Jürgen Stihl receives the university's Sophie Henschel Medal

Through his work on the UNIpace Industrial Advisory Board, Jürgen Stihl has helped shape the development of the center since its foundation in 2013 and is the first non-scientist to receive the medal of the Institute of Materials Engineering at the University of Kassel for his services.

UNIpace combines teaching, research and industrial projects in the fields of silicone processing, multi-component injection molding and plastics testing. Hans-Peter Heim, Head of the Department of Plastics Technology, said: "Without the support of Jürgen Stihl, none of this would have developed as it has." Dr. Oliver Fromm, Chancellor of the University of Kassel, also thanked Stihl: "Genuine strategic partnerships with industry are very difficult to establish." This makes the resulting combination of research, teaching and exchange with companies all the more valuable.

"We hoped for a lot and achieved almost everything," said Jürgen Stihl, who is retiring in March and leaving the UNIpace Industrial Advisory Board. The cooperation gives B. Braun access to pioneering technologies: The focus here is on liquid silicone rubber, which simplifies the manufacture of infusion pumps, for example, due to its ideal properties. B. Braun will continue to be represented on the Industry Advisory Board by Dr. Oliver Grönlund, Senior Vice President of the Center of Excellence Infusion & Pain Therapy and Dr. Thilo Brinkmann (Senior Vice President Global B2B, Partnering & Business Development B. Braun), will be represented.

The Institute of Materials Engineering at the University of Kassel awards the Sophie Henschel Medal to individuals who have made a special contribution to teaching and research at the Institute. It is named after Sophie Henschel (1841-1915), who managed the company Henschel und Sohn and was committed to the social interests of the city of Kassel. The medal has only been awarded eleven times since 2004.