten Pretsch, who previously headed this research division, is moving into his new role as head of the “Functional Polymer Systems” research division.

Professor Alexander Böker, Director of Fraunhofer IAP, emphasizes the significance of the changes: "With the new structure, we are creating clear thematic focal points and strengthening the synergies between synthesis, processing, and functionalization. The new research division heads combine many years of expertise with strategic foresight. This puts the institute in an optimal position for the coming years. At the same time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Professor Johannes Ganster and Dr. Armin Wedel for their many years of influential work – Professor Ganster in particular for his outstanding contributions to the development of bio-based polymers, carbon fiber research, and the understanding of structure-property relationships, and Dr. Wedel for his pioneering work in establishing organic electronics, OLED and display research at Fraunhofer IAP, as well as international collaborations, especially with Korea. Both have played a decisive role in shaping and developing the scientific orientation of the institute.

Last modified: January 06, 2026

Dr. Jens Buller

Dr. Jens Buller studied chemistry at the University of Potsdam and specialized in polymer chemistry. After completing his doctorate in 2013 on stimuli-sensitive hydrogel films, he joined Fraunhofer IAP, where he has headed the Starch Modification / Molecular Properties department since 2017. He develops polysaccharide-based materials and works on chemical and physical modifications of bio-based raw materials. One focus is on functionalized polymers, biodegradable microparticles, and combining synthesis and formulation knowledge to transfer new materials into industrial applications. Starting in January 2026, Dr. Buller will take over as head of the “Synthesis and Polymer Technology” research division.

Prof. Johannes Ganster

Prof. Johannes Ganster studied physics at TUD Dresden University of Technology and received his doctorate in 1990 from the Academy of Sciences in Teltow-Seehof. In the same year, he joined Fraunhofer IAP. Since 2006, he has been responsible for the “Material Development and Structural Characterization” department, and since 2013, he has also been responsible for the “Biopolymers” research division. In 2017, he was appointed to the “Biopolymers and Plastics Processing” department at the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg.

At Fraunhofer IAP, he has had a lasting impact on the development of bio-based materials, especially bio-based carbon fibers. One focus of his research was on structure-property relationships, laying the foundations for understanding and specifically designing polymer materials. His work on biogenic fiber composites was also significant, in which he used natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers as reinforcing components for thermoplastic matrices and linked these with comprehensive structural characterization. In this way, he made a significant contribution to establishing high-performance bio-based lightweight composites and further strengthening the visibility of Fraunhofer IAP in this research field. Prof. Ganster will retire in March 2026.

Dr. André Lehmann

Dr. André Lehmann studied chemistry at the University of Potsdam and received his doctorate in polysaccharide chemistry from the Technical University of Dresden in 2010. Since 2011, he has headed the Fiber Technology Department at Fraunhofer IAP and is responsible for research work on the processing of polymers from solution and melt. His main areas of focus include cellulose fiber technologies, bio-based thermoplastics, and the development of carbon fiber precursors and carbon fibers. He also works on the structuring of polymers for technical applications and the stereocomplex processing of polylactide. Dr. Lehmann will take over as head of the “Polymer Processing” research division in January 2026.

Dr. Thorsten Pretsch

Dr. Thorsten Pretsch studied chemistry at the Free University of Berlin, where he also earned his doctorate. A German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina postdoctoral fellowship took him to the University of Sydney before he joined the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in 2006 to establish a junior research group on shape memory polymers. Since 2015, he has headed the Synthesis and Polymer Technology research department at Fraunhofer IAP. His work focuses on stimuli-responsive polymers, functional materials, and their transfer into technological applications. International research collaborations and interdisciplinary approaches characterize his research activities. Starting in January 2026, Dr. Pretsch will take over as head of the "Functional Polymer Systems" research division.

Dr. Armin Wedel

Dr. Armin Wedel studied physics at the Universities of Rostock and Potsdam. He has been working at Fraunhofer IAP since 1986, focusing on organic electronics. Since 2000, he has headed the Functional Materials and Components department and, since 2006, the "Functional Polymer Systems" research division.

He has coordinated numerous national and international projects and played a key role in establishing the institute's display, OLED, and photovoltaics research. His achievements include, in particular, the establishment of quantum dots for display technologies, the further development of printable electronics, and the establishment of international collaborations, especially with Korea. He also established pilot plants for printing organic electronics at Fraunhofer IAP, thereby contributing significantly to the technological anchoring of this topic at the institute. At the beginning of 2026, Dr. Wedel will move to the Microelectronics Research Factory of the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics in Berlin, where he will be responsible for the internationalization of activities.

New Heads of Research Divisions