Prof. Markus Lienkamp is an excellent figure in the field of automotive technology. He has been a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 2009. He began his academic journey with a strong background in mechanical engineering, which he pursued at TU Darmstadt and Cornell University, where he received his master’s degree. He received his Ph.D. in materials science from TU Darmstadt in 1995, which formed the basis for his later work in automotive research and development.
With almost two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Markus has held leading positions at Volkswagen, where he was a key figure in developing vehicle dynamics and driver assistance systems. His work in various departments, including electronics and vehicle research, culminated in significant contributions to projects such as the DARPA Grand Challenge and innovative vehicle concepts for electromobility. His work is an expression of the pursuit of improved vehicle performance and sustainability through electric and hybrid vehicles.
At TUM, Markus is the research leader of several initiatives focusing on electromobility, autonomous driving, and new mobility concepts. He was also one of the initiators and the scientific director of the CREATE project in Singapore, which focused on integrating high-end automotive technologies into urban settings. Prof. Markus has authored over 500 publications and holds several patents, reflecting his vast influence in the area.
Markus was granted various awards for his contributions to automotive technology, such as the prestigious IEEE Outstanding ITS Application Award in 2022. His membership on TUV Süd’s Administrative Council is a testament to his extensive influence within the industry.
Prof. Markus’s future is marked by a commitment to developing intelligent mobility solutions that address contemporary challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. As an educator and researcher, he inspires the next generation of engineers who will continue shaping the future of automotive technology through innovation.
Career Milestones Leading to a Professorship at TU Munich
Markus’s career path to becoming a professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has been shaped by several pivotal moments and experiences throughout his education and professional life. “The critical moment was when I decided to end my way of top management career at Volkswagen because I did not want to strive to sell more and more cars,” says Markus. He felt the right way to achieve sustainability is to have an appropriate mobility system.
In November 2009, Markus transitioned to academia as a TUM’s Institute of Automotive Technology professor. This move marked a significant shift from industry to academia, allowing him to focus on research and education in automotive technology. At TUM, he initiated several research projects, such as autonomous racing, where his team won two million dollars in challenges. His work has emphasized electromobility and automated driving, aligning with global trends in the automotive sector.
The Fulfillment of Shaping Future Engineers and Innovators
“I love to see how the PhD researchers and Master’s students form a team, work hard on their projects, and have success in the end,” said Markus. “I feel justified in my work when I see the fire in their eyes. My main focus is to find impact-oriented tasks. Unfortunately, I always have to acquire funds. The fun part is to find the right people, bring them together, and make them successful.”
Fostering Leadership and Inspiration in Academic Settings
“Leadership comes from the heart and a good personality.” Markus quoted. He fosters a collaborative atmosphere by engaging with various stakeholders in academia and industry. He leads projects often involving partnerships with other institutions and companies, such as the MCUBE project in Munich, which focuses on mobility in metropolitan regions. This collaborative spirit enhances research outcomes and prepares students for real-world challenges.
Markus is trying to find the best people who are inspired by and fighting for the project. They motivate their colleagues and students to follow them. Usually, they are also the best engineers and can give technical guidance to the team.
Staying Ahead of Trends in Technology Teaching and Research
When Markus joined TUM fifteen years ago, he decided to focus exclusively on electromobility, automated driving, and mobility. Fortunately, these megatrends have lasted until today. Certainly, the details, like methods and detailed topics, changed, but the goal stayed. He could focus all his attention on laying a basis with good infrastructure, improving the equipment, and the lectures in those fields.
Markus is committed to staying informed about emerging technologies in autonomous driving and electromobility. He regularly evaluates new trends, methods and simulation technologies. He engages with global experts by attending and presenting at international conferences, which helps him stay updated on the latest research trends.
Overcoming Challenges in Enterprise Data Architecture
Markus has actively encouraged and supported numerous PhD students to translate their research into entrepreneurial ventures, resulting in the founding of 10 startups. As the Academic Director of the TUM Venture Labs Mobility, he fosters innovation and provides guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, his role as an advisor to the venture fund Leap435 exemplifies his commitment to bridging academia and industry.
Despite challenges such as reduced funding for research due to budget cuts and a declining automotive sector in Germany, Markus continues to lead groundbreaking initiatives in enterprise data architecture, focusing on integration, scalability, compliance, and innovation in advancing electromobility and autonomous driving technologies.
Balancing Academic Commitments with Personal Well-Being
Markus has organized the institute well in the last 15 years. The team takes a lot of responsibility, and the processes are well-established. His kids left home, and thus, he has sufficient time for his private life. Anyhow, he loves his work and does not consider it a burden.
Cultivating Continuous Growth and Adaptability
Markus actively participates in significant research initiatives such as Autonomous Driving in racing and on public roads. This involvement allows him to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges. With the open-source philosophy at his institute and several publications, including books and patents, he emphasizes the importance of disseminating knowledge within the academic community. His work contributes to ongoing discussions in his field and influences future research directions.
As a professor, Markus mentors PhD students, fostering the next generation of researchers. This mentorship contributes to their development and enriches their understanding through fresh perspectives. He employs modern teaching strategies that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared for challenges in the automotive sector.
Legacy of Innovation and Excellence at TU München
Markus regrets nothing. Sometimes, he is just curious about what life would have brought with other career decisions. The first decision was to join Volkswagen or another German car maker 30 years ago. The next one was to join TUM 15 years ago, and the last four years were when a big automotive company offered him a job.
Advice for Aspiring Academics and Researchers
“If you want to be successful in academia in Germany, I recommend leaving it after the PhD and joining the industry,” says Markus. “After a promising career in a development and research department, one will have the best education to return to university. A pure academic career is painful and poorly paid and leaves out experiences of hard decisions and deep fights in the industry. This especially forms a good personality. Engineers grow through experience under challenging projects.”
Long-term Vision for Contributing to TU München and Academia
Markus has applied for the presidency of TUM in this year. If he gets elected, he can try to spread this spirit in this year to the whole university: bottom-up decision-making and responsibility, human management and personality growth, and an open culture that addresses problems.
