Zai Müller-Zhang succeeds Dr. Matthias Jung as Deputy Managing Director
Change in management position at the “Simulation and Software-based Innovation” performance center
After eight years at the side of Managing Director Dr. Konrad Steiner, Dr. Matthias Jung is stepping down as Deputy Director of the “Simulation and Software-based Innovation” High-Performance Centre. He is succeeded by Zai Müller-Zhang. The electrical engineering and information technology graduate has been working for the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE since 2016.
Müller-Zhang introduced herself yesterday as the new Deputy Managing Director at the annual meeting of the Management Board, which is responsible for the strategic management of the performance center. She is currently working on her doctorate on the topic of “AI-supported scheduling for smart manufacturing”. This has allowed her to deepen her knowledge in the areas of digital twins, smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. “I am also currently leading a project in the field of digitalization for sustainable production with digital twins,” she explains.

Focus on digital twins and production processes
Müller-Zhang wants to focus on the development of new research methods and the transfer of research results to industry at the High Performance Center. In particular, the topics of digital twins and production processes will take center stage. “I want to drive forward research and innovation, ensure the transfer of research results into practice and build a strong network with industry partners,” she emphasized at the meeting.
Strengthening cooperation in Kaiserslautern
The doctoral student is particularly impressed by the close cooperation between companies, universities and research institutions that the High Performance Center facilitates. Science and the regional economy are thus linked. “It also offers the opportunity to train young scientists and promote good research work,” concludes Müller-Zhang. Konrad Steiner looks ahead with motivation: “Your topics are in line with the philosophy of the High-Performance Center. I am sure that she will enrich the Kaiserslautern location.”
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