Fraunhofer IGD Appoints Matthias Unbescheiden as New Director to Advance Practical Research Applications
(IN BRIEF) Matthias Unbescheiden has been appointed as the new director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD. With nearly 30 years of experience at the institute, Unbescheiden aims to strengthen the institute’s research in visual computing and accelerate the transfer of innovations to industry. His focus includes deepening collaborations with the scientific community, business, and the public sector to deliver practical solutions. Unbescheiden takes over from Dieter Fellner, who retired after years of service.
(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 6-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has appointed Matthias Unbescheiden as its new director, effective immediately. Unbescheiden, who has been with the institute for nearly 30 years, is now taking the lead role in further advancing the institute’s efforts to transform cutting-edge research into practical applications. His vision is to deepen collaboration with the scientific community, industry, and the public sector to drive innovations that will shape the future of digital transformation.
Fraunhofer President Prof. Holger Hanselka congratulated Dr. Matthias Unbescheiden on his appointment in Darmstadt, stating, “Fraunhofer IGD represents excellence in visual computing research, a crucial field for the digital transformation of industries and society. With his extensive scientific expertise and leadership, Matthias Unbescheiden will continue to strengthen the institute’s position as a leader in this field. His experience in spin-offs and technology transfer will play a key role in accelerating the practical application of innovative ideas.”
Unbescheiden’s journey at Fraunhofer IGD began in 1995 as a research scientist. Over the years, he has significantly contributed to the institute’s focus on processing large volumes of data and creating comprehensible systems. His efforts in establishing a dynamic spin-off strategy have revolutionized the institute’s approach to commercializing research, moving beyond traditional methods to embrace venture capital-inspired strategies.
Having earned his doctorate in computer science at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Unbescheiden also holds an executive MBA for technology managers from RWTH Aachen University. In addition to his research roles, he served as the deputy director of Fraunhofer IGD in 2005 and succeeded Dieter Fellner as the institute’s director after Fellner’s retirement. Unbescheiden has also held significant positions outside the institute, including serving as the chair of the High-Tech Gründerfonds Digital Tech investment committee from 2017 to 2022, and he continues to support Fraunhofer IGD spin-offs as a board member and advisor.
“I am honored to take on this new role at such a critical time for Fraunhofer IGD,” says Unbescheiden. “With the strong support of our dedicated team, my goal is to continue the successful trajectory of our institute, enhance interdisciplinary research, and foster collaborations that result in practical, forward-thinking solutions.”
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, headquartered in Germany, is one of the world’s leading organizations for applied research. It plays a major role in innovation by prioritizing research on cutting-edge technologies and the transfer of results to industry to strengthen Germany’s industrial base and for the benefit of society as a whole. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 75 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Its nearly 32,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual business volume of 3.6 billion euros; 3.1 billion euros of this stems from contract research.
Monika Landgraf
Director of Corporate Communications Spokesperson for the President
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Hansastraße 27 c
80686 Munich, German
Phone +49 89 1205-1333
presse@zv.fraunhofer.de
Daniela Welling
Head of Corporate Communications
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD
Fraunhoferstr. 5
64283 Darmstadt, Germany
Phone +49 6151 155-146
daniela.welling@igd.fraunhofer.de
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
