New Impetus for Fraunhofer IIS: Interview on the Expansion of the Institute’s Management

As of November 1, 2025, Professor Giovanni Del Galdo has assumed the role of Institute Director at Fraunhofer IIS. He succeeds Professor Albert Heuberger in overseeing the research divisions Development Center X-ray Technology, Communication Systems, Smart Sensing and Electronics, and the Division Engineering of Adaptive Systems. Albert Heuberger remains Executive Institute Director and will increasingly focus on his leadership roles within the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics and the Research Fab Microelectronics (FMD). Together with Professor Alexander Martin and Professor Bernhard Grill, they form the management team of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s largest and most successful institute.

Albert Heuberger, you are passing on your scientific leadership at Fraunhofer IIS to Giovanni Del Galdo. What have been the key priorities in your work over the past 14 years, and what guidance or insights would you like to offer your successor as he steps into this new role? 

Over the past 14 years, I have worked closely with my team to continuously advance and strategically position the research divisions of Fraunhofer IIS. We have established the institute as a driving force for innovation in both German and European industry and cultivated numerous partnerships with companies and research institutions. I am particularly proud of the strong connection we have fostered between university-based fundamental research and applied technology development – both within the Nuremberg metropolitan region and beyond. Looking ahead, I wish my successor every success in further strengthening this position, bringing fresh momentum to actively shape the next chapter in the institute’s success story and deepen cross-divisional collaboration. I believe continuity and innovative strength are the key drivers of long-term excellence.

Giovanni Del Galdo, how do you envision your role in shaping the future of these research divisions at Fraunhofer IIS? 

My vision is to uphold the outstanding work already being done across Fraunhofer IIS’s research divisions while fostering even stronger cross-divisional collaboration. Innovation often flourishes at the intersections between disciplines – where ideas converge to create meaningful impact for industry and society. In my dual role as director at Fraunhofer IIS and professor at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnber (FAU) , I see a unique opportunity to deepen the connection between two leading pillars of Germany’s research ecosystem. My goal is to consolidate the institute’s expertise in order to help advance technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe – working in close partnership with industry and academia. My focus is on deepening the links between our expertise and the needs of industry and associations. 

»We’ve positioned the institute as a key driver of innovation in German and European industry, building strong partnerships with companies and research institutions.«

Prof. Albert Heuberger

Why do you consider Professor Del Galdo the right person to take on this responsibility? 

Heuberger: Professor Del Galdo brings outstanding expertise in the fields of sensor technology, signal processing, data transmission, and microelectronics. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated a unique ability to combine scientific excellence with a deep understanding of industrial needs. His long-standing roles at Fraunhofer IIS and Technical University Ilmenau, his experience in acquiring projects from both industry and public funding bodies, and his contributions to numerous key patents make him ideally suited for this important responsibility. I am confident that he will continue to strengthen the bridge between academic research and applied technology development – and that his expertise will be a valuable asset to the institute’s research portfolio. Beyond his technical expertise, Professor Del Galdo exemplifies the core values we uphold at Fraunhofer IIS: responsibility, collaboration, and respect. He embodies a cooperative leadership style grounded in trust, openness, and shared purpose. In my view, this mindset is essential for sustaining and advancing the institute’s successful development.

Which elements of your professional experience do you consider particularly valuable for your new responsibilities? 

Del Galdo: Over the past years, I have gained extensive experience in developing and applying methods in the fields of electronic measurement and signal processing – working alongside a dedicated team of scientists, from early-career researchers to seasoned experts. The successful acquisition and execution of numerous projects for public and industrial clients reflects outstanding teamwork and a robust network within our research ecosystem. After nearly two decades at Fraunhofer, including 13 years at the Ilmenau site, I now look forward to joining a high-performing team at our headquarters in Erlangen to spark new momentum in research, development, and collaboration – and to help drive the next chapter in the institute’s ongoing success. 

How would you describe your leadership style as institute director – and what inspired you to step into this position? 

Del Galdo: I see myself as a team player who places great value on open communication and collaboration built on trust. Equally important to me is being a good scientist – guided by curiosity, integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based decision-making. I view excellence not as an end in itself, but as a guiding principle for achieving the best possible outcomes in every project. I’m motivated by the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues on forward-looking technologies – and, in doing so, contribute to the technological sovereignty and competitiveness of our institute. Above all, I value respectful and constructive collaboration across hierarchical and disciplinary boundaries. 

»I consider myself a team player who values open communication and collaboration rooted in trust.«

Prof. Giovanni Del Galdo

Which tasks and topics will you prioritize going forward? 

Heuberger: As Executive Director of the Institute, I will place even greater emphasis on overall institutional responsibility – particularly in economically challenging times. I also intend to further strengthen my spokesperson roles within the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics and the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). I see tremendous potential to advance microelectronics research in Germany and Europe, and to further deepen collaboration between science and industry. I look forward to shaping the future of Fraunhofer IIS together with my colleagues – with the aim of fostering innovation, inspiring talent, and strengthening excellence in microelectronics across Bavaria, Germany, and Europe. And perhaps there will once again be a little more time for my personal passions – sports and hands-on craftsmanship. I particularly enjoy restoring vintage coffee machines and bicycles. 

What do you see as the most pressing challenge in the years ahead? How can Fraunhofer IIS support industry with impactful solutions? Which technological approaches do you consider especially future-defining? 

Heuberger: Securing Europe’s technological sovereignty will be one of the most critical challenges in the years ahead – particularly in light of global supply chain dynamics and increasing geopolitical uncertainty. Fraunhofer IIS is well positioned to make a decisive contribution through innovative solutions in microelectronics, communication systems, and artificial intelligence. In my view, the most future-defining technological approaches are those that place sustainability, energy efficiency, and trustworthiness at their core. Through our close collaboration with industry, we’re able to swiftly translate research into real-world applications – enhancing the competitiveness of our partners. In doing so, we actively help secure Europe’s long-term technological sovereignty and innovative strength.

Is there a final thought you’d like to share with our partners in industry and academia?

Heuberger: Our shared goal is to further establish Fraunhofer IIS as one of the most successful institutes within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – and to meet the major challenges of the future in close partnership with industry and academia. Trust, continuity, and innovative strength are the guiding principles that shape our work. Equally important is our commitment to nurturing the next generation of outstanding scientists and creating an environment where our employees can develop their ideas and thrive – true to the Fraunhofer spirit, defined by curiosity, a drive to shape the future, and a strong sense of collaboration. 

Del Galdo: We aim to strategically consolidate the institute’s core competencies, deepen cross-disciplinary collaboration, and actively shape technological transformation – particularly through artificial intelligence. Let us shape the future of technology and contribute to a strong, competitive, and sustainable research and industrial landscape in Germany and Europe.