International scientists

Internationalisation of research, development, training and technology transfer

International scientists

IKV is delighted to report that the number of international students working to gain a doctorate at the Institute is growing fast. They leave their countries of origin, such as Turkey, China and Iran, to take advantage of the excellent training at IKV. Below, some of our international scientists introduce themselves and report on their experiences at IKV and their plans for the future:

Hamed Nokhostin from Iran | Photo: Nokhostin

Hamed Nokhostin has been working in the Mould Design and Material Technology department since 2016.

Why did you come to Germany?
I came to Germany four and a half years ago to continue my studies. In Germany, there are subjects and courses that are super-interesting. Apart from that, the quality of the post-graduate courses is much higher than it is in my home country.

Why did you decide to spend your time abroad at IKV?
Since the beginning of my Master's studies, I worked here at IKV as a student assistant. After that, I wrote my Master's thesis at IKV. The research topics and the atmosphere at the Institute motivated me to apply to work here for my doctorate as a scientific assistant.

In your opinion, what makes working at IKV stand out?
There are many aspects that are important in my work at IKV. On the one hand, of course, being involved at the leading edge of scientific and technical development. But as a foreigner, it is also very important that I feel at home at IKV and have an opportunity to get to know some new friends and become familiar with the German culture.

What plans do you have after your doctorate?
I love the atmosphere of research and teaching and would like to remain in these fields. After gaining my doctorate, I will therefore try to obtain a post-doctoral lecturing qualification. My vision is to develop plastics technology in my home country as a new course of study.

Can Bakir has been in Germany since 2006 and has been working in the "Image processing / quality assurance" working group in the field of extrusion.

Why did you come to Germany?
After taking my A-levels in my home country, I came over initially to study in Germany. A course of study or work experience abroad is, in my opinion, a valuable challenge and a wonderful adventure. Germany is the right choice especially for an engineering course.

Why did you decide to spend your time abroad at IKV?
After completing my studies, I decided to remain in Germany because the economic and socio-cultural situation here is, of course, better. In many other countries you do not get a full-time position when you study for your doctorate and have to find other possibilities to afford it. Apart from that, the position at IKV also appealed to me from a technical point of view.

In your opinion, what makes working at IKV stand out?
IKV has a long and established tradition of scientific and also very practice-oriented research. I also find it fascinating that so many different areas of work come together at one institute.

What plans do you have after your doctorate?
My long-term plan is to continue in this area of work in Germany. At the same time, however, I would also like to spend a few years in another country to get to know other (work) cultures.

Jiuheng Chen has been in Germany since 2010 and has been working at the Institute of Plastics Processing in Aachen since 2014.

Why did you come to Germany?
I came to Germany to study for my Master's degree because the mechanical engineering course here offers an outstanding combination of theory, technical know-how and practice. It was my childhood dream to see the world. The original question was how people on the other side of the world walk around with their head pointing downwards. Later, I also wanted to know how they live and think.

Why did you decide to spend your time abroad at IKV?
I did plenty of research before I applied and then made my decision. Two factors were particularly important for my choice: Firstly, the wide range of topics at IKV, and secondly the industry-related research.

In your opinion, what makes working at IKV stand out?
Research and the constant supply of fresh challenges: Learning, learning, doing, doing, and sometimes simply "learning by doing". Planning & Management: You learn to plan and manage for the projects, for your own working group and for yourself.

What plans do you have after your doctorate?
Immediately after I receive my doctorate – when that happens – I want to drink a beer or two with my friends. I will certainly miss the fantastic four and a half years and my super colleagues.
In the medium term I would like to remain in the composites industry in Germany. Because of the increasingly intensive cooperation between Germany and China, I will certainly find my way back again to IKV.