Welcoming a visiting PhD Researcher

We are pleased to welcome André Hemmelder as a visiting PhD student in our group. André will mainly work with Anurag Panda, Senior Researcher at EPG, and Tobias Schmidt, Head of EPG.

 In his PhD research, André leverages big data analytics to analyse technological innovation systems in energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on battery innovation ecosystems. He aims to use data-driven insights to shape technology and innovation strategies that accelerate the energy transition. André is a PhD candidate in external page Business Chemistry at the external page University of Münster, Germany, and works part-time in the Patent Strategy Department at the external page Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production. He spent time at the external page Innovation and Intellectual Property Lab at the external page University of Cambridge, collaborating on a research project into the geostrategic competition in electric vehicle battery technologies.

André holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Business Chemistry from the external page University of Düsseldorf. He conducted his industrial bachelor thesis in polymer chemistry research at external page ROSEN Group, and his industrial master thesis in polymer physics research at external page BASF Polyurethanes GmbH. André gained practical experience through internships across various segments of the global chemical and pharmaceutical industry, including oil and gas services (external page ROSEN Group), refining (external page H&R Group), basic chemicals (external page BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, external page BTC Europe GmbH), and specialty chemicals (external page Evonik AG). He worked in diverse corporate functions, spanning from research and development – including polymer chemistry and physics research, as well as battery research within an innovation incubator – to commercial activities such as strategy, marketing, and communication in a digitalisation unit, as well as accounting and sales controlling. These experiences enriched his understanding of both technical and strategic aspects within the industry.

André was awarded the external page Study Award Business Chemistry by the external page Association of Chemistry and Economics (VCW) in 2021 for his academic achievements. He has received scholarships from the external page Deutschlandstipendium, jointly sponsored by the Federal Government of Germany and the external page Dr. Jost Henkel foundation, and the external page Heinrich Hertz scholarship of North Rhine-Westphalia, among others.

In his free time, André enjoys doing sports, such as swimming, playing soccer or running, and spending time with his family and friends.