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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
On October 1, 2026, Michael Sedlmair joined the leadership team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD. He will work with Matthias Unbescheiden to shape the institute’s scientific and strategic direction at its Darmstadt and Rostock locations. His work will focus on human-centered artificial intelligence and on how visual computing technologies can help people tackle complex cognitive and physical tasks. Sedlmair will also join the Technical University of Darmstadt as a professor and hold the Chair of Visual Computing, formerly the Interactive Graphics Systems Group.
Michael Sedlmair began leading the Augmented and Virtual Reality research group at the University of Stuttgart in 2021. In 2024, he also became managing director of the university’s Institute for Visualization and Interactive Systems. His research brings together augmented and virtual reality, visualization and human-computer interaction. He focuses in particular on how people interact with complex data and AI systems and on how digital systems can enhance human capabilities.
Fraunhofer IGD strengthens its expertise in visual computing and human-centered AI
This focus directly aligns with Fraunhofer IGD’s key research areas. Visual computing combines methods from computer graphics, visualization, image processing, simulation and artificial intelligence to explore how people perceive and understand digital information and how they can use it to make decisions. This is especially important when workflows incorporate large volumes of data, complex models or AI-based systems—for example, in product development and manufacturing, medicine and health care, planning and infrastructure or safety-critical applications.
“Fraunhofer IGD bridges the gap between cutting-edge digital research and real-world appli-cations. Working with companies, it brings technologies to market that drive economic and societal progress,” says Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. “Michael Sedlmair is an internationally recognized researcher who combines research excellence with an entrepreneurial mindset. His expertise in visualization, immersive technologies and human-centered artificial intelligence will help us turn research findings into market-ready solutions even faster and strengthen competitiveness in Germany and across Europe.”
Sedlmair has extensive experience conducting interdisciplinary research projects in close collaboration with industry. His work spans immersive and context-aware visualization, multi-modal interaction and the integration of visualization with machine learning. He has also col-laborated with automotive companies on several projects.
Matthias Unbescheiden, Director at Fraunhofer IGD, adds: "Michael Sedlmair's expertise complements our existing strengths and brings fresh perspectives. The combination of visual computing and artificial intelligence, in particular, reinforces our approach of consistently developing technology around people and their specific needs. Together, we plan to build on these capabilities and step up our efforts to translate our research into solutions that provide tangible benefits for businesses and public-sector organizations."
Visual computing as a key Technology
For businesses and public-sector organizations, it is increasingly important not only to automatically process complex data and AI outputs but also to make them understandable and usable. Visual computing connects people, data and digital models. It can help streamline development processes, make complex simulations easier to understand, provide specialists with immersive support tools and increase the transparency of AI-driven decisions.
With its expanded leadership team, Fraunhofer IGD is strengthening these capabilities at both locations. In Darmstadt, the expansion will build on Fraunhofer IGD’s close collaboration with the Technical University of Darmstadt and strengthen its ties to the region’s research and innovation ecosystem, while in Rostock, the institute’s expanded expertise is expected to spur joint research and technology transfer projects. In this way, Fraunhofer IGD connects research with the specific needs of industry and the public sector in Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and beyond.
A formal inauguration ceremony for Michael Sedlmair will be held on December 3, 2026, as part of the annual Computer Graphics Night at Fraunhofer IGD in Darmstadt.
About Fraunhofer IGD
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For nearly 40 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has set standards in visual computing. With approximately 260 employees, Fraunhofer IGD supports companies and organizations in manufacturing and transportation, medicine and health care, the bioeconomy, infrastructure, public services and the maritime sector. Fraunhofer IGD develops technologies for real-world use and helps partners advance their strategic goals. Its researchers analyze problems, design software and hardware systems, develop prototypes and create and implement visual interactive systems. Key research areas include human-computer interaction, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, interactive simulation, modeling, 3D printing and 3D scanning. Since 1987, Fraunhofer IGD has conducted cutting-edge research and developed practical solutions that support societal and economic transformation. Today, it operates at two locations, in Darmstadt and Rostock.
Michael Sedlmair joined Fraunhofer IGD’s institute management on October 1, 2026.
Copyright: Technical University of Darmstadt, Patrick Bal
Fraunhofer IGD expands its institute management team: Michael Sedlmair Joins Matthias Unbescheiden in Leading Fraunhofer IGD
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Michael Sedlmair joined Fraunhofer IGD’s institute management on October 1, 2026.
Copyright: Technical University of Darmstadt, Patrick Bal
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