Our Trainers

Laurenz Bäsecke

Since 2022, I have been working as a research associate at Fraunhofer FFB in the Cell Design group. My work focuses on the world of battery cell formats and chemistries, where I develop innovative, application-specific solutions. Using numerical simulations, I primarily investigate the mechanical and thermal behavior of battery cells. What I find particularly exciting is the exchange with industry - whether in collaborative projects or workshops. These direct interactions allow me to gain valuable insights into the diverse requirements and possibilities of battery cells, and to continuously expand my knowledge.

Marcel Berling

Since 2022, I have been working at Fraunhofer FFB on establishing a modern, sustainable, and scalable battery cell production. My main responsibility lies in the planning, execution, and control of the production environment. Through both industry and research projects, I’ve gained valuable experience in this field. I'm excited to share this knowledge with participants in the seminar and to engage in constructive discussions together.

Kristina Borzutzki

My name is Kristina Borzutzki, and I have been working at Fraunhofer FFB since mid-2021. Since 2023, I have been leading the Process Engineering group. In our team, we focus on optimizing processes across the entire battery cell manufacturing chain. A key emphasis is on developing innovative processes that enable more resource-efficient production - processes that are not yet established in industrial manufacturing. My diverse academic background in engineering (B.Eng.), physics (M.Sc.), and a PhD in physical chemistry, combined with over 10 years of experience in lithium-based battery research, allows me to take a comprehensive approach to everyday tasks and process optimization. I am particularly attentive to the complex interactions and dependencies within the production process.

Jan-Paul Brinkmann 

As a research associate at Fraunhofer FFB, I focus intensively on the finalization of battery cells. With my many years of experience and a doctoral degree, I bring in-depth expertise in the crucial field of lithium-ion batteries and their production. Together with the process engineering team, I work on developing innovative solutions for the manufacturing of sustainable energy storage systems.

Benedikt Gruber

My name is Benedikt Gruber, and I work as a research associate at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, in the Sustainability Management group. My work focuses on both the evaluation and implementation of Re-X strategies, with a particular emphasis on direct recycling, and the analysis of material flows along value chains in the context of battery cell production. In addition to the technological aspects of the production process, the ecological sustainability perspective is highly relevant - where tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) play a crucial role.

Jan Hentschel

My name is Jan Hentschel, and I have been working as a research associate at Fraunhofer FFB in Münster since mid-2022. Through my studies in mechanical engineering and experience in industry, I developed a strong interest in the intersection of emerging technologies, industrial requirements, and economic frameworks. This passion is reflected in my work with the Operational Excellence group, where I focus on quality management, technical cleanliness, and cost simulation.

Hannah Mittag

My name is Hannah Mittag, and I work as a research associate at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB. My work focuses on recycling of lithium-ion batteries and electrode processing. In a current project, I am part of a research consortium investigating novel recycling processes for aqueously processed lithium-ion batteries, as well as future battery technologies featuring solid electrolytes.

Oliver Krätzig 

I am Dr. Oliver Krätzig, and since September 2020 I have been working as a research associate in the Technology Management group at Fraunhofer FFB. In our team, we focus on trend analysis, implications of emerging technologies, market dynamics in the battery industry, and industry-oriented consulting on market entry strategies. My interdisciplinary background - with a degree in industrial engineering and a PhD focused on technology transfer in battery research - enables me to approach complex market analysis questions with valuable shifts in perspective.

Nikolaus Lackner, PEM

Maximilian Neuner - IGCV

Since 2022, I have been working as a research associate at Fraunhofer IGCV in Augsburg. In the group  »Linked Manufacturing Processes for Battery Cells«, I am primarily responsible for the equipment used in mixing and cell assembly. As part of my role, I am also involved in the design of laser cells for cell and module assembly. Through these activities, I have gained in-depth experience with the battery system manufacturing process, from raw materials to complete battery packs. I look forward to sharing this knowledge in the  »Introduction to Battery Systems« training course.

Jan-Darius Plöpst 

My name is Jan-Darius Plöpst and I have been working as a research associate at Fraunhofer FFB in the Cell Design group since October 2022. Thanks to my passion for chemistry and my academic and professional background in this field, I contribute solid scientific expertise to our team. My main responsibilities include the configuration of our electrodes and the design of the cell stack. With my knowledge in the field of lithium-ion batteries, I am highly familiar with the requirements and the individual components involved.

Michael James Przybylek

My name is Mike Przybylek, and since April 2024 I have been working as a research associate in the Operational Excellence group. This group supports quality management (QM) at Fraunhofer FFB from a strategic perspective - an area that is also one of my main focuses. In addition, I am responsible for technical quality and production projects with various OEMs, implement key QM concepts such as Supplier Quality Management (SQM) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM), and apply for new funding opportunities to support our research. I draw on 15 years of experience in leading projects in the automotive industry between Detroit and Münster.

Jochen Settelein, Fraunhofer ISC

Jochen Settelein leads the »Battery Testing and Analytics« group at the R&D Center for Electromobility Bavaria FZEB, at the Fraunhofer ISC in Würzburg. The department offers electrical testing of battery cells and battery modules for companies and research institutes. The environmental conditions can be varied and the change in the state of the battery cells can be examined using a wide range of sensors (temperature, pressure, expansion, ultrasound). The batteries can be opened after the test and examined using different material analysis methods. Mr. Settelein can look back on over 10 years of experience in the field of material development for batteries. 

Franziska Schulze Bockeloh

As a research associate in the »Digitalization of Battery Cell Manufacturing« group, I have been working since 2023 on data-driven production optimization and the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing processes. This includes, among other things, the development of predictive quality models aimed at reducing inspection efforts and improving quality assurance. These approaches make a significant contribution to enhancing efficiency and ensuring quality in battery cell production.

Julian Wonneberger

I have been working at Fraunhofer FFB for 1.5 years in the »Digitalization of Battery Cell Manufacturing« group. My main responsibilities include data traceability in production and the analysis of cause-and-effect relationships. To achieve this, I apply both data-driven methods and production expertise. Through this work, I help identify optimization potential and develop implementation strategies that enhance efficiency and quality in manufacturing.