Simulation of reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems
Empowering Careers at STFS
At STFS, our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive, and vibrant research community that empowers scientists to reach their full potential.
Researchers in early career phases
We support young scientists by addressing their unique strengths and personality, and provide targeted measures for developing research skills:
Recruiting talents
Our goal is to attract and mentor talented students and graduates supporting them in pursuing doctoral studies at our institute. Key initiatives include:
- Ignite Sustainability: This program was developed from our previous successful Direct Track initiative. While the previous program was limited to female students, it is now expanding to include all talented bachelor graduates. Participants receive insights into an exciting international research landscape and help shape the energy transition. In a research-oriented master’s program, they receive a contract as a student assistant, an institute laptop, access to the HPC computing cluster, and a unique laboratory infrastructure at the partner institute, Reactive Flows and Diagnostics (RSM). Mentoring sessions, participation meetings and conferences round out the programme and optimally prepare graduates for a subsequent doctorate. Learn more
- Promoting an international and interdisciplinary environment in which English is the common language, and team members come from diverse academic backgrounds such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.
-
![]()
“Moving from Brazil to Germany marked a significant change in weather, culture, and socioeconomic differences. However, at STFS, I found a welcoming environment – thanks to my colleagues, group leaders, and the structured tutorials – which made my transition much smoother. TU Darmstadt also provided great support, especially through the Welcome Centre, helping me find an apartment and navigate bureaucratic processes. Overall, the move was easier than I had anticipated and allowed me to focus quickly on my development and learning.” (Roberto) -
![]()
”After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Turkey and doing my masters at Politecnico di Milano, I appreciate the international and collaborative environment at STFS. It’s a place full of friendly, motivated, and successful researchers, where you get to work with experts from different fields and even from around the world.” (Leon) -
![]()
”After completing my Bachelor’s thesis at the STFS, I was awarded the Direct Track Scholarship for female Bachelor’s students. The scholarship not only boosted my self-confidence but also gave me the opportunity to participate in an international workshop and get a first impression of what it is like to be a researcher at STFS during my Master’s studies. With the path already set, I continued with my PhD and still appreciate the supportive and inclusive atmosphere at work every day.” (Antje) -
![]()
”At STFS, I felt welcome as an international PhD candidate. A lot of the work can be done in English, although colleagues are keen to help you with German skills too! :) I was given the task to work as a teaching assistant in the subject ”Modelling of Turbulent Flows,” which put me into contact with many international aerospace engineering students with similar backgrounds and experiences to mine! Finally, I was allowed to participate in an EU research project, which also allowed me to meet colleagues from other research and industrial partners around Europe. I would recommend this experience.” (Sandra)
- Go to picture 1
- Go to picture 2
- Go to picture 3
- Go to picture 4
Inspiring students
We strive to encourage students early in their academic journey by engaging and impactful teaching. A high value is assigned to
- Educational, understandable, and inspiring lectures for both bachelor’s and master’s programmes. We use a combination of digital content and inverted classroom.
- Research-oriented teaching. Energy-related research, for example, is integrated into our study plan. Students learn how hydrogen can be used in aero engines and gas turbines.
- Active participation in research. We give students the opportunity to contribute to our research in the context of bachelor’s and master’s theses, which often leads to co-authorship of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
-
![]()
”I have been a part of STFS since my bachelor’s thesis, continuing as a student research assistant and later for my master’s thesis. After that, I started my doctoral studies here. I have always appreciated the positive and supportive atmosphere at STFS, which has made it an easy decision to continue my PhD at STFS after finishing my master’s studies. I also valued the opportunity to contribute to scientific publications during my time as a graduate student.” (Max) -
![]()
”I started as a student assistant during my Bachelor’s and could write my Bachelor thesis here and continue my student job work during my master. I like that students are given the opportunity to directly contribute to current research, and we are also encouraged to bring in our own ideas and interests. The mentors will support you so that you can work on your projects individually and learn general skills for working in this field.” (Antonia)
- Go to picture 1
- Go to picture 2
Onboarding and integration
New members are paired with a peer mentor to ensure smooth integration during the initial phase of their work with us.
-
![]()
”Diving into large codebases and already highly advanced research areas can be both exciting and motivating but also challenging, especially in the early phase as a PhD candidate. At STFS, I am always able to consult an experienced colleague, and I have been integrated into research projects and workshops from day one, which are key aspects that ensure a smooth start and enable knowledge transfer.” (Manuel) -
![]()
”From the moment I visited the STFS department’s website, I anticipated it as an incredible opportunity to be part of. What I could not anticipate was the warm and welcoming atmosphere that received me. Coming from Spain, with an MSc completed in France, I was nicely surprised by the support I received during my first few weeks and how they made me feel part of the team. Not only concerning work-related subjects but also advising me about everyday life here.” (María)
- Go to picture 1
- Go to picture 2
Equity and diversity
Our commitment to equity and diversity is integral to our empowerment ethos:
- We will remain committed to increasing female representation. Approximately 25% of our staff are women (compared to about 12% of mechanical engineering graduates being female at TU Darmstadt, according to the Gender Data Report 2024).
- At STFS we take pride in our international working environment. More than 40 % of our staff have an international background, consequently English is our main language at work. It is common for international postdocs to further their academic career with a stay here on their path to professorship.
- The success of research, teaching, and learning, as well as the quality of study programs and workplace culture, relies on the open collaboration of individuals from diverse backgrounds. TU Darmstadt's diversity strategy is one that we endorse and live by.
STFS as first step in your career
Our goal is to empower our staff and promote multiple career development options. This means that after a doctorate, both academia and industry are possible. We cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic research community that enables each researcher to achieve excellence. Here are some testimonials from our alumni.
-
![]()
“I joined STFS for my Ph.D on internal combustion engine simulations after studying at Politecnico di Milano. Following my dissertation, I had the opportunity to stay at STFS, where I honed my leadership skills as a group leader and I shared my knowledge with emerging talents that the STFS always cultivates. This invaluable experience, enriched by the international mindset at the STFS and my proficiency in German, has paved the way for my current role at KTM Racing in Austria.” (Andrea) -
![]()
“My transition from academia to industry has been an exciting journey. At Germany’s largest vertically integrated energy provider, I played a key role in establishing a competence centre for generative AI. As Product Owner Techstack and Enabler, I am responsible for cloud infrastructure and driving innovation in AI adoption. I regularly give talks and workshops on GenAI and help teams unlock their potential. This role has allowed me to combine my technical expertise with strategic leadership in a rapidly evolving field.” (Philip)
- Go to picture 1
- Go to picture 2
Distinctions
Academic Success
Five of Christian Hasse’s former PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers have become professors. (See the associated employees section for details.)
Athene Young Investigators
Arne Scholtissek and Federica Ferraro, both mentored by Christian Hasse, were appointed as Athene Young Investigators at TU Darmstadt. They were granted professorial privileges and secured independent DFG funding.
Award-winning talents
Christian Hasse actively supports his team in applying for prestigious awards. Recent awards include:
- Jürgen Warnatz Prize (German Section of the Combustion Institute): Franziska Hunger (2017) and Arne Scholtissek (2021).
- Da Vinci Award (European Research Community of Flow, Turbulence, and Combustion): Matthias Steinhausen (2024).
- Bernard Lewis Fellowship (Combustion Institute): Wang Han (2018) and Xu Wen (2020)