We are pleased to announce the 2025 DGM Young Scientist Award, which honors outstanding doctoral students who graduated no more than two years prior to the application deadline. This prestigious award recognizes young scientists who have made significant contributions to nonprofit research in materials science and engineering. The DGM congratulates Dr.-Ing. Julia Richter of the University of Kassel on winning the 2025 DGM Young Scientist Award.

1) How did you first become interested in materials science, particularly additive manufacturing, and when did you decide to pursue a doctorate?

Over ten years ago, I started studying mechanical engineering at the University of Kassel. Initially, I wasn't sure that I would specialize in materials science. However, after just a few semesters, I realized how central the topic of materials is to engineering. People often ask, "Why can airplanes fly?" Rarely is the answer, "Because of materials science." In fact, however, advances in lightweight construction have emerged precisely from this field.

Through my thesis work, first on residual stresses and then on shape memory alloys, I further developed my fascination with materials and their properties. It was during my master's thesis that the idea of pursuing a doctorate began to take shape. The wonderful team at the Institute for Materials Technology, led by Prof. Thomas Niendorf, encouraged me in this endeavor. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Prof. Niendorf for providing such a great working environment. He conducts excellent research and does outstanding work with young talent.

My path to additive manufacturing was ultimately a happy coincidence. Once you experience how your own component is created layer by layer in a plant, you never want to lose that feeling.

2) You played a key role in setting up the additive manufacturing laboratory in Kassel. What was the biggest challenge, and what are you particularly proud of looking back?

When I started at the Institute of Materials Engineering, additive manufacturing was a relatively new area of research. The lab already had a powder bed-based electron beam system, and a laser beam system was added shortly afterwards. In the early days of global research, a lack of experience strongly influenced the work, which focused on complex geometries without a thorough understanding of the material properties and their interrelationships.

This was also our biggest challenge in Kassel. First, we had to learn that materials science plays a much greater role in additive manufacturing than we initially assumed. This insight opened up exciting research topics and contributed to the group's steady growth.

In retrospect, I am proud that we not only set up the laboratory, but also established a robust research environment. The experience I gained in commissioning and coordination at that time is helping me greatly in my new role as head of the analytics center, where I am overseeing the setup of a focused ion beam microscope.

3) You will play a major role in organizing Additive 2026, not just as a guest speaker. What appeals to you about helping prepare an international scientific conference?

In my opinion, conferences are an essential part of scientific work. They make research visible and foster the emergence of new ideas. Therefore, being invited to speak at Additive 2026 fills me with pride. It is a wonderful opportunity to present my work, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me. I would like to express my gratitude.

I find it particularly appealing that the conference builds bridges between industry and research. Through my organizational involvement, I can help ensure that this exchange is as successful as possible. The fact that Additive 2026 is taking place in Kassel also recognizes the achievements made here in the field of additive manufacturing by Prof. Niendorf and my colleagues. I am looking forward to the conference and am excited to exchange ideas with researchers and industry representatives from around the world.

4) In addition to your research, you are strongly committed to supporting young scientists, including through the MatWerk study day and the DGM's work with young scientists, as well as to gender equality issues. Where do you find the energy for these additional commitments, and what motivates you to work so hard for others and promote the field's further development?

Throughout my studies and beyond, people often asked me what it was like to work as a woman in the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering. In my opinion, this question highlights how outdated the image of engineers still is. This is reflected by the declining number of students in engineering sciences, especially materials science, in recent years.

Through my involvement with the DGM's Newcomer and Young Talent Committee, the MatWerk Study Day Working Committee, and the equality committee, I aim to change this perception. Mechanical engineering encompasses design, materials science, sustainability, and diverse career paths, including those for female engineers.

I have benefited greatly from role models and supporters who encouraged me along the way. My current involvement is a way of giving back. Working on the committees and working groups is enjoyable because I collaborate with highly motivated teams. I find this collaborative work very enriching, and I am grateful to everyone involved for their support and cooperation.

We would like to congratulate Dr.-Ing. Julia Richter again on receiving this special award. We look forward to honoring her and the other award winners at DGM-Tag 2025, where we can get to know them personally.