Dr.-Ing. Udo Gommel

1996: Completed physics studies

Since 1996: Research associate at Fraunhofer IPA with a focus on cost modeling of non-monetary processes, purity-compliant equipment design, vulnerability analysis, manufacturing planning and layout.

Since 1997: Chairperson and also contributor to various guideline works (VDI, DIN, ISO, ECSS, etc.)

Since 1998: Building expertise in contamination control and international facility certification for cleanroom applications. Securing industrial markets through the introduction of the cleanroom test certificate "Fraunhofer TESTED DEVICE".

Since 2001: Development of the research field "Materials suitable for cleanrooms". Founding of the industry network "CSM – Cleanroom Suitable Materials". Gaining industrial acceptance through the introduction of the CSM testing logo.

Since 2004: Head of the cleanroom testing center at Fraunhofer IPA, group leader "Contamination Control & Cleanliness-appropriate Manufacturing"

2006: Completed doctorate on the topic of material testing for ultra-high purity productions

Since 2008: Head of the "Pure and Micro Production" department at Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart; Member of the EU Commission, "Nano Industrial Advisory Board"; Leading various "ExoMars" projects with ESA / NASA; Developing and expanding the expertise in "clean renewable energy harvesting"

Since 2010: Technical expansion and professional development of the cleanroom testing center in Stuttgart, including the Photovoltaic Automation Test Center, BioSafety Lab, Shopfloor IT Tech Lab, MicroAssembly areas, ultraprecision cleaning laboratories, as well as the world's largest heavy-duty cleanroom with the highest ISO Class 1 cleanliness.

What did you want to become as a child?
Well, I unfortunately don't remember exactly what I wanted to become as a child. During my high school years, I consulted the Education Information Center (BIZ). They told me that studying physics is the best foundation for a manager. Well then, ...

What was your first car?
An old VW Beetle, of course in "pure white", manufactured in 1968.

What do you enjoy about?
Unexpectedly freed-up time slots ("excess" time), professionally excellent and well-founded work. Privately, I enjoy extended long-distance travel or (construction) craftsmanship work.

What achievement are you particularly proud of?
Having built the world's cleanest test center in Stuttgart with my team.

Which technical achievement do you admire most?
Harnessing electrical power, as I believe this invention has transformed the world like no other.

Who would you like to swap places with for a month?
If I think about it carefully: with no one. I am completely satisfied with myself and feel comfortable in my own skin.

In which country would you like to have a second residence?
Myanmar (Burma), e.g., near Ngapali Beach.

Who would you like to have met?
Not for nothing did I study physics: Albert Einstein

Which book would you recommend currently?
What a question: of course, the upcoming new edition of the cleanroom technology book from Springer Verlag.

What is your favorite food?
Mom's semolina dumpling soup

What is your favorite music?
Well, I still stick a bit to the 90s and 2000s with bands like Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, U2, or solo artists like Lenny Kravitz or David Garrett.

What was the best advice you ever received?
Don’t talk about it, do it!

Do you have a motto?
... we can do this together!

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Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Phys. Udo Gommel
Head of Cleanroom and Microproduction Department
Head of Cleanroom Testing Center

Tel. +49 711 9701633
udo.gommel@ipa.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Automation IPA
Nobelstrasse 12
D 70569 Stuttgart
www.mikroproduktion.de

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Created on: 05-2011 / Last modified: 05-2026

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