Focus on 3D Printing as a Future Technology

The meeting opened with a report by Heribert Trunk, Chair of the Board of Trustees. He emphasized the importance of recent infrastructure projects and underlined that the next crucial step is to actively shape and fill these structures with academic and societal content.

This was followed by a report from Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth, who outlined key developments since the previous meeting, including awards, rankings, governance matters and strategic progress at the University of Bayreuth.

The thematic focus of the session was on 3D printing. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Ruckdäschel from the Chair of Polymer Materials at the University of Bayreuth presented current research projects, technological advances and collaborations with industry, highlighting the university’s strong research‑driven approach to additive manufacturing.

A complementary regional perspective was provided by Frank Carsten Herzog, Managing Partner of the HZG Group and Chair of Machbar e.V.. He traced the origins and development of 3D printing in Lichtenfels and illustrated how the FADZ fosters transfer between science, industry and society.

The meeting concluded with guided tours of the Machbar and the “Archive of the Future”, offering insights into makerspace activities, educational formats and outreach initiatives. These impressions highlighted how open innovation spaces can effectively complement the transfer mission of the University of Bayreuth.