JKU Researcher Presented with a Venia Legendi/Habilitation Certificate

Vice-Rector Alberta Bonanni presented Umut Dogar Cakmak with his venia legendi/habilitation certificate.

F.l.: Umut Dogar Cakmak, Alberta Bonanni
F.l.: Umut Dogar Cakmak, Alberta Bonanni

Cakmak is based at the Institute of Polymer Product Engineering. His post-doctoral dissertation titled "Polymer Product Engineering: From Elastomers to Fiber-Reinforced Polymers" focuses on driving innovation in the area of product development by means of digital methods. In this context, the JKU researcher looks at holistic approaches in an effort to design sustainable products more compatible for plastics and series production. These developments are complemented by component tests in an effort to acquire a better understanding of real-life loading as well as improve future product generations.

Those pursuing a habilitation/post-doc undergo an academic evaluation in regard to special qualifications that proves their ability to independently conduct academic/scientific research and teach the entire depth and breadth of their selected subject area [facultas docendi], This, in turn, is the prerequisite to grant authorization to teach that particular subject area [venia legendi].

About Umut Dogar Cakmak

Born in Lower Austria in 1985, Cakmak studied Polymer Engineering and Science in Leoben, graduating in 2010. He joined the JKU in the same year, earning a doctorate as part of the Doctoral Program in Engineering Sciences and graduating in 2014 with his dissertation titled: "Experimental Studies on Time-Temperature-Dependent Bulk and Surface Behavior of Soft Composite Materials".

Cakmak’s academic experience includes studying abroad at the University of Debrecen (Hungary) as well as in the US at Northwestern University Evanston and at the University of Illinois (Chicago). His professional experience includes working for Borealis Polyofine Ltd., Austrian Aerospace Ltd. and Plastic Innocation Ltd. He has published several papers about his research and has filed three patents.