From FRIAS to Freudenberg

It’s been a fascinating shift! Coming from a purely academic setting, I was curious about how research functions in an industrial environment. This is my first experience in industry—I hadn’t even done an internship before—but I’m really enjoying it. The work is very research-oriented, and I feel my expertise is valued. It’s still early days, but so far, the transition has been smooth and exciting.

I work as a Scientific Innovator/ Materials Informatics Scientist at Freudenberg Technology and Innovation (FTI) and Klüber Lubrication München. This is a unique role that bridges two companies: Klüber Lubrication (a Freudenberg subsidiary) and the broader Freudenberg Group. Klüber specializes in lubricants and greases, while Freudenberg has a diverse Research and Development division. My position involves connecting expertise between these companies, exploring new research opportunities, and driving scientific innovation in material development. Essentially, I analyze and unify industrial data, apply computational techniques, and use my expertise in soft matter to optimize materials for lubrication and grease applications.

Initially, industry was not part of my career plan. I did my PhD in India with the idea of following the conventional academic track—going abroad for postdoctoral research and then returning as a professor. However, during my time at the Max Planck Institute, I started exploring alternative career paths and connected with researchers who had transitioned into industrial Research and Development. I realized that industrial research can be just as challenging and stimulating as academia. That perspective, along with my growing interest in applied research, led me to consider opportunities in industry.

Not necessarily! One thing I appreciate about Germany is the openness between academia and industry. Many opportunities exist to return to academic roles, especially at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), where industrial experience is often required. Right now, I’m focused on my new role, but I remain open to future possibilities.

Each country has enriched my scientific perspective in different ways. My foundational education and initial research interests developed in India, where career paths tend to be more structured—chemists apply to chemistry departments, physicists to physics, and so on. In contrast, my experiences in the UK and Germany showed me how interdisciplinary collaboration flourishes. At the Max Planck Institute and at FRIAS, I worked alongside physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and computer scientists. Seeing historians, linguists, and engineers collaborate at FRIAS was eye-opening. This flexibility in research across disciplines is something I deeply appreciate about the European academic landscape.

FRIAS was an incredible environment for interdisciplinary exchange. I was surprised by how researchers from vastly different backgrounds engaged with scientific discussions. Presenting my research there helped me refine my ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that diverse audiences can understand. That experience is proving invaluable in industry, where I must translate scientific findings for teams with different levels of expertise. The freedom at FRIAS also allowed me to explore new ideas, an approach I continue to use in my work today.

One of the most striking differences is the focus on time management and deliverables. In academia, projects can be open-ended and exploratory; you have the freedom to pursue questions indefinitely. In industry, research must align with business goals, and timelines are much tighter. There is also a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness and sustainability—new materials must not only perform well but also be commercially viable and environmentally responsible.

Remain open to opportunities. Academia and industry are not separate worlds—there’s a strong connection, and both offer rewarding careers. Use university resources to explore different paths and network with people who have transitioned between sectors. Being adaptable and willing to learn will open many doors.