New Managing Director at 3-D MID e.V.: Jan-Niklas Slama Takes Office in May
The research association 3-D MID e.V. is expanding its team: Starting in May, Jan-Niklas Slama will assume the role of Managing Director of the association, bringing extensive experience from academia, industry, and project management.
With his background in industrial engineering, enthusiasm for technology, and hands-on experience across various industrial sectors, he will actively contribute to the further development of the research association and strengthen the connection between research and industry.
Connecting Research, Industry, and Innovation
Jan-Niklas Slama studied Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering, completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. During his studies, he gained extensive experience at the Lehrstuhl FAPS, including through his Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis. Early on, he developed the ambition to remain active in a scientific and technological environment and to contribute to shaping research initiatives. A particular focus during his studies was gaining practical industrial experience. Through long-term working student positions and internships in various industries — including automotive and electrical engineering — he acquired broad insights into diverse industrial processes.
International Experience and Operational Excellence
Jan-Niklas Slama gained additional valuable experience during a six-month internship in the United States at ZF Lifetec. There, he independently managed operational excellence and lean management projects within production environments.
In particular, leading and implementing optimization projects strengthened his competencies in areas such as:
- Project management
- Lean management
- Operational Excellence (OPEX)
- Production optimization
- Team coordination
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
This combination of technical expertise, organizational competence, and industrial practice provides a strong foundation for his new role at 3-D MID e.V..
Passion for Technology and Community Engagement
Outside of his professional environment, enthusiasm for technology, teamwork, and social commitment continue to shape his daily life.
The 26-year-old is passionate about technology in many different areas and particularly enjoys working on repairs to his own car. In addition, he enjoys sports and traveling and values cultural exchange and connecting with people.
For many years, he has also been actively involved in the volunteer fire brigade — both in emergency operations and as a youth mentor and member of a district-wide disaster response unit.
Networking with Industry and Research
Regarding his new role as Managing Director, Jan-Niklas Slama states:
“It is a great pleasure for me to take on the role of Managing Director of 3-D MID e.V. In an increasingly dynamic and challenging environment, close collaboration between companies and research institutions is essential to drive innovation, successfully bring new technologies to market, and create sustainable competitive advantages. Strong networking enables us to achieve this. I look forward to shaping the future of the research association together.”
With his experience at the intersection of engineering, research, and industrial practice, 3-D MID e.V. continues to strengthen its commitment to research collaboration and technological innovation in the fields of 3D-MID, Mechatronic Integrated Devices, and Smart Manufacturing.
