(Frankfurt a. M., Aug. 30, 2023) Dr. Damian Dudek is the new managing director of the Information Technology Society in the VDE. The 47-year-old was most recently group leader at the Chair of Electronic Components at RWTH Aachen University and, in his role, also executive manager of the joint project "NeuroSys - Neuromorphic Hardware for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Systems" - a future cluster funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 45 million euros. The electrical engineer, who holds a doctorate, looks back on a long career at various research institutions including positions at the German Research Foundation, the Research Center for Nanotechnology in Barcelona, the Research Center for Material Sciences in Seville and the Research Center for Microstructure Technology.
Position papers, guidelines and conferences
On his departure, Dr. Volker Schanz, who joined the ITG in 1990, thanked the members for the trust they had placed in him: "Many position papers, guidelines and national and international events meant that the work was never boring. In particular, the personal contact with countless experts was an enrichment for me." For ITG Chairman Prof. Dr. Hans Schotten, Dr. Damian Dudek is a great asset for the oldest professional society in the VDE: "With Dr. Dudek, we have been able to gain a very competent and committed managing director who will continue the successful work of Dr. Schanz and with whom we will further develop the ITG in the interests of the members."
VDE covers the breadth of electrical engineering and information technology like no other association
For Damian Dudek, a professional association like the ITG is the best platform for bringing topics that arise in research into society and into politics. The VDE covers the full range of electrical engineering and information technology like no other association. Dudek is passionate about attracting young talent, which he recently demonstrated with a VDE position paper that he initiated. The paper shows how the crisis in the labor market can be used as a door opener to inspire young talent and makes concrete suggestions such as nationwide programs and a start as early as elementary school to usher in a change in image: "During my professional career, I have built up a large network that I would like to use to help inspire young people for electrical engineering and information technology. We should be talking about attracting young talent rather than a shortage of skilled workers."
He sees great potential in women, which is why Dudek has already co-founded a circle in which female professors and experts network. His goal is to get more women onto the ITG's committees as well: "We need more female role models so that women become more visible in electrical and information technology. Because as far as young female talent is concerned, electrical engineering is still a laggard among engineering disciplines."
